Felip’s lovely take on the classic “Moving Closer” by Never the Strangers brought a wave of nostalgia to listeners. The song was originally the theme for one of Closeup Philippines’ most iconic commercials back in 2012. While Felip released his version as part of Warner Music Philippines’ 30th anniversary celebration in November 2023, fans have since shared their hope of seeing him in a Closeup commercial as well.
Moving Closer From the Café for Closeup Red Hot
Over a year later, on January 9, 2025, fans were treated to a pleasant surprise. Closeup released a teaser for a new “Moving Closer” music video featuring Felip’s jazz rendition of the song. Just like the iconic 2012 commercial, the video follows a couple gradually growing closer. This time, it stars one of the country’s top love teams, Donny and Belle also known as DonBelle, adding even more kilig to the experience. Just like Closeup Red Hot, “Moving Closer From the Café” features the warm and cozy feel of jazz music which Felip delivered phenomenally.
On February 8, 2025, Felip and DonBelle fans gathered in Market! Market! Activity Center where Closeup Philippines hosted the official music video watch party. Making the event more lively with games and Q&A, Felip entertained the crowd with a live performance of “Moving Closer From the Café.”
Question and Answer portion for FELIP:
Angelica [Manila Standard]: Hi DonBelle and Felip, congratulations. My question will be for Felip. You did a cover of “Moving Closer” for Warner Music’s 30th Anniversary. Now that you’re an ambassador, how does it feel?
Felip: Although this is new to me, jazz is the type of music that I grew up listening to. It was challenging because it was the first time I released jazz music. I think the sexy vibes of jazz fits the Valentines season. I also want to thank Closeup for giving me the opportunity to spice up the original version of “Moving Closer.”
Eccentric Media: Hello. Congratulations to the three of you. This question is for Felip. This is your first time working with DonBelle. How was the experience?
Felip: It’s really fun, especially since I finally got to meet Belle. Donny and I are friends. I’m also happy and thankful for the support of their fans. I’m really grateful for this opportunity to work with DonBelle and Closeup. Thank you for having me here, for welcoming me to the family.
Special Guest for our Rocksta
One of the most heartwarming moments of the event was when our rocksta Felip met Nanay Fely. The sweet grandmother shared how she felt sad after trying and failing to buy the Bench jacket Ken modeled, as it was sold out everywhere. In a touching gesture, Closeup Philippines arranged a special meeting between Nanay Fely and Felip, where he personally handed her the jacket. It was a beautiful reminder of how deeply artists can touch the lives of their fans.
Moving Closer From the Lounge for Closeup Menthol Fresh
The ending of the “Moving Closer From the Café” music video hinted that the love story wasn’t over yet. It showed Donny and Belle reaching out to their friends, David and Barbie— also known as BarDa, another popular love team. Then on March 24, Closeup dropped a new teaser for a new “Moving Closer” music video featuring BarDa and Felip. This time, “Moving Closer From the Lounge” came with a more upbeat and cheerful vibe, much like Closeup Menthol Fresh.
On May 17, 2025, Closeup brought together BarDa and Felip fans at Ayala Circuit Activity Center for the “Moving Closer From the Lounge” MV watch party and it was an absolute blast! The energy was electric, especially when Felip hit the stage for a live performance, sending the crowd into a frenzy. We got to witness the full “Ken Suson effect” in action— not just during the premiere, but even during the games, where he drew in contestants from all sides, including those from rival teams… and even David himself!
Question and Answer portion for FELIP:
Host: Sir Felip, how are you?
Felip: I’m fine. I’m doing great. I’m happy to be here. It’s always a good opportunity to perform live for the fans.
Host: Yes, and indeed we have lots of surprises for the fans today. But before the media start their interview, let me just ask a question. From the February MV watch party, what were the highlights for you?
Felip: Definitely, it was a memorable experience to watch the “Moving Closer From the Café” MV premiere together. Another highlight would be meeting DonBelle – meeting Donny and Belle, and their fans. The most memorable for me is the A’TIN, FLEET, Sisiws being present too.
Host: And we’re here today to make even more memories. Let’s now talk to our media partners. Let’s start with Ms. Ally Calinao from PEP. I think she has a question for Sir Felip. Hello Ms. Ally.
Ally [PEP.PH]: How important is smelling good to you when meeting people for the first time? Do you have a go to scent?
Felip: I’m sorry, what was that again?
Host: There’s some echo from here, that’s why it’s unclear.
Ally [PEP.PH]: How important is smelling good to you when meeting people for the first time? Do you have a go to scent?
Host: She’s asking how important it is smelling good. Did I get that right Ms. Ally? When you meet people for the first time?
Felip: It’s important as an artist. But even beyond being an artist, in your daily activities, it’s important to smell good. It boosts your confidence. For example, having fresh breath gives you so much confidence when meeting and talking to people.
Ally [PEP.PH]: So do you have a go to scent?
Host: She’s asking if you have a go to scent.
Felip: Oh go to scent, hmmm. When it comes to perfume I think I’m leaning more to fresh scents because it’s warm here in the Philippines. I want a cool scent, something fresh.
Ally [PEP.PH]: Okay, so next question is what is your biggest dating mishap or embarrassing moment while trying to impress someone?
Host: We’ll find out! She asked (teasing tone).
Felip: What? Haha! Dating? Is there any?
Host: Maybe there really is none. Right? Is there any?
