Renowned Tboli singer, chanter, and musician Rosie Sula graces the cover of Vogue Philippines’ May 2024 issue.

Dubbed a “National Living Treasure,” Sula hails from a distinguished family of Tboli musicians in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. She learned how to play the kulintang (gongs), hegelung (lute), and other instruments from her father, but she became more known for her chanting. Her distinctive voice opens the Mindanao episode of beauty queen Catriona Gray’s “This Is Philippines” video series on YouTube. In 2023, she was awarded the GAMABA (Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan) by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for her chanting, making her its youngest recipient ever.

Rosie Sula photographed by Gabriel Niver for Vogue Philippines

Also featured in the issue is “Asia’s Soul Supreme” KZ Tandingan, who shares stories about growing up in Digos, Davao del Sur, and how her father — a Queen fan who sang in bands — exposed her to music and encouraged her to perform in front of crowds every chance she got. “In a way, tinuloy niyang i-chase ‘yung pangarap niya through me [In a way, he chased his dreams through me],” she narrates in the article.

KZ Tandingan photographed by Joseph Bermudez for Vogue Philipp

Felip, who also moonlights as Ken of Billboard Philippines cover stars SB19, hails from Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur. In his Vogue Philippines feature, the P-pop pioneer and rising rapper talks about why he chose music as his medium of expression. “Music speaks to your soul,” he says. “You don’t need to try to understand music as much as you need to feel it.”

Felip photographed by Renzo Navarro for Vogue Philippines

Tandingan and Felip, as well as Mindanao hip-hop collective Morobeats (led by DJ MedMessiah and his daughters Miss A and Fateeha) are among the musicians highlighted in the latest print volume of Vogue Philippines, entitled “Voices of Mindanao: The Culture Issue.” The issue contains stories and features on notable artists, craftsmen, and creatives from the country’s southernmost major island as well.

The May 2024 issue of Vogue Philippines is available now. Get your copy at newsstands or order here.

Rosie Sula on the cover of Vogue Philippines’ May 2024 Issue