Profiles

The Ensemble

CEO and Creative Director

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Administrative Staff

Yel, a cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering from the University of the Philippines Diliman, is also an alumnus of the UP Dancesport Society.

Captivated by movement from an early age, Yel explored dance styles including hip-hop, waacking, KRUMP, voguing, contemporary, and ballroom. In high school, as a member of the PSHS-CARC Dance Troupe, he competed in events like the Juicy Inter-School Dance Competition and YMCA Academic Olympics, where his team excelled in both Modern and Folk Dance categories. Later, as part of Baguio’s hip-hop group RONIN, he competed in the JKrayonz Battle of the Champs.

In college, Yel joined IndaCKTors, UP Circuit’s official dance team, winning titles at Indakan 2020 and 2024. In 2023, he joined the UP Dancesport Society and excelled in ballroom competitions, including the Philippine Superstars Open and the UP System Oblation Sports Dancesport Championship, where he secured several high placements. Most recently, his team placed second in the Latin category at the 2024 Cordillera Dance Festival.

Yel remains dedicated to advancing his skills, believing that success in dance is achieved through commitment, hard work, and a touch of passion.

Company Member

Hannah Mikaella Bagunu Mamauag, affectionately known as Kai, was born on June 30, 2004, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. As the first-born in a family of five, she has two brothers who now reside in Cabagan, Isabela. Kai spent most of her childhood abroad, returning to the Philippines in December 2015 after completing up to 5th grade.

She continued her education at Saint Ferdinand College, where she studied from 6th grade through 12th grade. Kai discovered her love for dance at the age of 6, initially treating it as a hobby that quickly blossomed into a passion. She eagerly participated in any dance performances during school events, making her presence felt on stage.

During her senior high school years, Kai was determined to learn and grow as a dancer. However, the “Arts and Design” strand was unavailable in her curriculum, prompting her to pursue “Humanities and Social Sciences” instead. In June 2022, she graduated with honors and soon after enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts (Major in Dance) program at Arellano University, Legarda Campus, which rekindled her passion for dance.

Kai’s primary genre is hip-hop, characterized by her preference for groovy and chill movements. Recently, she has begun exploring new genres, focusing more on jazz and contemporary styles. Now in her apprentice year and a scholar at iDance Philippines, Kai has gained invaluable knowledge and experience, motivating her to strive even harder for her future in the performing arts.

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Apprentice

The Faculty

Coaches and Instructors

Driven by her passion for dancing, Glory Fe Manalang, known as Glory, is currently a junior student taking Bachelor of Public Administration at the University of the Philippines – Diliman. She is a member of UP Dancesport Society and the incumbent Vice President for Finance and Marketing. Since childhood, she was captivated by the art of portraying various stories, emotions, and crafts through dancing. She started to display her love for dancing by joining small barangay competitions showcasing her passion for dance.

In her elementary and high school, Glory was part of the Saint Louis College (SLC) Libtak Dance Troupe, the official dance group of the school that excelled in contemporary, hip-hop, and folk dances. She performed and competed in various Philippine Folk Dance and Contemporary dances, placing 2nd runner-up and 1st runner-up for Philippine Folk Dance (Maria Clara) in the 5th and 6th CICM Friendship Meet.

Motivated to broaden her horizon and develop as a dancer, Glory embarked on a new journey through ballroom dancing. In college, she joined the UP Dancesport Society which ignited her passion to compete in different Latin Ballroom categories. Together with her team, they competed in the Latin category in the recent 2024 Cordillera Dance Festival Dancesport Competition and Urdaneta City Dancesport Competition 2024, placing second and third, respectively.

At present, Glory is dedicated to enhancing her skills as she believes that continuous progress is an important aspect to become better in conveying oneself in dance.

Many people struggle to pronounce his name, RIyurii (pronounced “ra.yu.ri”), but you can call him Yuri. He is a witty and hardworking performer and an undergraduate student majoring in Filipino Education. Since his primary school days, he has always been ambitious, imaginative, and creative. He has found his comfort zone in the performing arts, which he considers the place where he truly belongs.

