UNIS’ Filipina members Gehlee and Elisia reveal their beauty and skincare secrets to MEGAStyle—and how they became the global forces they are today
As K-pop evolves, so does its artists. A fresh generation of stars are at the forefront of the K-pop evolution: UNIS. Unique to their own modus operandi, the eight-member girl group are talented performers and savvy entertainers. In a conversation with MEGAStyle, the two Filipino members, Gehlee Dangca and Elisia Parmisano, shared their secrets of going into the group, doing their beauty and skincare routines, keeping in touch with their Filipino roots, and becoming superstars worthy of the word.
RELATED: Meet Elisia Parmisano, the 14-Year-Old Filipina Who Will Debut in a K-Pop Girl Group
On Dreaming Big and Making the Cut
In K-pop groups, members in their early teens are no longer outliers as idols debut as early as 14 years old. Such is the case for UNIS’ Filipina members Gehlee Dangca and Elisia Parmisano, 17 and 15 respectively.
While it is admirable for young people to have dreams, and the K-pop industry is enormously attractive, it’s also not an easy life. But for Gen Zs Gehlee and Elisia, the rigorous curriculum, the mental pressure, adjusting to a foreign culture, and the uncertainty of a survival show Universe Ticket—weren’t enough to deter their pursuit of stardom. Despite their young age, the two UNIS stars tell MEGAStyle they navigate being in the spotlight with the help of their support systems—even if they’re a thousand miles away.
“I have never been afraid to dream big, and I am wholeheartedly grateful to my parents for that,” Gehlee admits. “The pursuit of my dreams as a performer has certainly presented its challenges. However, knowing that these two clever, caring, and incredibly loving figures support me lifts a tremendous weight off my shoulders. They are truly amazing for doing whatever it takes to make my career as enjoyable as possible.”
But the path to stardom is not just a dream, it’s a job. As a result of being prominent in a huge public forum such as K-pop, Elisia agrees that having the security and guidance of her parents allows her to face the amount of intense work and hardship that comes with the title ‘idol.’ “My parents and family are also very supportive and help me a lot with my mindset and the way I look at things,” she shares.
UNIS was formed by a survival show called Universe Ticket, where 82 contestants participated in a series of missions for a chance to debut. Gehlee and Elisia were among the two who made it to the final lineup; their latest single is Curious, which was released last month. When asked how it feels to finally enjoy the world of music without the pressure and unpredictability of Universe Ticket, Elisia answers, “In Universe Ticket, it feels like you’re performing in a limbo. For me, being in that ‘limbo’ made me very nervous on the stage, and I believe it affected my performance. However, now that I’m an actual idol, I feel like I can perform more freely on stage and just have fun.”
Gehlee adds, “I feel a profound sense of accomplishment. While I still have many aspirations as an artist, I am proud and grateful for how far I have come. Music has always held significant importance in my life, and now, as an official artist, I have the opportunity to contribute to the creation of something beautiful that many people cherish and enjoy every day. Additionally, performing in front of an audience so frequently is a dream come true.”
These talented performers also understand the importance of authenticity and connection in the digital age—that’s why they’re at the forefront of the K-pop evolution. Gehlee is known to showcase quick wit and charm wherever she goes, and Elisia’s charisma and easygoing character shines through whether she’s facing the cameras or not. This is refreshing especially in a global and public world like K-pop where the industry is stereotyped as ‘overly manufactured’ for reducing the idol to the role of a performer.
Gehlee weighs in and says, “I believe that being genuine allows me to reveal my true self. People often crave deeper connections with individuals they feel comfortable with and who will accept them for who they are. Therefore, I think it’s essential not to hide your true self, but to embrace who you are.”
Elisia, meanwhila says, “I believe it is essential to present your authentic self so that you can be confident that those who love you genuinely care for you and not the version of yourself they perceive. Always be your true self when meeting new people, because no matter how hard you try to pretend, the truth—your truth—will eventually surface.”
The Reality of Dreaming
But getting to their current position did not come without sacrifices. As young as these two stars are, they understood that in order to achieve something, they had to give up something in return. Flying away from home, having to adjust to a culture that’s not their own, and training instead of enjoying the teenage life—these are things they endured and conquered. “I was aware of the consequences and sacrifices I would have to make when I decided to pursue a career as a K-pop idol. However, I have always been and continue to be deeply dedicated to this field, and I truly love what I do,” Elisia shares. “Despite the challenges and the times when I feel overwhelmed or exhausted, I remain grateful for the opportunity to live my dream. Last year, I was incredibly eager to perform on stage; I felt ready to showcase my talents to the world. I don’t know how or when, but Universe Ticket arrived at the perfect moment! Looking back, it feels like it was my destiny to join and be where I am today.”
