Silay to New York: A dancer’s leap of faith

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — When many begin to settle into the rhythm of everyday life, one man from Silay City, Negros Occidental, chose to follow the beat of his passion.

Fueled by his love for dancing, 33-year-old Philip Lui Deocadiz stepped beyond the familiar corners of his hometown and onto international stages, turning dreams into reality one performance at a time.

His journey is more than a story of talent — it is a testament to perseverance, faith, and the courage to keep moving forward despite challenges.

Through every step, he proved that dedication and belief in oneself can lead to greater heights and opportunities beyond imagination.

Deocadiz, fondly called by friends “Pipay,” did not grow up surrounded by mirrors or formal dance studios.

There were no expensive shoes, no professional training sessions, and no guarantees of success.

What he had was rhythm, curiosity, and an unwavering love for movement.

Streets became his practice halls.

Gatherings turned into rehearsals.

Wherever music played, he learned.

Deocadiz built his name through persistence rather than privilege.

An undergraduate of Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication at the University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos here, he may not have finished his degree, but he continued to bring pride to his community through his passion for dance and his natural ability as a communicator.

His journey was never easy.

Behind every achievement were years of sacrifice, courage, patience, prayer, faith, hard work, and perseverance.

Every competition, every setback, and every opportunity became part of the foundation that shaped the dancer he is today.

Competing across the Philippines, Deocadiz steadily refined his craft, specializing in Latin American dance — a discipline known for its precision, power, and emotional intensity.

Through years of dedication, he rose through the ranks and became a seven-time Grade B Amateur Latin champion in various national dancesport championships.

His growing reputation soon earned him international recognition.

In 2017, he represented the Philippines at the WDC World Latin Championships in Penang, Malaysia.

Two years later, he delivered a career-defining performance at the Sawasdeeka International Ballroom Championship, winning seven gold medals and one silver medal in the Pro-Am Latin category.

Back home, his success continued to flourish.

He captured multiple gold medals at the Magayon Open Dancesport Championship, stood atop the podium at the Kadayawan International Ballroom and Latin Championship, and excelled at the Negrense National Dancesport Competition.

Beyond competing, Deocadiz also earned recognition as a respected dancesport adjudicator, officiating competitions across the Philippines and parts of Asia.

As his career evolved, dance became more than a competition — it became a responsibility, a platform for mentorship, and a way to represent where he came from.

Then came the most difficult step of all.

Leaving behind familiarity, family, and the career he painstakingly built from the ground up, Deocadiz took a leap of faith and moved to the United States.

There, he pursued an opportunity with Fred Astaire Dance Studios, one of the most recognized ballroom dance franchises in the country.

Rather than waiting for opportunities to arrive, he boldly presented years of competitive experience, teaching expertise, and adjudicating credentials shaped by both local and international exposure.

Today, he serves as a professional dance teacher at Fred Astaire Dance Studios-Dutchess in New York, where he guides aspiring dancers through their first steps while continuing to pursue his own competitive ambitions.

Despite the challenges of adapting to a new culture, living far from home, and constantly pushing himself to improve, Deocadiz sees every struggle as part of his growth — not only as a dancer, but as a person and professional.

“Moving to the United States opened a new chapter in my life, both personally and professionally,” he shared.

“Working with Fred Astaire Dance Studios exposed me to a more structured and competitive dance industry that helped me grow not only as a dancer but also as a professional.”

Through teaching, performing, and learning the inner workings of the dance business, he continues to deepen his craft while preparing for even bigger goals ahead.

One day, he hopes to open his own dance studio — creating opportunities for aspiring dancers who share the same passion and determination that once fueled a young boy dancing in the streets of Silay.

From humble beginnings in Negros to the grand ballrooms of New York, Deocadiz’s story is more than a journey in dance.

It is a story of courage, discipline, sacrifice, and faith — a reminder that even the simplest beginnings can lead to the world’s biggest stages when matched with perseverance and belief.

“No matter how hard it is,” he said, “keep holding on to your dreams, keep the faith, and stay focused on your goals. Because when the right time comes, the Lord will make it happen.” (Contributed photos)