Queer communities have long been known for their creativity, resilience, and boundless energy. Put those qualities into a hip-hop dance crew, and you get Femme MNL, an all-queer Filipino collective that has transformed friendship and self-expression into a cultural force. What started as a group of friends posting dance videos on TikTok is now preparing to represent the Philippines at the Hip Hop International (HHI) World Finals.

In an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, senior member Jeff Haley Manalo shared how the group's individuality, authenticity, and shared passion continue to drive them as they step onto one of the biggest stages in competitive dance.

The rise of Femme MNL was never part of a carefully planned strategy. According to Jeff, the group simply wanted to share their love for dance and enjoy creating content together. Their perspective changed when they began seeing their videos reach audiences far beyond their circle of friends. Their performances were recreated by viewers, shared across platforms, and even caught the attention of influencers and celebrities. More importantly, they started hearing from people who felt empowered and represented through their content.

“It showed us that we were no longer just creating dance videos—we were creating a space where people could express themselves, celebrate authenticity, and feel represented,” he said. "That was when we understood that Femme MNL had grown into something much bigger than us.”

Today, the crew carries a different kind of responsibility. Beyond representing themselves, they are also representing Filipino dancers and the LGBTQIA+ community on the international stage.

Preparing for HHI has required intense commitment from the team. As a mega crew composed of members with different schedules, balancing training sessions and personal responsibilities has become one of their biggest challenges. Yet the group remains focused on its purpose.

Mentally, they constantly remind themselves why they started and who they are representing. Creatively, they continue refining every detail of their performance to ensure it reflects their identity, passion, and pride as Filipinos. That sense of identity is deeply woven into Femme MNL's performances. Their choreography celebrates the confidence, fierceness, and hyper-feminine energy that many queer Filipinos embody. For the crew, dance is more than entertainment. It is a platform for visibility and self-expression.

"We want people to see themselves in our stories and feel inspired to embrace who they are without fear or hesitation," he shared.

That message resonates strongly in today's conversations about representation. The crew was among those inspired by veteran actress and comedian Eugene Domingo's viral remark, "Dapat may bakla," which sparked discussions about LGBTQIA+ visibility in mainstream spaces. For the group, representation is not simply about being seen. It is about creating opportunities, breaking stereotypes, and proving that identity should never limit ambition.

Their growing list of achievements includes appearances on “Pilipinas Got Talent,” victories at “Dance Supremacy,” and qualification for HHI. Yet Jeff believes their most defining moments are not measured by trophies. One memory that stands out was their performance at HHI Philippines. After leaving the stage, every member felt fulfilled knowing they had given their all. In that moment, winning felt secondary to performing with passion and authenticity.

"Whether we're creating content online or preparing for a major competition, our goal remains the same: to inspire, entertain, and represent our community with authenticity," he said.

As they prepare to wear the Philippine colors on the world stage, Femme MNL hopes their journey will inspire young LGBTQIA+ Filipinos to dream bigger.

Their message is simple yet powerful: “Keep pursuing what you love, even when the path feels difficult. Believe in yourself, work hard, and stay true to who you are. If Femme MNL's journey proves anything, it's that passion, perseverance, and authenticity can take you places you never imagined possible.”