MANILA, Philippines — When not performing on onstage or writing songs in the recording studio, R&B sensation Young JV mostly spends his time practicing his dance moves in the living room of their house in New Manila, Quezon City.

“This is where my friends and I hang out. I spend most of my time here rehearsing with my dancers. We just move the furniture. Aside from helping me with the choreography, they are also my back up dancers in shows,” he says. His dancers, called the Rock Stars, are former members of the internationally awarded hip-hop dance group Philippine All Stars.

As a matter of fact, JV says almost all the things that he needs are in the living room. “I like it here because everything’s here, the TV , the DVDs my computer where I update and interact with my fans via Facebook, Twitter and YouTube,” he adds.

Giving back
Being the son of retired Philippine Air Force Col. Eduardo “Red” Kapunan, Jr., 20-year-old Young JV thinks of himself also as a person with a mission.

A few of his songs, for ins tance, are like his father's war stories when he was a combat pilot in Mindanao and when he took part in the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.

“I’m proud that my dad was part of history. I got all the stories, I pretty much know it, like the details how it started, why did he do it. He is one of the brains behind RAM and he formed the group with Gringo Honasan, (Juan Ponce) Enrile, etc.”

Young JV continues the legacy of heroism and noble service of his parents by giving scholarships to soldier’s orphans through his Lahing Bayani Foundation, Inc.

“I was thinking since sundalo ‘yung tatay ko, maybe I could help ‘yung mga kabataan na nawalan ng tatay na sundalo to go to school. This is my way of giving back. A part of the proceeds of my album will go to them,'' relates the 2nd year Entrepreneurship student at Thames International Business School. His debut album, “Ready or Not” under PolyEast Records has earned for him Best New Artist from Awit Awards and MYX Music Awards, among others.

Hence, the musician is not wasting a single moment and is enjoying every bit of his young career. “My ultimate dream is to go on a tour abroad. I want to share my music to more Filipinos, to more people. I’m not the type who gets satisfied easily. I always aim higher. If you dream, dream big. Don’t settle for anything less,” he ends.