Like many young dreamers chasing the spotlight, C13's journey into the world of performance began with small steps and big ambitions.
Today, C13 is a proud member of the P-pop boy group VXON, alongside Franz, Sam, Patrick, and Vince. The group emerged during a time when P-pop was still carving out its place in the Philippine music industry. Coming from different walks of life but united by the same creative fire, VXON is more than just a music group—they're a movement redefining local sound and pushing the boundaries of self-expression.
As we shoot with C13 for Metroscene Mag this May, he reflects on how every detour led him to something more meaningful. With VXON, he’s embraced his roots in street music, discovered artistic freedom, and found a brotherhood that fuels his growth.
From taking a leap of faith to finding his rhythm in P-pop, C13’s story is one of resilience, evolution, and authenticity. In every track, every stage, and every performance, you’ll hear not just music—but a journey of a young artist who followed his gut and found his voice.
The First Hustle
At first, joining a P-pop group wasn’t something C13 had planned—but his dreams led him there anyway. His journey began right on the streets of Manila, the same streets many of us have walked. He gave everything for his future, even risking his own safety along the way.
“Before kasi, I started young. Nagstart akong magcover group at the age of nine. Nalearn ko magcommute mag-isa. Muntik na kong maholdap, hinabol ako dyan sa Cubao.”
Though no one should have to face such dangers, those experiences made C13 tougher and more determined to keep going.
“Parang from there, akala ko end of the road na for me pero ayun I kept pushing through. Nagstart ako magcover dito with other groups and nakasama ko yung mga iba, sila kuya Josh, sila Stell mga nakasama ko na rin before.”
Even then, it was clear he had the spirit of a fighter. But wanting something bigger for yourself is often the first sign that greater things lie ahead—and C13 was never content with just being part of cover groups.
This Isn’t the End of Him
At just nine years old, he joined his first K-pop dance cover group—often commuting alone, weaving through crowded streets, and escaping close calls—all fueled by his love for music and performing. Growing up with an unwavering passion for K-pop, C13 took bold risks most would shy away from: flying solo to the U.S., working part-time jobs to fund his own auditions, and eventually making it to South Korea to join a survival program. But when the pandemic hit, life took an unexpected turn, forcing him to return to the Philippines. Though uncertain about the future, the dream remained alive.
“Akala ko hanggang dun lang, tapos sabi ko why not step up? Gusto ko talaga maging K-Pop artist kasi so I flew to the states alone. Nagwork ako. Nagearn akong money to pay for my bills. Isang goal ko kasi dun is makaattend ng global audition, sabi ko sige try nga natin minsan lang eh. Sabi ko risk ko na,” he shared.
With thousands of miles between him and his home, C13 wasn’t going to let the opportunities fly past him. He was there and he was going to do what he needed to do. He attended the global audition he was eyeing and he joined the contest where he got a call to fly to Korea for the survival program, ‘Under Nineteen.’ By showing his talents in the program, he soon got offers to join a Korean entertainment company. And that’s when he started even more rigorous training. And that was it, he was so close to achieving his dreams. He was almost at the finish line. Not until the pandemic happened.
“Sabi ko hala postponed na naman so uwi muna ko rito sa Philippines and then nagwork uli ako rito habang pandemic and then finally the call came from Cornerstone na bumubuo nga raw sila ng Ppop group. Sabi ko hala ito na ata yung time na makajoin ako ng Ppop kasi nung nagcocover palang ako, pangarap na namin ng mga nagcocover group na magkaroon ng Ppop group.”
That moment marked a turning point for C13—a reminder that patience and perseverance often lead to new opportunities. What started as a dream in the streets of Manila had finally begun to take shape on a bigger stage. It’s proof that sometimes, when you least expect it, the door you’ve been waiting for quietly opens.
Setbacks Only Push Him Further
“Sabi ko hala ito na lapit na onti nalang. Up until nun, pandemic happened so sabi ko hala postponed na naman so uwi muna ko rito sa Philippines and then nagwork uli ako rito habang pandemic.”