Building both his passion and career is a significant mission for him. Currently, he serves as the head of a cover group named Namja, is a dance instructor at DOC Studios, teaches dance at iDance Philippines, and is a member of UPeepz. These milestones represent great achievements for him.

Yuri continues to strive for success and aims to rise brightly until he achieves contentment. He believes that excitement awaits us all; as long as you’re happy, just keep pursuing your passions. Life will make sense when you embrace the joy of it.

He earned his Bachelor of Physical Education degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman and successfully passed the 2022 Licensure Examination for Teachers. From 2011 to 2015, he was a member and lead choreographer of the Soulshakers Crew. Additionally, he has a background in gymnastics and cheerleading from his time at Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive Highschool. His dance career further extended to being part of ONE UP CDO in 2013, the UP Filipiniana Dance Group from 2015 to 2019, and UPeepz since 2019.

With extensive experience performing and competing both locally and internationally, his notable achievements include placing third in the Milo Little Olympics Cheerdance Competition (2011), securing first place at the Juicy Inter-School Dance Competition, Bambini Inter-School Dance Competition, and Danztrack Inter-School Dance Competition (all in 2013), and finishing as second runner-up in the AMA Hi-Skul Dance Competition (2015).

He also placed third in the 2014 Mindanao-Wide Hip-Hop Competition, won the championship at the 2016 World Dancelebration Contemporary, and took home gold medals at the 2016 and 2019 UAAP Ballroom Formation Dance Competitions. Moreover, he earned silver at the 2016 2nd Asian Cheerleading Dancesport Championship in Indonesia and proudly represented the Philippines in the 2018 Surin International Cultural Exchange in Thailand.

Currently, he works as a licensed professional teacher, freelance choreographer, and dance instructor.

As an avid lover of the performing arts, Mell participated in the Neo Kiddilets talent contest at the age of 8, representing Region X with a monologue. He graduated under the Special Program in the Arts curriculum, majoring in Music Vocal, and was a member of the Glee Club for four years. His formal training in dance began as a Cultural Scholar in a Mindanaoan dance troupe, which opened many opportunities for him to learn various dance styles and appreciate the impactful role of art in individuals’ lives.

Leading and mentoring come naturally to him; he has served as the former president of the CU Dance Troupe and is also a licensed professional teacher.

Mell is an experienced performer and represented Cagayan de Oro in theatrical dance at a national talent festival at La Salle University. He also represented the Philippines at the SOLO International Performing Arts in Solo, Indonesia. Furthermore, he has had the opportunity to choreograph for celebrities and various shows on local television.

Mr. Melmar Elarmo, LPT, is a singer, dancer, choreographer, and teacher.

John Paul, a graduating Bachelor of Physical Education student from the University of the Philippines Diliman, is a former member of the prestigious UP Pep Squad. Passionate about movement, performance, and teaching, he has dedicated his college years to promoting physical activity, discipline, and teamwork, especially among the youth.

John Paul’s athletic journey began in Men’s Artistic Gymnastics, where he earned placements in regional and provincial competitions. In college, he further honed his skills as an athlete and performer through his involvement with the UP Pep Squad, competing in the UAAP Cheerdance Competition and the National Cheerleading Championship. His rigorous training in these arenas instilled in him the core values of consistency, resilience, and collaboration, which he now applies in his role as a Physical Education intern.

Throughout his internship, John Paul has had the opportunity to teach at the University of the Philippines Integrated School and volunteer for major events, including World Children’s Day and national conferences. In these roles, he facilitated gymnastics workshops and provided technical support, further strengthening his commitment to making movement inclusive, meaningful, and enjoyable for learners of all ages.

As he continues to develop his career as a future educator and coach, John Paul believes that movement is not just a skill, but a lifelong tool for empowerment and well-being.