Performers with a purpose

It is one thing to live in this world and just go along with whatever comes our way, and it’s another when you actually have a drive and a deeper purpose to go on every day.

Success has been formally defined as an attainment of popularity or profit in the dictionary.

If we really come to think of it, each one of us would define such word differently if we were asked.

As for me, success means being able to live life through God’s word and guidance.

It is not just about becoming wealthy, powerful, and known to those who are equally as important as we are on earth.

It’s disappointing how some over-use God’s name just to get through people. It is merely like saying the words “I love you” or “I miss you” to someone even at times when it’s not really meant to be said.

Such words are no longer appreciated these days just as much as they should be.

Lema Diaz, a member of the All Stars, whom I’ve known for years now in fact, is someone who has brought me back into believing that genuine people who are out to share God’s word through their craft still exist.

The All Stars hip-hop streetdance team is made up of 15 individuals (Kenneth Serrano, Lema Diaz, Sheena Vera Cruz, Laurence Chua, Patrick Caballa, Kyxz Mendiola, Michelle Salazar, Jhong Mesina, Jeremiah Carandang, Reagan Cornelio, Chelo Espina, Madelle Enriquez, Prince Paltu-Ob, Deo Bantillo and Niko Bolante) who are proud to say that God is their boss and that everything that they do is for God.

After having a short chat over lunch with Lema on what their group really is all about, I became more and more interested with every word she said.

It’s quite interesting how long it took for us to really have a conversation like this, specially that I’ve actually personally known a few of their members for years now.

The All Stars is originally just a group of friends from all walks of life. The group was formally formed in June 2005.

Each of them has its own share of spice which made the friendship grow stronger.

What amazed me the most is the bond and the closeness the members have with each other, it is undeniably real.

I can confidently say that they are good people with good intentions.

Lema admits that in the beginning, they were somewhat frustrated.

Despite their talents and hardwork, they didn’t succeed and went through some rough times.

These were the times when the team was forced to close its eyes and walk with faith.

“It was pure faith in God that kept us going,” Lema says.

The group members quit their jobs and focused all their attention to dancing and using the voice God would soon grant them to preach His name.

A lot of things were stripped off from them, Lema mentioned, and that’s when she says they learned to “humble” themselves.

It was no longer “waking up in the morning wondering what shoes or clothes to buy,” instead their “purpose became bigger” than their own dreams.

This purpose became clear to them after God answered their prayers and gave them the opportunity to represent their beliefs and talent after bringing home the gold from the 2006 International Hip-Hop Open D’Italia.

This win gave them the platform to speak of God and be heard all over the world. They’re world champion!

There was a time when they stayed in the US to promote a charity organization and influence Filipino- Americans to come home and help them out in some of their projects, to aid some of the less fortunate.

The All Stars is also involved in other charity works. The group is proud to say that what matters most to each of them is the ability to influence people to know God through its talents.

As a good friend said, “Live in such a way that those who don’t know Christ but know you, will want to know Christ because they know you.”

A video that can attest to my words can be found in www.youtube.com (One Love at the World Hip-hop Championships). The Stars also has a website, www.philippineallstars.com.

A lot of the group’s performances have also been posted on-line, and you will notice a gesture it makes right after every performance, the members point their fingers upwards — to God, their purpose.

Getting to know the All Stars members opened my eyes to a lot of things. This would be a much better place if we find in our hearts to use God’s word as our guidance, because with every good deed we make, the world changes.

Wishing you all a wonderful Holy Week!