August 11, 2024 | 12:00am
Describing the local dance scene of the ‘90s is never complete without mentioning famous male dance groups like the Manoeuvres. The group created unforgettable dance crazes such as Tubthumping, Come Baby Come, Informer, Whoomp! There It Is, Rump Shaker, C’Mon N’ Ride It (The Train), Sweet Soul Revue, and Macarena.
Joshua Zamora and Michael Flores admitted they never expected that Macarena would become one of their biggest hits. They were hesitant to dance Macarena the first time they heard it. “Before kasi ang tawag sa Manoeuvres ay macho dancers because of our steps. Iyong sayaw namin more on lalaking-lalaki. Macho,” Michael explained during their recent guesting on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.” He also talked about the Japanese song Sweet Soul Revue. “Iyan iyong sinayaw namin na hindi namin naintindihan ang lyrics,” he said in jest.
Joshua’s passion for dancing may have come from his parents who were both Latin dancers who performed for “Penthouse Live.” Joshua shared that his mother used to bring him to GMA 7 when he was a kid. Dancing is in their genes as his brother Jason is also a member of the Manoeuvres.
Michael’s case is different, however. His father, who used to be the president of a shipping company, was against his son’s decision to enter showbiz. “Strict ang dad ko. Sobra. Even iyong naging artista ako, noong naging part na ako ng ‘TGIS,’ ayaw niya talaga.” His father had a change of heart when he saw Michael happy and independent while earning his own money.
Manoeuvres was managed by Genesis Entertainment under Angeli Pangilinan. The group performed in several variety shows during the ‘90s and became back-up dancers for Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano in his concerts here and abroad. With their earnings, were they conscious about saving money for their future? “Ako, masasabi ko siguro na hindi naman siya ganoon kalaki pero during our time hindi talaga namin tinitingnan iyong pera. I mean, mas tinitingnan namin iyong number of shows na gagawin namin,” Joshua shared during the interview.
Michael added, “That time because we were so young. Talagang iyong nasa isip namin bumili ng sapatos. Noong artista ako, kotse.”
Joshua and Michael only have good words for Gary V. Manoeuvres performed with him during his last big venue concert a couple of months ago. “Professional kasi si Sir Gary. Lagi siyang nagbibigay ng advice sa amin hindi lang about dancing kundi about life,” Michael said.
According to Joshua, he learned about humility from Gary V.
Time flies so fast since their dance floor days in the ‘90s. The two have their own families now. Michael has been happily married for almost 21 years to beauty queen Nina Ricci Alagao and they are blessed with three wonderful boys.
“Wala naman perfect na marriage but it’s how you go with the flow, how you handle the relationship,” he said. He keeps himself busy these days with his business, Cinco Restobar, in Marikina.
Meanwhile, Joshua is enjoying his married life as a husband to Jopay Paguia and a doting father to their kids. How does he stay true to his core and remain faithful to Jopay? “I’m grateful because pareho kami ng field na pinagtatrabahuhan ni misis so mas nagkakaintindihan kami when it comes sa fan base and sa work namin,” he answered. From performing with the Manoeuvres, Joshua now teaches Zumba to continue his passion for dancing.
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