With hearts full of grit and rhythm pulsing through their veins, Filipino dance crew XPL proved that passion and perseverance can take you from humble beginnings to the world stage.
Representing Abu Dhabi, the group of overseas Filipino workers made history as they advanced through the World Supremacy Battlegrounds (WSB) dance competition—placing 3rd in the World Preliminary round and earning a spot in the Top 6 of the World Finals. To honor their standout performance, WSB organizers also named XPL the Top Crew in the UAE, awarding them a special gold medal.
Composed of members juggling full-time jobs and creative aspirations, XPL is made up of dancers from various backgrounds—each bringing their roots from different dance communities in the Philippines. Leading the team is Drex Sacueza, a 33-year-old Senior Messenger and Assistant at Mubadala Investment Company.
“We came from nothing and turned it into something. We are truly grateful to represent this country, and our hearts are filled with happiness and excitement,” Drex shared with TGFM.
From workers to world performers
Balancing demanding schedules and limited resources, the group’s journey was anything but easy. “Working and dancing at the same time is exhausting… but for the love of dance, we’re committed 100% to our team,” Drex added.
The team includes:
- Ninz Cubero, 28, customer service representative at Wanasaland
- Jhosan Espineli, 23, electronic staff at Lulu Hypermarket
- Ver Ayala, 26, operator
- Mac Alonzo, 28, head barista at Ghaf Specialty Cafe
- Mark Jayson Abunales, 31, sales executive at Sartoria Rossi
- Jox Torres, 32, admin staff at Bin Ali Medical Supplies
- Axl Marcelino, 26, sales agent at Shariq Tourism
Despite their differing work schedules and physically demanding jobs, they found unity in one goal: to bring their shared passion for dance to the global stage.
For XPL, dance is more than just performance—it’s connection, inspiration, and self-expression. “If you still have that fire for dancing, let it burn. Let it be the light that guides you to chase your dreams,” Drex encouraged.
To their fellow kababayan in the UAE and around the world, the crew offers a message of hope: “Your ‘soon’ can be your ‘finally.’”
Following their WSB achievement, XPL is now focused on building stronger foundations as a team. They are planning to hold a dance workshop in Abu Dhabi, opening their doors to aspiring dancers who share the same hunger and heart.
