Photographed by Renzo Navarro for the May 2024 Issue of Vogue Philippines. Art by Bea Lu
In Vogue Playlists, various personalities across art, fashion, and culture offer an intimate glimpse into the sonic landscape that soundtrack their lives. In an exclusive interview with Vogue Philippines, FELIP shares his musical essentials: with picks from American R&B singer-songwriter SZA to Davao-bred hip hop hitmakers PLAYERTWO.
Felip’s musical journey is diverse and fascinating: from growing up with a religious upbringing in Zamboanga del Sur, to becoming one of the members of the chart-topping PPop group SB19, the striking contrast in his solo musical endeavors is apparent, with heavy, rock tracks such as “ROCKSTA” and “Fake Faces.” The multifaceted musician shares his unwavering passion for music through Vogue Playlists.
Felip’s No-Skip Album: “SOS” by SZA
When asked about his no-skip, no-filler album, Felip doesn’t hesitate to mention “SOS” by SZA. The soothing quality of the R&B singer’s sophomore studio album accompanies him on his journeys, making it an essential part of his playlist. “I downloaded that whole album,” Felip says. “That’s the kind of music I listen to when I travel, especially on long flights. I say it’s no-skip because I play it until I fall asleep.”
A song that reminds him of his musical beginnings: “God Will Make A Way” by Don Moen
Reflecting on his musical roots, Felip recalls the impact of “God Will Make A Way” by Don Moen. “That’s the first song I instantly fell in love with the first time I heard it because his voice is so cool,” Felip shares. “It inspired me to be a musician because his songs kept playing at our church, and my uncle who was a musician kept singing his songs too.”
A song that everyone should listen to: “THINKIN OF LOVE” by PLAYERTWO
Felip highlights “THINKIN OF LOVE” by fellow Mindanaoan artists PLAYERTWO as an underrated track that he recommends. “It’s just such a chill song,” Felip says. “I love singing that part, ‘I’ve been thinking of love.’ It’s my favorite lyric too.” The artists previously collaborated on the songs “Pagdali” and “FLYYY,” which Felip also co-wrote.
A song Felip wishes he wrote: “Changes” by XXXTENTACION
The raw emotions and introspective lyrics of “Changes” strike a chord with Felip, making it a song he deeply resonates with. “It’s a very personal song,” Felip explains. “It deals with the confusion on why people change so quickly, and how people judge you because of your status in life. I wish I could have written that.”
His favorite original composition: “DRINKSMOKE” by FELIP
So far, Felip says his favorite song that he has composed is “DRINKSMOKE” from his 2023 EP “COM • PLEX.” “People are so vulnerable to a lot of intense emotions such as anger, and that song leans into those negative emotions,” Felip reflects. “I’m not talking about literal demons [in the song] but a tongue-in-cheek way of saying that humans sometimes become weak. That’s what it’s about.” Although as Felip cheekily teases, most of his favorite original songs are yet to be released, which is something people can look forward to.
Photograph by RENZO NAVARRO. Editor: DANYL GENECIRAN. Art by Bea Lu. Makeup: Mac Igarta. Hair: Mark Familara. Talent: Ken Suson. Producer: Anz Hizon. Photographer’s Assistants: Alexis Wang, Pat Ong. Stylist’s Assistant: Neil De Guzman, Ticia Almazan.
