On Cover: Philia

Manila, Philippines — Not just a band; a testament to brotherhood, creativity, and the enduring spirit of music. Philia, comprising Mona, Paolo, JL, Ash, Mark, and X, each member brings their unique flair to the table, a band forged from the dreams of its members.

The Birth of a Dream

“I am Mona, a Philia,” announces the vocalist with pride, setting the tone for a narrative steeped in passion. The story of Philia began when Mona was just 18 years old. “When my dad asked me what I wanted to do for my 18th birthday, I told him I wanted to form a band.” This bold declaration led to a charity concert that would mark the beginning of something extraordinary. “I asked Paolo to help me form a band for my 18th birthday,” she recalls, the excitement of that moment still evident.

The name "Philia" itself resonates with meaning—love in Latin, a fitting label for a group bound by more than just music. “This is actually my outlet. This is my life,” Mona shares, emphasizing their commitment to creating songs that reflect their personal journeys. Over 17 years, the band has transformed individual experiences into a collective message of positivity and brotherly love.

The Quest for Freedom

As they navigate the complexities of the music industry, Philia remains unwavering in their desire for independence. “The fun part about being independent is we get to pick and choose,” X declares, reveling in the creative freedom that comes with it. However, he offers a word of caution of the double-edge nature that comes with independence: “You tend to be a bit lazy sometimes. You don't have deadlines.” This duality of freedom—a privilege and a challenge—defines their artistic journey.

Mona reflects on their encounters with management that pushed for a more mainstream approach. “We don’t want to be controlled... we can compromise, but not to that extent that you want us to be 'this band.'” Their refusal to conform to industry standards speaks volumes about their commitment to authenticity.

The Changing Landscape

The music scene has undergone a transformation, and Philia has embraced these changes. “If you're old-school, if you're a purist, you'll die at this time,” JL states, recognizing the necessity of adaptation. X also states the younger generation brings fresh energy and a diverse array of influences; that they are much more accepting of genres, and music in general. “They’re open. They love it,” he notes, celebrating the evolving environment in which they thrive.

Ash highlights the resilience of the music community, saying, “There’s a lot of gigs going on... the new generation is adapting to all the music that's coming up.” This blend of old and new creates a dynamic landscape where Philia finds its place, drawing from both past experiences and current trends.

Gender Dynamics in Music

The conversation takes a thoughtful turn as they address gender representation in music. “During the time that we started, there were only a couple of bands who had a female metal vocalist,” Mona explains, recalling the challenges they faced.

Ash adds, “It gives the music a bit more of a different flavor,” referring to the presence of female vocalists in a predominantly male scene. The band believes that the inclusion of women in music adds uniqueness rather than detracts from it. “It's not so much about equality. It's just about getting involved,” he encourages, calling for more women to pursue music without feeling constrained by stereotypes.

“There are a lot of bands here in the Philippines with amazing female vocalists... it doesn’t matter if you have a penis or a vagina.” His conviction reinforces that talent should always take precedence over gender, emphasizing that good music transcends these boundaries. “If it's good, it's good,” he states plainly, a mantra that resonates deeply with the band.

Mona encourages more women to step into the spotlight. Her call to action challenges stereotypes and invites women to carve their own paths in the industry. “Don’t feel like 'I’m a woman. I could never be in a metal band,' Fuck that.”

Looking Ahead

As Philia stands at the crossroads of their journey, their aspirations are clear. “I want to be able to tour the world with them,” Mona expresses, her eyes sparkling with hope. They envision a future where their music resonates with audiences everywhere. “This is our dream,” she reiterates, a promise to themselves and their fans.

With the spirit of brotherhood guiding them, Philia is determined to carve out their own path, free from the constraints of mainstream expectations. “We’re just doing our own shit and we don’t listen to anybody,” they affirm, embodying the essence of independence and the power of being sure and confident of their ability as one band to keep going.

In a world that often seeks to define artists, Philia chooses to define themselves, embracing their journey with open hearts and creative spirits. Their music is not just sound; it’s a celebration of freedom, identity, and the enduring power of connection.

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Artist PHILIA Creative Director M FERRERAS Cover story JAS RICO Photographer JOB CORPUZ Videographer JOB CORPUZ 

Produced by THE NEW HUE Location NHUE STUDIO

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