What happens when the stage lights go down?
For VXON, the answer lies in five years of dreams, challenges, sacrifices, friendships, and memories that have shaped them into the artists they are today.
On October 13, KpopWise joined VXON and members of the media for the P-Pop: Beyond the Stage press conference, where the group looked back on their journey and opened up about the experiences behind the performances.
The conversation began with VXON revisiting old photographs displayed on the big screen. Seeing their younger selves brought laughter and nostalgia, but it also offered a fitting introduction to a project centered on everything that happened before they became the group fans know today.
More than a cinematic look at their career, P-Pop: Beyond the Stage gives VXON the opportunity to revisit their story from the beginning, including moments and experiences they have not always shared publicly.
Author's Note: Quotes from the press conference originally delivered in Filipino have been translated into English to make the coverage accessible to our international readers.
Looking Back at VXON's Journey
As the first P-Pop group featured in Beyond the Stage, VXON expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to share their journey in a format that allows audiences to see more than their performances.
The members described watching their past unfold on the big screen as surreal and humbling. For them, the experience is not only about celebrating their achievements, but also acknowledging the failures and struggles that became part of their growth.
Sam, who described himself as sentimental, shared how meaningful it is to revisit the process that brought VXON to where they are now. He also admitted that watching the finished project with VIXIES will likely be an emotional experience.
For Franz, the experience feels different from the behind-the-scenes content fans may already see online. Their vlogs allow VIXIES to follow individual moments, but Beyond the Stage brings those memories together into a larger story, from their first steps to where they are today.
And there are stories in that journey that even longtime fans may be hearing for the first time.
Beyond the Spotlight
That idea of seeing more than what happens onstage became one of the central themes of the press conference.
The members described Beyond the Stage as being placed “under a microscope,” allowing audiences to see who VXON is when they are no longer performing. As they put it, the project gives fans the chance to discover “who we are when the spotlight is no longer on us.”
Behind the high-energy performances are years of uncertainty, sacrifice, failure, and perseverance.
As VXON explained, “This time, VIXIES won't just see our performances. They'll get to see more of our stories, where we started, what happens behind the scenes, and some of the experiences that shaped VXON.”
The members also emphasized that their story is just one of many within the growing P-Pop scene. While they are honored to be the first group featured, they hope projects like this can eventually give other artists the opportunity to share their own journeys.
What It Takes to Chase a Dream
From there, the conversation naturally moved toward the reality behind pursuing a career in P-Pop.
VXON wants aspiring artists to understand that the journey is not simply about performing, taking photos, or suddenly finding success. There are sacrifices, setbacks, and difficult moments that audiences may never see.
But their message extends beyond P-Pop.
The members believe their story can resonate with anyone pursuing a dream, especially those who are facing their own hurdles along the way.
When asked what they would tell their younger selves, their answers centered on patience, determination, staying true to themselves, and remembering where they started.
Sam reflected that not everything can be achieved through a formula. Sometimes, you have to experience every part of the journey before reaching your goal.
Franz emphasized staying connected to the people who supported them through difficult periods.
And despite the moments when they considered giving up, the members chose to stay and continue pursuing the dream they shared as five.
Looking back, those difficult chapters are now part of what made VXON who they are.
The People Who Stayed: VIXIES
That journey would not be complete without VIXIES.
The members spoke about the personal conversations they have with fans after performances, particularly when VIXIES share stories they cannot always express during a show.
Some have told VXON that their music helped them through difficult periods or gave them a reason to keep going. For the members, those stories are among the most meaningful reminders of why they continue creating music.
Patrick also emphasized that while gifts are appreciated, what matters most is seeing VIXIES show up for them, whether at local events, in different provinces, or even from other countries.
The relationship is reciprocal. VXON wants to inspire their fans, while the support they receive from VIXIES continues to give them reasons to keep pursuing their dreams.
That connection is also reflected in their music.
When asked which songs they most look forward to performing with Filipino fans, several members chose “KNT,” recalling the energy of hearing VIXIES sing and jump along with them.
“SSP” was also mentioned, with the members remembering how surprised they were to hear audiences singing along to its hook.
These moments have become part of VXON's shared history with VIXIES.
Never Forgetting to Remember
The conversation also brought the members back to specific memories from their journey.
They recalled their first international performance at Dubai Expo, an experience that came with both nervousness and excitement. Another memory involved a group photo taken at a studio in Bacolod at Sam's request.
These stories may seem small compared to the milestones that followed, but they are exactly the kind of moments that make up a journey.
They are also why looking back matters.
Beyond the Stage allows VXON to revisit not only the moments that made headlines, but the experiences that existed between them.
“Nostalgic. Unbelievable. Vulnerable. History. Euphoria.”
Near the end of the press conference, each member was asked to describe P-Pop: Beyond the Stage in one word.
Their answers were:
Sam: Nostalgic
Patrick: Unbelievable
Franz: Vulnerable
C13: History
Vince: Euphoria
Together, the words capture the different emotions attached to revisiting five years of their lives.
There is nostalgia in seeing where they began, vulnerability in sharing the parts of their story that usually remain behind the scenes, and disbelief in seeing how far they have come. There is history in everything they have experienced together, and euphoria in being able to look back and share it with the people who have been part of the journey.
More to Come for the Monsters of P-Pop!
Of course, looking back also made one thing clear: VXON is not finished.
The members shared their hopes of having a hit song that reaches a wider audience and introducing more listeners to their existing discography. International collaborations are also among their dreams, and they also brought up acting opportunities during the conversation.
For now, they plan to keep creating music, developing their craft, and trusting the timing of what comes next.
Five years in, C13, Franz, Patrick, Vince, and Sam are still only getting started.
The spotlight may show us the performers. Beyond the Stage lets us meet the people who became them.
Watch, Feel, and Connect with VXON on November 14 at Gateway Cineplex 18, Cinema 11, Araneta City, and experience P-Pop in a whole new way.
Thank you to L-Squared Productions PH for inviting KpopWise to the press conference.