For some people, that would be the end of the line. Imagine almost holding your dreams at the edge of your fingertips after so much hard work but just as easily having it ripped away. It would be so easy to just end it there. But C13 wasn’t about to let all his hard work go to waste because of another setback. When he finally got the call from Cornerstone Entertainment that they were forming a P-Pop group, we all know he wasn’t turning that down.
He also talked about the risk of joining the group itself. Each member of the group had to leave their personal lives behind in pursuit of their passion. “Yung iba samin bata pa nagstart out. For example, Patrick. Minor pa sya that time and we had to be housed in one unit. First time nya actually dun na maging independent, na malayo sa family. Si Sam din, a big family person sya pero kailangan namin magstay together para at least makilala namin yung isa’t isa, focus kami hundred percent. So yun siguro yung pinakaunang big risk na ginawa namin for the group.” And with all the risks they’ve taken individually and as a group, an even greater reward was handed to them.
High Risk, High Rewards
When asked about the greatest reward he got from all of his efforts, C13 was quick to answer. “Pinakarewarding is yung Vixies namin, yung supporters namin na no matter what event or san yung location, talagang pinupuntahan nila. Minsan nga same-day announcement tapos magugulat kami nandun sila. It doesn’t matter kung sobrang dami nila or sobrang konti, yung may mga iilan lang na pupunta tapos iaapproach kami na magsabi na ‘naaapprecite namin kayo, tuloy nyo ginagawa nyo.’ Yung marinig yung mga ganung praise, talagang sobrang rewarding na yun. Dun namin narealize na tama yung ginagawa namin.”
This was also when he realized that success wasn’t a straight line. It’s a road full of detours, mistakes, and moments of self-doubt. The path to making one’s dreams come true is a story of resilience, patience, and trust in the process. And C13 has learned the most valuable thing that he also wants to share with everyone.
“Pag nagstop ka kasi dun, hanggang dun ka nalang. Hindi mo alam na may potential or may ibang journey pa pala na nagwwait sayo. Kumbaga may glass ceiling dun. Kapag linimit mo yung sarili mo na hanggang dun ka lang. Kapag di ka na nagrisk, dun ka lang. Pero pag binreak mo yung glass ceiling, there’s so much potential. So take risks.”
C13’s message is clear: growth and possibility lie just beyond the limits we set for ourselves. By daring to break through those invisible barriers, we open doors to opportunities we never imagined. His journey reminds us all—sometimes the biggest leaps lead to the most rewarding paths.
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Creative Director, Art Director, and Editor-in-Chief: Mark Elwyn Baccay (@markelwyn)
Photographed by Miguel Alomajan (@migotilyomanila)
Photo Assist: Earl Montante (@zxs_earl)
Makeup by Jomari Braganza (@jomaribraganza), Jamila San (@j.mlsn), and Mikka Aira Sasaki (@mikkahmua)
Hairstyling by Mharhea Banting (@workwithmhar)
Videographer and Editor: Cyrus Joshua Bon (@itscyrusbon)
BTS Shots By Christian Abao (@christianabao)
Set Design and Production by Rocket Design Studio (@Rocketsets)
Fashion Styling: Uriel Matthew (@urielmatthew)
Assisted by Janna Grace (@jannartsy) and Sofia Montemayor (@skree.ee_)
Clothes from:
Socks Lang (@sockslangph)
Charlotte Folk (@charlotte__folk)
Story by Mark Elwyn Baccay (@markelwyn)
Rocketsets Intern:
Cyndie Caldeo (@caldeocyndie)
Zoie Monteclaro (@zoeirdo)
Rihyana Abundo (@hyanalouis)
Metroscene Mag interns:
Julian Rosch Dolor (@julieamore__)
Ron Daniel Padilla (@ronforyourlives)
Katrina Arugay (@holykaee)
Angel Pascual (@cheriecheruby)
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