Marilag Odtohan

‘Dapat may bakla!’ All-queer dance crew Femme MNL to represent PH at Hip Hop International

Fresh off a string of major victories, Femme MNL is set to represent the Philippines at Hip Hop International, one of the world’s most prestigious dance competitions, bringing Filipino queer excellence to the global stage.

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<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17812597963401000040811.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo: Handout</span></span></span></div><p>Fresh off a string of major victories, Femme MNL is set to represent the Philippines at Hip Hop International, one of the world’s most prestigious dance competitions, bringing Filipino queer excellence to the global stage. </p><p>The Manila-based all-queer dance crew will compete internationally after being hailed as the gold medalist in the Megacrew Division of the 2026 Philippine Hip Hop Dance Championship held in May. The victory secured their spot on Team Philippines and earned them the opportunity to face some of the world’s most elite dance crews. </p><p>As they prepare for the competition, Femme MNL is carrying more than routines and choreography. They are also bringing stories of identity, resilience, and representation that have resonated with thousands of Filipinos, especially young queer ones, over the years. </p><p>What began as a group of friends creating dance videos together has evolved into one of the country’s most recognizable dance collectives. </p><p>Femme MNL has built a devoted following through storytelling-driven performances and authentic self-expression, transforming viral dance content into a platform where many young queer Filipinos could see themselves reflected.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17812598326191000040813.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Femme MNL to represent the Philippines at Hip Hop International. <em>Photo: Handout</em></span></span></span></div><p>From their early days producing social media content, the group steadily expanded its influence. Along the way, they established themselves as a force in the Philippine dance scene. </p><p>“We started as a group of queer individuals who simply wanted to dance together, but it grew into something much bigger,” said Jeff Haley Manalo of Femme MNL.</p><p>One of the crew’s biggest breakthroughs came in 2025 when they joined the comeback season of “Pilipinas Got Talent.” Their audition immediately captured the attention of both judges and viewers, with many describing their performance as world-class.</p><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j2lDSOJ5jHA?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><p>Veteran actress Eugene Domingo also expressed her support for the group, famously remarking, “dapat may bakla,” a statement that many supporters viewed as an affirmation of queer visibility on one of the country’s biggest television platforms. </p><p>The moment continued as the crew received a golden buzzer, sending them directly into the semifinals. </p><p>Their run eventually led them to the grand finale, capping off their campaign as runner-up.</p><p>Shortly after their television success, Femme MNL added another achievement to its list of accolades by emerging as world champions at Dance Supremacy International.</p><p>Now, the crew is preparing for its next challenge at Hip Hop International, scheduled from July 25 to August 1, 2026. </p><p>According to Jeff, the team is focused on showcasing the distinct identity and artistry that have become hallmarks of the crew.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17812597050781000040812.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Femme MNL with Vice Ganda, with whom they have regularly performed as one of her trusted dance crews for live performances and productions. <em style="text-align:left">Photo: Handout</em></span></span></span></div><p>Beyond the physical demands of their preparation, the team is also working to ensure that every member can make the trip abroad. </p><p>To help fund their campaign, Femme MNL has launched different fundraising initiatives, including dance classes held every Sunday, and selling merchandise. </p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffemmemnl%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0rq9yqyq8u5wt2E1Zt9DpiYdEg4rJiC3owhwqkDf4J53n6X3iHYoSkFFCyKWaeWXcl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="543" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffemmemnl%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0N4KFmn5xeJkfjBHoVH95dKj7cbUEvzALMrH18oPH3v9hiKe34aWq4Ydd6GVkqzyEl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="786" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>The crew is also seeking sponsors and partners who can help bring Team Philippines to the world stage and support its participation in the competition.</p><p>Femme MNL also hopes Filipinos will rally behind them by following their journey and showing support through their social media platforms. </p><p>For them, the competition represents an opportunity to showcase Filipino talent, creativity, and queer excellence before a global audience.</p><p>“Representing the Philippines at Hip Hop International is both [an honor and a responsibility], and we hope our journey shows young LGBTQIA+ Filipinos that they can succeed without hiding who they are,” Jeff shared.</p><p>As they prepare to step onto one of the dance’s biggest stages, Femme MNL carries with them the hopes of a nation and the pride of a community that continues to make its mark, one performance at a time. </p>

<p>Fresh off a string of major victories, Femme MNL is set to represent the Philippines at Hip Hop International, one of the world’s most prestigious dance competitions, bringing Filipino queer excellence to the global stage. </p>

'Dapat may bakla!' All-queer dance crew Femme MNL to represent PH at Hip Hop International

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'Dapat may bakla!' All-queer dance crew Femme MNL to represent PH at Hip Hop International

Marilag Odtohan

Published June 12, 2026 07:10 PM PHT

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Femme MNL

Hip Hop

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