K Pop star Jay Park(4th from left) is joined by his crew Art of Movement dancers from left: Tony “Dialtone” Orduna, Andrew Baterina, Daniel “Step Roc” Jerome, Felipe “Junior” Orduna, Chase “Cha Cha” Malone and Hep Da Tightest

Text and photos by

Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

While K Pop Superstar and Hollywood actor Rain is 100% homegrown in Korea the roots of his heir apparent is more mixed. The younger, more boyish Jay Park is considered by a lot of people to follow in the footsteps of Rain who recently held his successful “Intensity” concert here in Manila last September. Jay Park will have a concert together with the Art of Movement produced by Wilbros Inc. at the SMX Center this October 3, 2010, Sunday. An indication of his success is his single “Count On Me” made available as a download on cell phones by texting JP to 5677 which is open to all networks. Smart subscribers have the chance to see Jay Park for free by joining the TST promo. Log on to: http://www.facebook.com/notes/smart-communications-inc/jay-parks-fan-meet-tour-2010/440670203475

Right after the pres con there was an impromptu handstand contest, AOM showed their athleticism

Park’s parents moved to the U.S. and he grew up in Seattle. He initially found fame in Korea as part of the group 2PM. After his departure from the group he went back to his roots in Seattle where he teamed up with a few of the homeboys he grew up with. Their group of friends formed the dance crew Art of Movement. They call themselves a ‘brotherhood’ of dancers, b boys. Incidentally some of his best friends are Filipinos he grew up with in his neighborhood who are now a part of Art of Movement or AOM for short.

He has known, Daniel “Step Roc” Jerome since they were in Pre School. Jerome’s parents are both Filipinos but he has never been to the Philippines himself. Chase “Cha cha” Malone is another friend, his mom is from Cebu and his dad is African American. Park said, “I was able to taste lumpia and adobo because Chase’ mom makes them. I loved them way before I got here to Manila.” His experience is very similar to Adam Lambert who grew up in San Diego with Filipino friends and loved the food. Lambert will have a concert in Mall of Asia slated for October 10.

Choreographer Andrew Baterina who is with them for the concert is also Filipino. Park met him later and admired Baterina’s work. Park explained, “Filipinos are known for their talents in singing and dancing. A lot of choreographers in the U.S. are Filipinos. Now we have Drew choreographing some of our routines.”

Michael Jackson and Usher are two of Park’s main influences in singing and dancing. As a rapper he idolizes Tupac Shakur, Eminem, Naz, Jay Z and Canibus. During the press conference, Park admitted that he would like to collaborate with Charice. And much like Charice, he was able to distinguish himself as a solo performer on You Tube. His self produced video of the Asian version of “Nothing on You” by B.O.B was able to attract 1.5 million views in the span of 24 hours. This has lead to the launch of his EP “Count On Me” through Warner Music Group Asia Pacific.

Seated: K Pop star Jay Park(3rd from left) is joined by his crew Art of Movement dancers from left: Felipe “Junior” Orduna, Andrew Baterina, Glen and Winston Llamas of Wilbros Inc. Daniel “Step Roc” Jerome. Standing from left: Art of Movement B boys Chase “Cha Cha” Malone, Tony “Dialtone” Orduna, Hep Da Tightest and Wilson Llamas of Wilbros Inc.

“Jay Park is definitely an international star that will draw a wide range of fans. We knew there were two Filipinos in AOM but now we’re glad to find out there are actually more of them. Some of the AOM members who weren’t able to make it here are also Filipinos. Jay has strong ties with us that started from his childhood. So the concert at the SMX this Sunday will be very memorable for him and his fans,” said Winston Llamas of Wilbros Inc. promoter of the event.  Park also ended his interview by saying, “Thank you to Filipinos. Mahal kita, peace.”

Jay Park (seated in white tee) horses around w Daniel Jerome a Fil-Am b boy he grew up with.