For Sam, VXON’s Sub-Vocalist and Lead Rapper, that first step wasn’t just about making music—it was about evolving, breaking norms, and redefining what it means to be a P-pop artist in a fast-changing industry.
In a scene where trends shift overnight, Sam’s journey stands as a powerful reminder: real growth comes when you dare to take risks. Whether it's boldly switching up his look or pushing creative boundaries alongside his bandmates—C13, Franz, Vince, and Patrick—Sam isn’t just evolving; he’s leading the charge.
But for Sam, risk-taking goes beyond visuals or sound. It’s about freedom—the freedom to explore, to fail, and to rise again. Inspired by their shared pursuit of authentic musical expression, Sam has learned that risks aren’t setbacks—they’re breakthroughs waiting to happen. From their bubblegum pop beginnings to their current kalye hip-hop, genre-blending sound, VXON continues to push forward—fearless, fiery, and unafraid to fall.
As we dive into Sam’s story in this Metroscene Mag cover feature, one thing’s certain: this is just the beginning.
Finding Their Sound, Taking the Leap
In the ever-evolving world of P-pop, standing out takes more than talent—it takes guts. For VXON, carving their identity meant shaking off expectations and stepping into a sound that felt real. And for Sam, the group’s Sub-Vocalist and Lead Rapper, that journey started with one bold track that lit the match. VXON’s kalye hip-hop style wasn’t something they initially saw as their niche. But according to Sam, it all began with “SSP (Saksak Sa Puso).”
“Yung ‘Saksak Sa Puso,’ may nagsabi samin na, ‘nahanap niyo na yung sound niyo.’ So doon pa lang, doon parang nag-ignite sa amin na, ‘okay, sige, Kalye na talaga tayo for, for the longest time.’” For him, that track marked a turning point—a bold step out of their comfort zone. It was the moment they realized that from following Korean pop standards, they were finally ready to take risks, trust their instincts, and lean into their Filipino roots.
But that was just the beginning. Sam shared that VXON has always made space for growth—and for them, growth means risk.
“VXON is always looking for room for improvement. Pag kunwari sa dance… kung paano namin sinasayaw yung isang song, at yung music namin syempre. The way we write, the way we conceptualize the music, siguro yung boldest risk na ginawa namin is when we release a song about intimacy. Which is yung ‘Sh*t sobrang init!’ and hindi namin alam kung paano yon ite-take ng fans, ng Vixies, pero it’s a risk na gusto naming i-take para mag-grow yung group namin.”
And if the response says anything, Vixies didn’t just accept the change—they were all in, turning up the heat alongside the group.
These bold moves have become VXON’s signature. In a sea of rising P-pop acts, they stand out not just for their sound, but for their fearless spirit. Even with the worries that come with change and judgment, they continue to evolve.
“Hindi malabo na mag-bubble gum pop kami or opposite ng hip-hop ganon,” Sam says. And when it comes to genre exploration, it’s Franz who leads the charge.
“Actually si Franz yung pinaka ano, forte niya yon. Kumbaga forte niya yung bubble gum pop. So everytime na gumagawa ng kanta na ganon, siyempre sobrang nagiging maganda sa ears namin. Kasi, kumbaga, alam mo ‘yung as a brother ka? Kumbaga, mahal na mahal niya yung ginagawa niya, like pag ginawa niya ‘to, sobrang proud siya, sobrang [proud moment]… oo, tapos so parang kami, na aano na rin kami na ‘sige gawin natin ‘to,’ ‘ganito gawin natin!’”
More than just a teammate, Franz is also Sam’s biggest inspiration to take chances.
“Specifically sa pag-create ng songs, si Franz talaga. Everytime na makita ko siyang magbigay ng outputs niya, parang ako, ‘[ah] nai-inspire ako rito, na bakit ako hindi ko magawa?’ Diba noh? ‘Hindi man lang ako makatulong sakanila.’ So everytime na naga-ask siya ng help na, ‘oh ano, sulatan mo ‘tong verse na ‘to, rap part. Tapos kailangan hip-hop, very ano.’ Kasi ako, background ko talaga is hip-hop. So, sabi ko ‘sige sige sige,’ willingly ‘kong ginagawa. Tapos ano, pinag-iisipan ko talaga para mapunan ko yung gustong mangyari ni Franz. So si Franz talaga.”
It’s better to fail than to have regrets
At the heart of it all, VXON’s journey is about trust—trusting the process, each other, and the possibilities that come with stepping into the unknown. Their willingness to take bold swings, to mix sounds, and to challenge expectations isn’t just what defines their music—it’s what defines their bond. And as Sam continues to draw strength from his brothers in the group, one thing is clear: the risk-takers are here to stay, and they’re just getting started.
For Sam, taking risks has never been about chasing shock value or trying to stand out—it’s simply how he grows. As someone who’s always been drawn to creativity and self-expression, stepping out of his comfort zone has become second nature. Whether it’s through music, performance, or personal choices, Sam believes that growth only really happens when you’re willing to try—even if things don’t go as planned.
“Sobrang freeing lang, yung parang every time I take a risk, kung ano ‘man yung maging outcome non, sobrang freeing non sakin kasi I took the risk. Hindi ako yung ‘dapat pala ganito yung ginawa ko’... or yung regrets. Pinaka-hate ko ‘yon. Like, pag naisip ko ‘tong bagay na ‘to tapos natatakot ako, gagawin ko pa rin kahit na takot na takot ako. Kasi ayaw ‘kong dumating sa point na, okay… like 30’s na ‘ko, na 40’s na ‘ko, na ‘dapat pala ginawa ko ‘to para nalaman ko kung ano yung outcomes.’”
For Sam, success isn't about playing it safe—it’s about constantly pushing boundaries and embracing discomfort. He believes that every great story, every success, requires a journey through fear and failure to reach the climax. And he doesn't just accept failure—he seeks it out.
“Actually, ayon yung hinahanap ko, yung mag-fail ako nang mag-fail, nang mag-fail, nang mag-fail, nang mag-fail. Hanggang sa…ayon!”
It’s this mindset that empowers him to take leaps, even when the outcome is unclear. Because for Sam, the worst thing isn’t failing—it’s wondering what if?
“It’s better to fail than to have regrets,” he added, embracing the cliché with full conviction. This simple yet powerful truth is what fuels his growth and guides him toward his version of a success story.
And he’s not done taking risks yet. Sam revealed another exciting direction he’s open to pursuing: acting. As someone who has already dipped his toes into the acting world through roles in My Extraordinary, Oh! Mando, and My Badboy BF, Sam dreams of exploring it further—not just for himself, but for the rest of VXON too.
“Ako, I will try acting talaga. Kasi before, I was into acting. Pero hindi ko siya masyadong nabigyan ng light. So acting. Sa group naman. Na mag-act [din] sila. Kahit na wala silang masyadong background into acting… ‘Sige, try niyo lang. Kasi malay niyo naman doon yung, maging root na lang lahat eh diba.’ Hits songs, and stuff.”
Imagine a VXON movie project? Vixies would definitely go wild. In a world filled with doubt, fear, and uncertainty, Sam is a reminder that we’re meant to face those risks head-on—not avoid them.
“Kasi hindi naman yan andyan para hayaan niyo lang. Kumbaga, risks are meant to elevate you. Kahit na ano pang maging outcome nyan. So just take it, take it. Kahit ano pa yan. Malalaman niyo naman yung reason kung bakit niyo ginawa yon, bakit ganon yung nangyari... and then grow from that. Take that risk!”
Whether it’s music, acting, or life in general, Sam makes one thing clear: the real win is in trying—and that’s where the freedom lies.
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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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