Dancing off for a cause

MANILA, Philippines - Young JV is not just a young hip-hop protagonist, a teen idol or the altruistic character for orphans of soldiers who died defending our country. He is the icon of peace, charity and humility. 

At his very young age, Young JV is already engaged in various charitable activities. He raises funds for charity and has started the Lahing Bayani Foundation,   where he can relate to his beneficiaries. 

The Ready or Not Dance Off , held July 10 at A Venue was the first of Young JV’s efforts in fulfilling his overwhelming desire to help people through his foundation. The event proved to be festive and commemorative for first-time volunteers.

Thirteen participants made it to the finals. They are Bacboyz; D’Shots; Collab Crew; Mystical Diversity; Exclusive Boiz; Batang Mama Dance Crew; New System Dance Crew; BC Hipstars; 318 Filmeisters; Gottawock; Breakthrough Musical; Philippine Hip Dance Crew and Next To Innocence. 

Directed by Audie Gemora and produced by Doing It Big Production, the event saw the three judges — John Supan (of Maneuvers), Jungee Marcelo and Ruby Ann Nogoy (choreographer of Young JV’s song Shake Shake) picking out three winners.

They are:

First prize winner Batang Mama, a veteran crew in hip-hop competitions. They were formed 10 years ago, when they met in high school. They recently won in the Dunkin’ Donuts Dunkdown and was named champion in last May’s Aliwan Festival. Aside from the usual stunts and blow ups, they managed to inject humor in their piece.

Second placer Gottawock showcased their angst in their choreography, music and even their costume, a surprising orange prison uniform. The group, barely a year old, has made itself known in various mall-based dance competitions. Gottawock is one of the most passionate crews we have in this dance-off, channeling the hardships they’ve had with their past crews into unmistakable energy.

Third placer Next To Innocence is not innocent at all when it comes to dance competitions. The group is another veteran, having been visible in mall competitions and has recently conquered talent searches on TV. Their influences are as varied as the dance styles they can execute, from intricate tutting to high energy break dance and even feminine voguing and wacking. From their humble origin in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, they aim global like their idols, The Philippine All Stars.

The event’s beneficiaries, Lahing Bayani Foundation, is blessed to have a big heart in Young JV.

Meanwhile, the Younglings Fans Club (YFC) congregated at McDonald’s, Glorietta Mall last July 25 for Young JV’s belated birthday party (he turned 20 last July 23). Fans had a great time playing fun games. 

At 1:30 p.m., Michelle Mallo, YFC founder, started the roll call and led the impromptu games. Young JV trapped, in the middle of heavy rains and traffic, could not get it fast to the venue.

YFC is an international organization founded by Young JV. It has more than 600 active members rooting for more albums and songs for Young JV.