Universal Motion Dancers: A Blast from the Philippine Dance Scene's Past
The 1990s in the Philippines was a vibrant era marked by the rise of grunge music, the emergence of boy bands, the advent of family computers, the fashion of baggy pants, and the novelty of party lines. Amidst this cultural landscape, unforgettable dance groups emerged, dominating Philippine showbiz. Among these iconic groups was the Universal Motion Dancers (UMD). Their impact was so profound that the dance hits they popularized continue to be played and danced to this day.
The Rise of Dance Groups in the '90s
The success of groups like the Manoeuvres, Universal Motion Dancers (UMD), Streetboys, and Abztract Dancers was undeniable. They dominated television, afternoon discos, fiestas, and school events. Screaming fans, particularly young girls, would lose their minds watching them perform. Many members of these groups transitioned from being iconic dancers to accomplished actors, further solidifying their mark on the entertainment industry.
Universal Motion Dancers (UMD): A Closer Look
Universal Motion Dancers (UMD) etched their name in the history of Philippine dance. Wowie de Guzman, one of the group's prominent members, became a top matinee idol in the 1990s.
Wowie de Guzman: From UMD to Leading Man
Jeffrey Camangyan (born September 22, 1976), known professionally as Wowie de Guzman, is a Filipino dancer and a stage, film and TV actor. He was one of the top matinee idols from the 1990s. His break came as a member of dance group Universal Motion Dancers (UMD). He formed a popular love team with Judy Ann Santos. The Juday-Wowie tandem starred in numerous box office hits, including "Sana Naman," "Kung Alam Mo Lang," "Wow Multo," "Mara Clara: The Movie," "Esperanza: The Movie," "Paano Ang Puso Ko?," "Muling Ibalik ang Tamis ng Pag-ibig," "Kasal-Kasalan, Sakal-Sakalan," and "Dito Sa Puso Ko."
De Guzman also ventured into theater, performing in productions of Gantimpala Theater Foundation such as "Florante at Laura," "Ibong Adarna," "El Filibusterismo," "Noli Me Tangere," "The Bomb," "Alikabok," "Loren Ruiz," "Romeo Loves Juliet," and "Perlita Ng Silangan."
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UMD's Endorsements and Appearances
Like other popular groups of their time, UMD actively promoted various brands. In 1994, they were associated with CO.B (COMPANY B), a big apparel company that created a youth line of denims and tops. Joshua Zamora even appeared in trade ads for CO. magazines.
"Rewind: The Comeback Stage": A Celebration of Dance History
The dance competition segment "Rewind: The Comeback Stage" paid homage to the dance hits and groups of different generations. The segment premiered on May 22, 2024, and concluded on July 6, 2024, with a special Christmas edition airing on October 19, 2024.
Format of the Competition
Each day, different famous dance groups from different generations competed. After their performances, the groups engaged in interviews with the hosts, sharing their histories and perspectives on modern popular hits. The studio audience voted for the winner, who received ₱40,000 and a spot in the weekly finals. Weekly winners competed in qualifying rounds to determine the groups that would enter the grand finals.
The Grand Finals
The grand finals took place on July 6, 2024, at Studio 4 of TV5 Media Center and was broadcast live on television. Each dance group performed a medley of the dance hits they had popularized. Jameson Blake and MJ Arda, along with Dabarkads Atasha Muhlach and Jose Manalo, comprised the judges panel. The Streetboys were declared the winners. The X-People received ₱10,000 and a gift from Flanax for winning Flanax's Funky Fresh Flexi Moves award. Mel Feliciano & Ronald Sto also participated on the show. A total of 30 dance groups competed in Rewind: The Comeback Stage.
The Enduring Legacy of Philippine Street Dance
Ricky Carranza, a Pioneer Street Dancer of the Philippines, is creating a documentary called "Sayaw Kalsada" that explores the history of street dance in the Philippines. Carranza's former group, "The Funk System," was among the early street dance crews in the Philippines, alongside groups like the Mechanics, Knapsax, Mastermixes, Eclipse, Infoclash Rockers, Manoeuvres, and Kool Kats.
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"Sayaw Kalsada": Telling the Untold Story
"Sayaw Kalsada" aims to tell the untold stories of old-school pioneer street dancers and the new generation, highlighting their passion and contributions to the establishment of Filipino street dance culture. The documentary also features Filipino street-style dancers, teachers, and organizers worldwide.
Carranza envisions establishing the Street Dance Institute of the Philippines, an educational institution specializing in street dance, offering a degree for aspiring professional dancers and teachers.
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