(From left) Elisia Parmisano, Regine Velasquez. Images: X/@_universeticket, Instagram/@reginevalcasid
Elisia Parmisano, the latest Filipino making history in the K-pop realm as the first “Universe Ticket” contestant to secure a debut spot, has received acclaim from Regine Velasquez and Marian Rivera.
Parmisano’s feat is considered a milestone in “Universe Ticket,” as she was guaranteed a debut spot in the Korean survival show a week before its final episode on Jan. 17.
The 14-year-old has been confirmed to be the first member of the upcoming eight-member girl group after she advanced to the show’s P-level, sealing her as a lock-in for debut. The lower levels consist of R, I, S, and M, with candidates racing to be promoted.
Velasquez took to her Instagram account on Thursday, Jan. 11 to congratulate Parmisano on her milestone, while sharing a photo of herself posing with the latter when she was younger.
“This little girl is all grown up now and making a name for herself in the K-pop world. Congratulations Elisia we are very proud of you,” Velasquez wrote.
The winning contestant reshared Velasquez’s post on her Instagram Story, saying, “Thank you so much po, Ate @reginevalcasid. I love you.”
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@elisia_parmisano
Meanwhile, Rivera hoped Parmisano would continue to push for her dreams, as seen on her Instagram Story.
“Hi Elisia, congratulations! Ipagpatuloy mo ang pangarap na ‘yan, at marami ka pang magagawa at mararating (Keep pushing for your dreams, and you can do more. May you achieve more). God bless you more! We’re so proud of you,” she said, as captured by one @itsmejeh1501 on X.
Ms. Marian Rivera congratulating #ELISIA for her secured debut in #UniverseTicket !!
Once again, we are sooo proud of you @ELyrisse 😍🫶🏻🤍
credits to @/marianrivera IG Story pic.twitter.com/ZrjDpINmzC
— Jeh (@itsmejeh1501) January 11, 2024
Elisia’s acceptance speech
By the end of the show’s ninth episode, Parmisano was announced along with fellow Filipino Gehlee Dangca, South Korea’s Lim Seo-won, and Japan’s Nana, as one of the confirmed members of the final group.
The Filipina teener ultimately secured the debut spot which made her burst into tears. She was comforted by Seo-won, while Dangca was seen crying on the sidelines.
“I prepared a speech earlier but I forgot it. Am I dreaming? To all the fans who voted [for] me every day, thank you so much. For those who supported me and cheered me up, thank you so much,” Parmisano said in her acceptance speech, which was screen-recorded by one @erichangscollection on Tiktok.
“I love you all. Thank you once again. Let’s see each other in the finals,” she continued.
@erichangscollection Wanna debut together ~ ? #Elisia and #Limseowon full speech. #universeticket #universeticketep9 ♬ original sound – ErisOfficial
Parmisano appeared to be grateful for the support in her home country as well, as she reshared stories written about her on her Instagram Stories.
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@elisia_parmisano
Dangca and Filipino-Korean Jin Hyeon-ju are still competing for the seven remaining spots. The former ranked 2nd and is on the R-level, while Jin is in the 10th rank on the I-level.
Parmisano joins the list of Filipinos promoting as idols in South Korea including Chanty of Lapillus and solo artist Kriesha Chu. Meanwhile, her cousin Marcus is the youngest member of the global pop group HORI7ON.
On the other hand, Sophia Laforteza was the first member to be confirmed as a member of HYBE and Geffen Records’ global group KATSEYE.