Gehlee builds on that and says, “You can never truly appreciate your high points if you have not experienced your share of low points. I joined the show because I saw it as an opportunity to shine. This decision required me to leave my home in the Philippines and step out of my comfort zone to come to Korea and pursue my passions. When I first arrived, I felt lonely and out of place. However, when I reflected on my purpose, I viewed it as my driving force.”
Beauty Talk
As many are curious about these two Filipinas’ beauty and skincare routines, the two members share with MEGAStyle their secrets. These idols aren’t only taking over the world, but your vanity tables too.
Gehlee’s Makeup Top Tips:
- Primer: This effectively helps prevent skin dryness.
- Foundation: I use a foundation stick for full glam looks during significant events, although I usually opt for regular foundation.
- Concealer: Try not to apply too much!
- Pressed powder: I love a matte finish.
- Eyebrows: There are excellent tutorials available online that demonstrate how to draw them based on your face shape.
- Contour the nose, slightly along the lips, and on the sides and top of the forehead.
- Curl your lashes!
- Eyeshadow: There are many excellent tutorials available online, but I typically prefer a muted rose-colored combination.
- Eyeliner: I prefer to use dark-colored eyeshadow with a thin brush to outline the shape before applying the actual eyeliner.
- Mascara: Apply only to the tips of your lashes to help them stay lifted for a longer duration.
- Highlight the nose, inner corners of the eyes, and the tips of the cheekbones.
- Lips: These require moisture, so I prefer using a gloss on my bottom lip or opting for glossy lip tints and lip oils. Be sure to line your lips as well!
Elisia’s Skincare Top Tip:
Elisia, meanwhile, tells MEGAStyle she’s been observing the techniques of their makeup artists. Off-duty, she uses primer, foundation, eye makeup, blush, and lipstick.
But just as we’re obsessed with their beauty essentials, so are we with their skincare. Clear, radiant, and simply glowing skin these stars boast is the envy of all. It’s easy to picture the toll their lifestyle and constant accumulation of makeup puts on their complexion given the volume of performances they give, the features they have on TV shows, and the frequent traveling. However, the majority of idols wear barefaced, ultra-glowy skin, which raises the crucial question of how?
Gehlee’s Skincare Top Tips:
- Cleansing: Wipe your makeup off and/or use a cleansing oil to get rid of excess product and dirt.
- Toner
- Face mask: Apply once or twice a week.
- Creams: Apply sunscreen during the day and moisturizer at night.
- Eyelash serum
- Lip mask
- Lotion: Apply on arms and legs.
Elisia’s Skincare Top Tip:
Elisia relies on the trusty soap and water for her clear, luminous glass skin. “I actually don’t have a routine, to be honest. I usually just use soap to clean my face, but recently, I’ve been using face lotion and a gua sha tool.”
Style Talk
UNIS’ concepts are vibrant and energetic—and that resonates with their style. Outside of the group, however, these two starlets delight us with their own sartorial choices. Elisia prefers a “combination of comfort and class. But now that I’m older, I also enjoy dressing in a more feminine style! UNIS is not only conceptually diverse but also stylistically diverse, allowing me to explore a wide range of options beyond my favorites.”
Gehlee views fashion as a vehicle for self-expression. “I love wearing pink. My mom always reminds me to be camera-ready as a model. I adore colorful dresses, skirts, and delicate tops, and I would wear heels all the time if I could! UNIS’s activities are vibrant, allowing us to embrace various concepts. It’s exciting to perform like a fashion fairy, with outfits that suit each member, no matter the theme.”
The 17-year-old’s foray into the limelight began early at the tender age of 12 when she entered the world of local pageantry; she won the titles Republic Continent, Ms. Teen Stellar Universe 2021, and Charity Queen International 2022 to name just a few. She declares, “I’ve been somewhat of a diva ever since I was a little kid. I was sassy and stylish, but very shy. Stepping into pageantry was sort of a leap of faith for me to gain the confidence that I now use to inspire others today.”
On Shaping Their Sound as Filipinos
Becoming a K-pop idol is said to be harder than winning the lottery. For those outside Korea, the path to stardom in the genre may seem even rarer—although those odds are starting to change. The outward-looking expansion—engaging and collaborating with foreign cultures—is a natural evolution of K-pop to par with the genre’s increasing internationalism. Building this pipeline of talent began with JYP’s VCHA, HYBE’s KATSEYE, and now F&F’s UNIS. While non-Korean K-pop idols have been around since as early as the 1990s with groups such as Fly to the Sky and S.E.S., Filipino idols are not as publicly brought into the limelight. To be part of the few, Gehlee says she’s honored. “It’s a dream to be able to showcase my talents as a K-pop idol. I couldn’t be more grateful for what my background has taught me about grace, confidence, and national pride! I’m happy to have helped showcase some of the many wonderful things a talented Filipino can offer.”
