FHM.com.ph

It was that gig that the Philippines learned more about Jabbawockeez and about the group having Filipino members. How many of you are Filipinos?
Joe Larot: There are five Filipinos in Jabbawockeez. We also have Mexican, Korean, Vietnamese, African-American. But with the mask, we are one. We are simply children of music.

How does being Filipino come into play?
Phil: I think being a Filipino, a real minority, has shown me that anything can happen. I've learned from it and now we are teaching the world we can be as successful, strong and happy as anybody else. I love who I am. I love my family. I love everyone who has love for me.

Are you still in touch with your roots here?
Rainen: We are still pretty connected to our roots. A lot of us were born in the US but we still keep in touch with family from the Philippines. Those born in the US speak very little Tagalog but Chris speaks it fluently. We still have a lot of love for our culture and our roots. We're actually taking more time learning Tagalog. 

Would you say there's a strong Fil-Am community there?
Rainen: We hang out with everybody. We do have a lot of Fil-Am friends and family. We pretty much like to hang with them and do the normal everyday things when we're not getting ready for a show. But like I said before, we chill with everyone. Much love to our Fil-Am and non-Fil-Am folks.

Are there lots of Filipinos in the entertainment industry? What happens backstage?
Rainen: I would say we're starting to have a lot of Fil-Am entertainers in the US. When we see each other, we never bump heads. We show support and love to one another. It's always good to see another Fil-Am on the stage representing their craft to the fullest.

The Jabbawockeez will be performing at the Trinoma on September 4, Alabang Town Center on September 5, and Glorietta 5 on September 6.