An Abu Dhabi-based Filipino dance crew is setting its sights on a world championship title after a strong showing at one of the Middle East’s most competitive street dance events.
XPL, composed entirely of Filipinos working and living in Abu Dhabi, secured multiple podium finishes at the UDO Middle East Dance Festival 2026, held April 17 to 19 at GEMS Wellington Academy in Dubai’s Silicon Oasis. The crew placed 2nd in the Open Team Division, 2nd in the All Style Battle Open, and reached the semifinals of the 2v2 All Style Battle — results that also earned them a slot to represent the UAE at the UDO World Street Dance Championships in Blackpool, UK this August.
Team leader Drex Sacueza, however, keeps the medals in perspective. “For us, these recognitions in both categories are just a bonus,” he said. “The real reward is that we are still able to represent our country, the Philippines, in the UAE while doing what we truly love — dancing.”
The road to the competition was anything but straightforward. With each member holding down a full-time job, preparation time was limited and training happened largely after hours. “Our time management required sacrifice — we trained late at night even though we had regular jobs the next day,” Sacueza said. He credits faith as much as discipline for getting the crew to the starting line. “We believe that God gave us the sign to join another international competition.”
The Blackpool trip will not be XPL’s first time carrying both the Philippine and UAE flags on an international stage. The crew previously competed in the World Supremacy Battlegrounds in Dubai, where they placed 3rd in the semifinals, finished in the Top 6 at the World Finals, and were recognized as a top crew in the UAE. “It is such a blessing for us to receive this kind of recognition — it has kept us humble,” Sacueza said. “Competing with different countries is not easy.”
What holds the crew together through the demanding schedules and varied backgrounds is a shared sense of purpose. “We have different jobs and different lifestyles, but we share one vision, one mission, and one passion,” Sacueza said. Weekly jamming sessions serve as both rehearsal and anchor, keeping the team’s momentum intact between their professional commitments.
Going into Blackpool — home to the 21st UDO World Street Dance Championships from August 12 to 16 — XPL is not coming simply to participate. “We are determined to win the title; our goal is to bring it home,” Sacueza said. “We believe that our team is ready to compete in the World Finals this August.”
To fellow OFWs quietly pursuing a dream between shifts, Sacueza offers a pointed challenge: “If not now, then when? If you have the opportunity, talent, and passion, don’t waste your time doubting yourself. If you believe you can, then you can.”