Elisia agrees; coming from the Philippine showbiz industry as a child star guided her in moving toward a more globally-oriented world of entertainment. But she admits that she did not anticipate ranking first when she traveled to Korea at thirteen and joined Universe Ticket. “They said that I’m the first foreign girl to win a survival show in Korea, like yes, a 14-year-old Filipina did that!” she cheers. “I suddenly felt all the pride that I am indeed a strong Filipina girl conquering the world stage through K-pop. Now, I’m really doing my best to show the world who we are and what we can do, so I’m very happy when I see that our kababayans are proud of us too.”
Even though they now consider South Korea their second home, these members ascertain that their Filipina background shaped their world view as artists. Gehlee describes that her artistic aptitude and affinity toward music were developed as a Filipina growing up in a music-loving nation: “There are quite a number of well-known Filipinos in the music industry that I’m beyond proud of. My ancestors used to join local singing competitions, and it’s always so nice to see Filipinos dominating the music industry on the global stage. We’re starting to gain global appeal.”
Elisia weighs in: “Just like most of us Filipinos, I grew up in a musically inclined family. We love singing and performing, from my lolo to the apos! As a child, I grew up watching a performance by Ms. Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, one of the best singers in the Philippines. I remember my mom tearing up while we were watching her concert. I was so amazed at how she was able to touch hearts through her singing. Her performance really influenced my singing—I wanted to be a singer who could touch people’s hearts and even their lives with her songs. So I sing from the heart every moment.”
The Filipina ‘Line’
UNIS comprises Hyeonju, Nana, Kotoko, Yunha, Yoona, Seowon, Gehlee, and Elisia. While Hyeonju is half-Filipino and half-Korean, it’s Gehlee and Elisia’s full Filipina blood that make them a close pair. Elisia tells MEGAStyle, “Since we understand each other more given the same language and Filipino backgrounds. Not only Gehlee, but all the UNIS members understand and respect us and our Filipino culture. They are interested in Filipino culture and often ask us to teach them.”
Gehlee also reveals that in the group, Elisia is her closest friend: “Though if you didn’t know any better, you would think we were related in some way by how much we click! We’re actually alike in a lot more ways than I expected and often confide in each other when we feel homesick. I say this on behalf of everyone when I say there’s never a dull moment with Elisia.”
The two members along with Seowon performed their own rendition of BINI’s Pantropiko last April. Elisia and Gehlee told MEGA that they definitely believe that Tagalog lyrics can still be a globally-relatable and globally-appreciated song. “Elisia and I heard a lot about Pantropiko from friends back at home during BINI’s rise! So, watching their MV was so refreshing, and every one of our ates looked like so much fun and free summer fairies. If I get a chance, Elisia and I would love to collaborate with OPM artists and our BINI ates too,” Gehlee says.
Elisia adds that she’s seen YouTubers react to their cover and she felt proud because these people loved the song even though they don’t understand the lyrics: “They got curious and searched for the song title to listen to the full song. I think we Filipinos are very talented musicians and artists! We create really good music, and Tagalog songs should be and will be appreciated worldwide. I myself love OPM songs; I listen to them a lot.”
October Homecoming
The group will be having their first ever Philippine fan-con called “UNIS in CURIOUSland,” on October 25 at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City. When asked about what they felt coming back home, Elisia says she is looking forward to it: “I feel like it will be such a refreshing experience to see our beloved EverAfters properly and be able to interact with them.” Gehlee, meanwhile, declares, “Growing up in the Philippines has taught me most of what I know, and it’s always such a delight whenever we can come back home. Performing in front of people from my hometown means that I get the opportunity to give back and showcase the passion for performance that being raised there has helped me develop. We can guarantee our beloved EverAfters a truckload of smiles and a super fun time.”
As a last note, Elisia and Gehlee have one final message:
Gehlee says, “Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. If there’s one thing I absolutely adore about our Filipino fans, it’s how vocal they are about their support for us. When we had our first fansign in the Philippines, the venue was filled with the sound of their cheers! I couldn’t have been happier. To those who look up to me, do things out of love, and be unapologetically yourself! Mahal na mahal ko kayong lahat. Mahal kita, Pilipinas!”
Elisia, meanwhile, states, “We love you! The Filipino fans are a huge part of not just me and ate Gehlee’s success, but of the whole group! We are so grateful for their love, support, and dedication. We are so thankful for you guys, and I hope we can see each other and be together more often! We’ll work harder to show you all how much we love you!”
Photos and Featured Image: UNIS, GEHLEE DANGCA (via Instagram), ELISIA PICS, GEHLEE SOURCE (via X)