Felip: I don’t think there is one. Hahaha! (crowd cheering)
Host: We’re happy that you don’t have any. We like that right, no dating mishaps or embarrassing moments.
Felip: You gotta keep your cool. It should always be like that because you want to avoid disappointing whoever you are dating. As much as possible, you have to try everything to impress the girl that you love or the guy that you like.
Host: Thank you so much Ms. Ally. I feel like sweating with these questions.
Felip: It should be me, I’m the one on the hot seat.
Host: No I think it’s just because of your jacket. Okay, where is Sir Christopher Pernel from Philstar? Hello Sir Chris.
Chris [Philstar]: Hello, and good afternoon. Congratulations by the way. Since we’re in a Closeup campaign, [my question is] how long do you think it takes to get close to another person?
Felip: Wow.
Host: How long does it take for you to consider yourself close to another person.
Felip: That’s a hard question, haha!
Host: You’ll need to think it through.
Felip: There are instances when you just met yet you already feel comfortable and compatible with each other. And you can be acquainted for some time already, but you’re still getting to know each other more. It depends on the person. You can instantly click, or you might need to know more about each other to be close.
Host: Thank you for that question Sir Chris.
Felip: I nailed that! (crowd cheering)
Chris [Philstar]: One more question.
Host: Go ahead.
Chris [Philstar]: Given that, what advice can you give for people who want to get close to another person?
Host: Your advice for people who want to get close to another person. Someone behind Sir Chris said to brush your teeth. That’s good advice madam.
Felip: I think yeah. Uhm… hahaha! (crowd cheering)
Host: I’ll give you time to think. Or do you want to pass?
Felip: This one’s really hard. Other than smelling good, like I said earlier, pay attention to what makes them happy. And of course, because it’s not always rainbows and butterflies so you got to be there whenever he or she needs you. Support, that’s really important, and constant communication.
Host: Thank you so much Sir Chris. Now let’s move on to Sir Christian Lee from Eccentric Yet Happy.
Mel [Manila Concert Scene]: Im Mel from Manila Concert Scene.
Felip: Oh, good afternoon.
Mel [Manila Concert Scene]: How are you Felip?
Felip: Is your question hard to answer?
Mel [Manila Concert Scene]: Oh, not really! (crowd cheering) My question is, given that you are already a talented and skilled individual, do you still intend to learn new skills or habits? If yes, what are these?
Host: We need to hear it one more time, because the echo is really bad here. Sorry. You may go ahead.
Mel [Manila Concert Scene]: Given that you are already a talented and skilled individual, do you still intend to learn new skills or habits? If yes, what are these?
Felip: Definitely, yeah! Everyday, there’s still a lot to learn. Even professional athletes, professional singers, dancers, there are still new skills you need to learn to acquire. For me, there are still a lot of things that I want to learn, especially when meeting new people. With my speaking skills, I consider myself not that good, even on socializing. That’s the area I want to really improve on.
Host: Thank you madam. Do we have additional questions? None? Okay, thank you so much to our media people. Now I have a last question for your Sir Felip.
Felip: Yeah.
Host: Since we mentioned “cool”, “fresh”, and “kilig” today. Now what are the things that you learned as a Closeup endorser that you think you can utilize as one of the PPOP Kings. My question is fit for a pageant (teasing).
Felip: You know what? I learned to smile often, because it’s required. Hahahaha! Just kidding. But really, it gives so much warmth when you smile. I learned that much. Personally, I’m not that smiley. But whenever I see my fans, their support, love. It gives you something unexplainable that you can’t help but smile. That only shows I’m happy to see them.
Host: And we’re very grateful to Closeup, just like what Sir Felip said, he learned to smile more often.
Cute Alien Friends
By the end of the day, adorable little green alien plushies started popping up on Team Felip’s social media. Turns out, they were sweet gifts from Fstans and his newest bunch of fans called, the Aliens! One Instagram story from Iyah Generoso even showed Felip holding one of the plushies, with a caption quoting him saying, “There’s a lot more to greet now, my Fstans, Sisiws, Aliens!” It was a fun and heartwarming moment that perfectly captured how Felip’s fandom continues to grow and connect.
‘Moving Closer’ Wish Bus Road Show powered by Closeup
To make the “Moving Closer” experience even more exciting, Closeup Philippines teamed up with Wish 107.5 for a special roadshow! On May 18, 2025, fans gathered at Eton Centris to catch Felip perform “Moving Closer From the Café” and “Moving Closer From the Lounge” live on the Wish Bus. The energy was high, the crowd was loud, and a few lucky fans even got the chance to step inside the bus for an up-close moment with Felip!
When asked about the whole experience working with Closeup for “Moving Closer,” Felip answered, “It’s really good. We got to try the jazz genre with “Moving Closer from the Cafe.” It’s not something I usually do. As an artist it helps me grow, by exploring different genres in music. And for “Moving Closer from the Lounge,” we got to try something that sounds like Christmas, something upbeat and happy. They are really different genres, and I feel like the process of creating these added to my skills as a musician.”
Of course Felip did not let the opportunity pass without expressing his gratitude to his very supportive fans. He said, “Thank you everyone – FLEET, Sisiws, A’TIN, Aliens, Fstans. Thank you very much. I love you guys so much. Thank you, thank you. Drink your water, eat your meals, in case you still haven’t. Take care of yourselves.”
The event concluded with much satisfaction for Felip and all the fans. After exiting the Wish Bus, he happily reached out to all the fans in the barricade to thank them for coming to the event.