Queer Filipino dance group reacts to feature in Troye Sivan dance video

Femme MNL’s excitement: Speaking to Vogue Philippines, Femme MNL admitted that they were shocked after finding out that they were chosen for the “Got Me Started” dance video, adding that it was out of the blue when they received the invitation to represent the country in the video.

“It was unexpected so we were all excited to showcase the talent of queer Filipinos on the international scene,” the group said. “It is significant for us because we do not just represent our team but the whole gay community itself. We believe that the talent of gay Filipinos are meant to be seen worldwide.”

The group, who had gone viral on TikTok, previously headlined World of Dance Philippines with just two days of preparation.

A platform: According to member Matrix Katindig, they also view Sivan’s music video as a platform where they can show their “craft and artistry.” The group members who appeared on the video were Kenshin Tabion, Denver Dumo, Christian Coligado, Renz Bercasio, Kian Apuad, Arialle Amahit and Sofronio Alcantara.

“This is such a dream for us considering that Troye Sivan is a known singer in the industry who represents the gay community in the entertainment media,” Katindig said.

Southeast Asian dancers: Some of the other Southeast Asian dance groups featured in the hit single, clips of whom were uploaded to YouTube on Oct. 21, include Funky Fresh Official from Malaysia, New Heights Crew from Singapore, XBEES from Indonesia, B-Wild Dance Crew from Vietnam.

The video also included Thai drag queens such as former “Drag Race Thailand” contestants Année Maywong, Angele Anang and Kandy Zyanide.