Dancing is the loftiest, the most moving, the most beautiful of the arts, because it is not mere translation or abstraction from life; it is life itself. – Havelock Ellis

They may have defied gravity by dancing their way to the top. But what is more amazing is how they manage to keep their feet firmly on the ground.

The Philippine All Stars reigned supreme in the 2006 World Hip Hop Championships, the largest and most respected of the international competitions for hip hop dance, serving up a soul-stirring fusion of moves and dance styles. They also topped the 2nd International Hip Hop Open D’Italia, and placed third last year at the 6th World Hip Hop Championship in Los Angeles.

To say that the Philippine All Stars is insanely cool is an understatement. But the story to tell is not their successes. It is how they got there.

’WE ARE ALL STARS’

The group recognizes hip hop as "the world’s favorite youth culture," a global epidemic that has evolved from its ethnic roots by way of globalization and localization. Hip hop is often misconstrued, relating it to violence and drugs. But in recent years, this dance genre has given a voice to young people who want to be heard and noticed, the same thing that it is doing for the Philippine All Stars which is originally composed of 12 young and talented performers.

The Philippine All Stars is now known all over the world for their authentic hip hop and RnB flavor, combining different styles of urban grooves. They put breakdancing, pop lockin’, freestyling, krump, old school and new school in the mix. Its 15 members at present are 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.

"We are the best in each field, in each style, that’s why we are all stars. Each of us is unique and everyone is a star," explains Lema Diaz, who is also a member of the dance group Hotlegs, on how they coined the name of the group.

Starting out as close friends from different backgrounds, they decided to put their talents to good use. "We go way back, as in best friends, some are relatives and even childhood friends. We got to know each other from the clubbing scene, in Wherelse, Orange, Mars, Embassy, Jaipur," recalls Lema.

Kyxz Mendiola and Michelle Salazar formed the group in June 2005. Having difficulty getting a job after finishing college, Michelle enrolled in a power dance class that summer.

"Mapili kasi ako sa trabaho ‘nun, ayoko nung basta-basta lang. So I might as well make something out of my summer. Hanggang sa na-involve na ako sa sayaw, di na ko makaalis. It became my passion," she says.

Meanwhile, Kenneth Serrano and Laurence Chua have been friends since they were teenagers in Canada. They came back to the Philippines to find out more about their roots and at the same time try their luck in the local entertainment scene.

"I was in love with playing basketball, hip hop dancing, freestyling. But I had no idea what to do after high school. I hated computers," shares Kenneth. "Bumalik kami ni Laurence dito, freed our minds. Ano kayang meron sa Pilipinas, next thing you know, we got trapped here and fell in love, all the struggles became miracles," he adds.

All of the members were either in school or gave up their careers just to represent the country in the World Hip Hop Championships.

"We have different backgrounds but we are all interconnected by one mission, and it happened to be dancing," says Laurence. "That’s how all of us met. It’s like destiny. We dropped our individual careers, some did modelling, singing, commercials, we dropped all that to focus in our mission to represent the country," he enthuses.

ON THE DANCEFLOOR

In spite of their talents and hard work, the group went through some rough times. These were also the times when they forced to close their eyes and decided to walk with faith.

With no resources to go to the United States for the competition, and no one willing to sponsor the trip, they practically begged for money from families, friends and strangers.

But despite discouragement, the group believed they would win.

"A lot of people were saying we couldn’t make it because we were going up against the best of the best. But we know our capabilities. Besides, why join if you’re not gonna try to win it, " adds Lema.

Their parents also thought they were making a big gamble. "They were scared for us. Some even called us ‘desperate.’ Others said that we’re just wasting our time. But it’s something that we really wanted, it’s our dream to win for our country," relates Laurence.

They eventually raised enough money to fund the plane tickets to California where they managed to impress the competition with their energetic moves and inventive choreography inspired by, among others, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson and Usher.

Winning the world championship over countries like Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, USA, Japan, Germany, Italy, Colombia, Spain, Russia, United Kingdom and Mexico, was no mean feat for a group of dancers who had never danced for a living or performed on TV. E-Real Records, a US-based recording company, was so impressed with them that their stay was extended, with board and lodging sponsored at that!

So what won it for the Philippines despite being the newbie in the hip hop scene?

"It’s our hunger, our fire. Yung mga struggles namin nilabas namin sa dancefloor," enthuses Lema. "When you’re on fire, no one can stop you. We did not get intimidated. We were more like amazed because we get to share the stage with the best in the world."

That same fire and hunger pushed them to compete again the following year, placing third over-all. Next month, they will leave again for the US to represent the country in the World Hip Hop Championships to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

"Dami ngang nagtatanong bakit nagco-compete pa rin kami eh na-prove na naman namin yung mga sarili namin," says Michelle. "Para sa amin hindi siya more of the competition, it’s like giving love, we’re just giving back the glory (to Him)," she further adds.

The group had finally paid all their debts recently, amounting to approximately R3 million, via a series of fund-raising concerts. "Wala na kaming utang ngayon through yun sa concert namin. Hindi namin masyadong iniisip yung pera kasi alam naman namin mababayaran namin, kahit pakonti-konti. For example sa gigs, R5,000 ang bayad sa amin, R1,000 lang ang mapupunta sa amin," Michelle humbly reveals.

SPREADING THE LOVE FOR DANCE

The Philippine All Stars hopes to improve the country’s standards in the entertainment industry by spreading their knowledge and awareness in the art of dancing.

Aside from occasional TV guestings, commercial and event appearances, and rehearsals everyday, the group is likewise busy with dance workshops, which they offer from time to time. "Balak namin in the future magkaroon ng scholars, magkaroon ng dance school. Although meron namang iba na nagtuturo kasi may mga studios na sila," shares Michelle.

Since the group started and became popular, a lot of kids are now looking up to them as role models.

"Ang dami na ring gumagaya sa amin na mga bata. Umuutang din para makapag-compete. Isa sa mga gusto naming mangyari na ‘wag na silang umutang, kami na lang yung maghirap para sa kanila," she ends.