The Rise of Felip and His Bisaya Songs – From P-Pop Idol to Heritage Champion

From Ben Zubiri and Pilita Corales to Kurt Fick and Jacky Chang, the Bisaya tongue has had its fair share of champions in the music industry, as it should. After all, Binisaya is ranked as the second most generally spoken language in Filipino homes.  

With more and more artists emerging from the south, it isn’t too much to hope that the next stalwart of Bisaya contemporary music could be just around the corner. Actually, he may already be here in the person of singer, songwriter, producer, dancer and fashion icon, Felip.

A Primer on Singer-Songwriter Felip

Felip Jhon Suson is a proud son of Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur. He first came into the public eye in 2018 performing as Ken with P-pop powerhouse boy group SB19. Although he still is the group’s main dancer, lead vocalist and lead rapper, he has also paved a solo path for himself, releasing Palayo (2021), Bulan (2022), and Complex EP (2023). 

As a composer and lyricist, Felip’s creative choices, for the most part, may seem strange to the Filipino ear. This is especially true for his Complex EP, where he has chosen to unapologetically buck the norm, shying away from producing songs with soft, dulcet melodies or belt-worthy ballads that are so popular among Filipino music enthusiasts. He has opted instead, to infuse his music with a myriad of fresh, new styles and approaches from around the globe. 

In an interview with Dougbrock TV he emphasized his fondness for the unusual, and how important it is for people in the OPM industry to be open-minded and to evolve with the times.

Proud Bisaya Songs Straight from Felip’s Heart

Felip’s catalog sticks out for one other reason, the prominent inclusion of Bisaya songs and verses. Of course, other mainstream artists have done this before, notably TJ Monterde, and more recently Morissette Amon and Juan Karlos among others. Felip’s works however, are noteworthy for their timing.

Coming off of SB19’s P-pop idol fame, he could’ve made a fortune as a solo artist singing English or Tagalog 90s style R&B, pop or acoustic, but this musical maverick has refused to compromise. His love and pride for his language and heritage are non-negotiable.

So although all of Felip’s songs deserve a deep dive, I chose to cite and celebrate his Bisaya songs here, as a tribute to this brave artist and the heritage he so treasures. 

1 – Palayo

This was Felip’s firstborn and hands down the ultimate fan favorite perhaps because it is the closest to familiar fare, with a noticeable R&B vibe. 

Palayo is something of a breakup song, but there is no wailing lament or expressions of regret for love lost. Felip’s simmering delivery belies the searing push against a toxic ex, with the words, “dagan ko palayo na sa imo,” literally meaning, “I am running away from you.”

My favorite line is that thoroughly satisfying lethargic verbal slap, “Hapit ko makatalug sa imong mga bakak”. Translation: “I nearly fell asleep on your lies.” 

Ooooooh, gurl… Felip is so over you!

2 – Mictest

Of all of Felip’s songs, this one has the most intense beats, drawing its influence from the aggressive sound of Jersey Club music. It starts at a fever pitch and doesn’t let up until the end. 

Mictest is an English-Bisaya song that largely conveys Felip’s pride in his language and roots. Quite fittingly, this piece is likely a source of great pride among Bisaya fans, as it is one of Felip’s works that non-Bisaya fans sing the loudest. In Singapore, even non-Filipinos danced to the tune.

My favorite line? “Bad Bisaya,” which is simply our way of saying we are freaking awesome over here!

3 – Kanako

Like Palayo, Kanako approaches familiar territory, giving off that 90s to 2000s soft rock feel. In Twitter / X, fans are split, with some thinking it a good fit for an anime OST, while others imagine it to be a worship song. Interestingly, Felip, who is a Born Again Christian, incorporated more pronounced elements of Christian worship in an earlier draft of the song. He is also, by the way, a huge anime fan. So both camps may be in the right.

What makes this song tricky is the pacing. Try to sing it like Felip and you’ll end up tripping and tying your tongue in a knot.

Kanako means “Me”, and when paired with “para”, means “for me.” This is Felip’s song of gratitude to his fans and everyone who has supported him through the years, even through difficult times. 

While ultimately uplifting, this song brought me to tears. In the first few lines, Felip sings about how he can’t even take care of himself, let alone love; how he’s fine with being alone and doesn’t need anyone’s love; how he’s been judged and nobody’s listening, so he’s just fine with everything. If you’re an independent loner, these lines will hit you like a freight train.  

4 – Criminal

This is one of Felip’s cleverest and most impressive songs with two characters conversing in English and Bisaya, and Felip singing both these voices in different tones all on his own. 

It is a song about entertaining negative thoughts, but eventually accepting oneself through the journey of self-awareness.

If you aren’t Felip, you probably shouldn’t try singing this.

5 – Superiority

Reading the lyrics, this song feels like a clapback against Felip’s detractors, telling them how inadequate they are. In some interviews however, Felip mentioned the song is actually about overcoming one’s weaknesses and how we are our own competition. I suspect though, that there may be more to this piece than meets the eye. 

This hearkens back to the time he was trying out for the group. When asked why he should be picked, he declared himself the best. This wasn’t just  arrogance. He wanted the position so badly, he needed to show he was confident. 

It is worth noting that if you join this song title with the EP title, it spells— Superiority Complex. This is a term that would normally be viewed negatively, but that’s a vital point of the EP. People are such complex beings, you can’t just judge them at face value. In Felip’s case, all the negativity he experienced before and after debuting necessitated this internal, psychological push to root for himself so he could survive. 

Of all the tracks listed here, this one has the fewest Bisaya lines, but it is so crucial to Felip’s story, it deserves a spot.

I am intentionally keeping this an open list. Knowing Felip, there will be more coming. 

Catch More of the Artist

Curious to learn more about Felip? Follow his social accounts:

• Apple Music: Felip
• Spotify: FELIP
• YouTube: @FELIPsuperior
• Facebook: felipsuperior
• Instagram: felipsuperior
• Twitter / X: @felipsuperior
• Tiktok: @felipsuperior