LEX’s journey into P-POP began with an encounter that many can relate to—a chance discovery of BTS, the global superstars who have taken the world by storm. As a young boy who grew up dancing, singing, and performing, Lex was drawn to the mesmerizing performances and captivating style of BTS. This early admiration, coupled with his own dreams of becoming a performer, solidified his decision to pursue a career in the music industry. His journey took a significant turn when he became a Grand Champion in the reality show “Top Class: The Rise to P-POP Stardom,” propelling him closer to his dreams.
P-POP sets itself apart from other music genres in the Philippines through its overall approach. LEX emphasizes that P-POP encompasses various elements of performance, including singing, dancing, and rapping, while maintaining aesthetic excellence and a striking presence. It is this unique combination that captivates fans and distinguishes P-POP from other genres, making it an exciting and exhilarating experience for both artists and listeners alike.
Being part of the P-POP movement is a dream come true for Lex. The global recognition and impact that P-POP has achieved fill him with happiness, excitement, and a sense of being overwhelmed. As he reflects on his participation, Lex expresses his desire to have a positive impact on the international music scene. Beyond the talents and looks that fans admire, LEX hopes to inspire fans globally by being a role model, not only in terms of artistic achievements but also in character. After all, idols have the power to influence and shape the lives of their fans, and Lex is eager to fulfill that role with grace and authenticity.
One of LEX’s favorite performances to date was Eclipse’s debut stage at the “Summer Blast 2023” held at the Philippine Sports Stadium. With thousands of eager attendees, it was a moment of triumph and exhilaration for the group. This performance served as a milestone, marking their official entry into the P-POP scene and showcasing their growth as artists. It was a testament to their dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to their craft.
Staying connected with fans is of utmost importance to Lex, and he achieves this through regular livestreams where he engages with them directly. Answering their questions, sharing insights, and explaining his principles are just a few ways Lex ensures that his fans feel heard and valued. Through these interactions, Lex has had countless memorable moments with fans, with each interaction leaving a mark on his heart.
When it comes to preparing for a P-POP music video, Lex believes in the interplay between inspiration and research. While inspiration serves as the starting point, thorough research enriches the creative process. For Lex, it’s not just about personal experiences or abstract ideas; it’s about digging deeper into the culture and experiences of Filipinos and gathering a wealth of knowledge to enhance the visuals and storytelling of their music videos.
P-POP music has a reputation for conveying positive messages and promoting self-confidence. Lex understands the power of music to inspire and uplift listeners. To effectively connect with and inspire fans, he believes that artists must lead by example, embodying positivity and the values expressed in their songs. It is through living a positive lifestyle and acting as role models that artists can make a lasting impact on their listeners’ lives.
Behind the glamor of P-Pop, there have been challenges along the way. The group faced changes in management. “If you have been tracking our journey in this industry, you know that we were first called “Top Class 5” after winning as Grand Champions in the reality show “Top Class: The Rise to P-Pop Stardom”. We were then under the co-management of Cornerstone Entertainment and Kumu. For some reasons, Cornerstone left us under the sole management of Kumu, and then Kumu later left us too and transferred us to Merlion Entertainment. It has been a tough journey, and we’ve faced a lot of challenges. How did we survive that, and how do we intend to survive future challenges? It’s because of our unwavering passion and our commitment to the group that we will stay intact together and that no one will be left behind!“ Lex Shared.
The unwavering passion and commitment to one another allowed them to weather the storms. They stayed united, ensuring that no one would be left behind, and together they overcame the obstacles that came their way. Lex attributes their resilience to their shared dedication and unbreakable bond.
LEX shares some fun and quirky facts about each member of Eclipse. Dean, the “well-behaved person,” exudes professionalism both in his craft and in life. Gilly, known as the “stable man,” is the group’s emotional rock, providing support and comfort when needed. Joshuel, the “lowkey affectionate man,” may not show it overtly, but his constant presence and loyalty are evident to those who pay attention. Clyde, the “chill pogi,” reminds Lex to take care of himself and not let trivial matters affect his wellbeing. Kuya Gab, the “secret kuya,” quietly takes on the role of the older brother, especially when the group’s mischievousness gets out of hand. Rave, known as the “singing alarm,” starts his day with vocal exercises, unintentionally waking up the rest of the members with his powerful voice.
Regarding their future, Lex teases fans with information on upcoming endeavors. He confirms that Eclipse will tour, bringing their skills and passion to new audiences while keeping the specifics under wraps. Fans are looking forward to the next part of Eclipse’s story and are ready to be blown away by their music and performances.
Lex, the leader of Eclipse, is a rising star in the P-POP scene, bringing his unique talents and infectious energy to the forefront. With his dreams of performing realized and his unwavering dedication to his craft, Lex is set to make a lasting impact on the Philippine music scene. As Eclipse continues to shine brightly, fans can expect nothing less than extraordinary performances and music that will touch their hearts and souls.
About the Author – Gion Santiago
Gion, who goes by “kionhyung” online, is a humble superstar, and no one could say otherwise.
Photography by Jai Murcillo
Assisted by Bhads Castor
Styling by Kai Chavez
Hair and Makeup by Elijah Uy
Editorial Assistant – Ristichen
Video by Knick Tangonan and Shannen de Jiz
