The ’90s dance group Streetboys
Your passion for dance will take you anywhere if you combine it with hard work,” said Meynard Marcellano, one of eight original members of the popular ’90s dance group Streetboys, as a way to encourage aspiring dancers to continue pursuing their dreams.
As a result of the training he received as a member of the Streetboys, Meynard—who only managed to finish high school—performed in the iconic stage musical “Miss Saigon” in 2000 in Hong Kong, Singapore and, eventually, the United Kingdom. This then led to a 13-year stint—first as a performer, then as a show director—at Universal Studios in Singapore.
“Back then, I only wanted to dance. I got into what was called an ‘afternoon disco,’ which was a club that allowed teenagers to dance but without alcohol. It’s a venue to show what you’ve got,” he recalled during a recent media gathering to promote the group’s reunion concert, titled “The Sign ’90s Supershow,” on April 19 at Aliw Theater in Pasay City.“Respect the craft and pour your heart into it. It’s OK if you fail the first time. Create a different story the next day. I don’t know if you believe in the law of attraction. It simply says if you want something, just go for it. I’m a living example of that. This high school graduate was able to live and work abroad because he willed it, persevered and stayed focused.”
Meynard’s group mate, Christopher Cruz, then recalled the time they were just starting and would only earn P180 a day as talent fee.
“We had to borrow money to commute to our dance studio. The one thing all of us had in common was our love for dancing and performing. We worked so hard to reach where we are now,” said Christopher, who was responsible for contacting the members of all the ’90s dance groups prior to conceptualizing the show. “For the young ones who want to get somewhere, just be firm about it, persevere and love what you do. To those who are still in school, never quit. You can always do both.”
Marcellano (fourth from left) with MJ Buera of Wild Cats Philippines, Arnel Caranto as overall director, Tyrone Gabuay of Abztract Dancers, Christopher Cruz of Streetboys, Marco McKinley of UMD, Seika Hashizume of Wildcat Queens, and Justin Lee of Mak Media Inc. —MARINEL CRUZ
Other members
Aside from Meynard and Christopher, Streetboys members Danilo Barrios and UK-based Spencer Reyes have agreed to participate in the concert. The other members are Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, Michael Sesmundo and Joseph de Leon.
“Just be patient,” said Tyrone Gabuat, a member of the Abztract Dancers whose members included Dingdong Dantes and Arthur Solinap, among others. “If you are impatient, you tend to give up easily, although the love for performing never really goes away. In fact, those who have retired and ended up being office executives are excited to join the concert. Some even said they don’t mind that the budget is small. They have their own money, anyway, and just wanted to participate. To the youth, we’re here to inspire you, to help you go after your dreams.”
Meanwhile, Spencer, who is currently working in the United Kingdom, has promised to return home just for the concert. In fact, he participated in the press conference via Zoom and also answered questions about his life there.
Meynard Marcellano —PHOTOS FROM MEYNARD MARCELLANO/INSTAGRAM
Raising funds
“When I heard about the show, I was surprised. I was told that not only will I get to perform with my group mates, but that other ’90s dancers will be part of the event, too. I had goosebumps. I didn’t hesitate and just said ‘yes’ right away,” said Spencer, who was the youngest Streetboys member then at 14. “It’s my honor to share the stage with all of them. This is important because this isn’t just a reunion. This is also an attempt to raise funds for aspiring dancers who are dreaming big, but do not have the means to fulfill it yet.”The show will benefit the talents of Batang Mama Academy of Dance, which is run by Wildcat Queens Philippines, also the show’s producer.
Spencer, who also made a few teen-oriented movies in the past, has been living in the UK for almost 17 years now. He worked there as a nurse for a decade, then shifted to being a bus driver. “Becoming a driver at one of the biggest bus companies in Europe is tough, in the sense that it was hard to get into the company. Very few Asians get hired as drivers. It offers more benefits, too,” said Spencer. “During summer, I get invited by the Filipino community to perform. That way, I still get to express my love for dancing. It feels good that people still recognize my talent. For this, I’m thankful.”
“The Sign ’90s Supershow,’’ with Arnel Caranto as overall director, also features some of the members of the Manoeuvres, Universal Motion Dancers, Kidz at Work, Power X People, Bigmen, Dyna Turbo, Teensquad, katz22, Black & White, Mastermind, Blain and the Wildcat Queens.