It’s time to gear up for another round of jaw-dropping performances, freestyle showcases, and fierce battles on the dance floor. After taking the world and the Internet by storm with its first and second seasons, MNET’s all-women multinational dance competition “Street Woman Fighter” (SWF) is back for its third installment, “World of Street Woman Fighter” (WSWF). True to its name, the show has opened its doors for six renowned dance teams across the globe to compete in the show’s home court, South Korea.
This time, three dancers are bringing their Filipino roots to the global stage—Logistx, RIEHATA, and Junna Yagi. The competition is quickly heating up after its first two episodes, and we’re already stoked to see the sheer talent and dance prowess that these three will bring to the table. For now, let’s get to know how our “WSWF” Filipinas have made their marks as performers outside the MNET stage.
Photos: Logistx, RIEHATA, Junna Yagi/Instagram
Logistx
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The “WSWF” fandom knows Filipino-American professional hip-hop dancer Logistx as the resident b-girl of Team USA, Motiv—the ace up their sleeves in freestyle battles. But the more she dances on-screen, the more familiar you’ll feel watching her, almost like you’ve already seen her before on a more large-scale platform. And then it hits you. Oh my God, this girl’s an Olympian. A world-renowned competitor and performer. Logistx made her athletic debut in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where breaking became as an official sport. In 2021, Logistx was hailed the Red Bull BC One B-Girl World Champion—another global stage she fearlessly conquered. With a glowing dance background in tow, Logistx is already claiming her status as one of “WSWF’s” certified standouts. Who knows how she and her Motiv teammates will slay the competition next?
RIEHATA (Rie Hata)
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“WSWF” isn’t Japanese-Filipino choreographer and recording artist Rie Hata’s first appearance on the show. After dropping by the second season as a guest judge, the “Queen of Swag” is back this year to represent Japan as the leader of her crew, Real Hot Tokyo (RHTokyo). Joining her on RHTokyo is fellow choreographer Rena Hattori, who previously competed on “SWF” Season 2 with another all-Japanese team, Tsubakill. Since the past decade, Rie Hata has poured her creativity and versatility into iconic routines for K-pop superstars like BTS (she choreographed J-Hope’s latest release, “Mona Lisa.” Cool is an understatement!), TWICE, EXO, and Red Velvet, to name a few. She has also worked closely with veteran solo artists in the industry, such as CL, Zico, and BoA.
On her two-day visit in Manila last week, Rie Hata spoke with PTV Philippines to discuss her dance background, close ties with the Pinoy dance community, and representing the Philippines and Japan on “WSWF.” She had this to say about her experience choreographing with some of K-pop’s biggest names: “It’s such an honor! I’m still shocked that they picked me to choreograph [for them], but I believe my style is very unique and fun. Every time I work with them, I hope they have fun, feel comfortable, and feel confident through my choreography.”
She’s been up to date on the giftedness and distinct styles of Filipino performers, too. “They’re so talented! I think everyone has a good sense of rhythm. Maybe it’s in the blood. Their creativity and musicality are different, probably the best in the world!” Though Team Philippines won’t be raising our flag yet on “WSWF,” she hopes that the best Pinoy dance crews will have their chance to shine in the future. For now, she’ll do her best to represent the country at RHTokyo’s helm.
On that same trip, she linked up with Pinay dancers and content creators that have definitely made headlines on our screens and newsfeeds before. Some of which include former “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition” housemate AC Bonifacio, as well as cover dancer and social media personality Innah Bee. Are we sensing a dance collaboration or two soon?
From Tokyo, to Seoul, to Manila, one thing is clear: Rie Hata is mother. That’s legend behavior right there, and as they say, real recognizes real. Now, we’re seated for how she and RHTokyo will heat up the “WSWF” battle zone, explore the street dance scene, and inspire choreographers to broaden their creative horizons.
Junna Yagi
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Rounding up our Filipina contenders on “WSWF” is Junna Yagi, a Japanese-Filipino choreographer also representing Japan with her crew, Osaka Ojo Gang. Best known for her RNB expertise, Junna’s dance collaborations with the innovative and in-demand STEEZY Dance Studio in Los Angeles, California have gained over one million views on YouTube. There, she choreographed to the hit songs “Cold Blooded” by Jessi and “RNP” by Cordae and Anderson .Paak. As one of the six well-rounded members of Osaka Ojo Gang, we can’t wait to see Junna keep crushing the competition in battles, choreography challenges, and other breakthrough moments on the show.
“WSWF’s” lineup also includes AG Squad from Australia, the Royal Family from New Zealand, and BUMSUP from South Korea, starring the nine leaders of “Street Woman Fighter” Season One’s dance crews. High stakes, intense competitive spirit, and drama aside, the show has introduced K-pop and dance fans alike to the world’s most unique, multifaceted, and revered communities of street dancers, choreographers, and competitive performers. Dance as a practice and profession may still be seldom recognized outside its own spaces, but with these top-notch queens taking the reins, it will remain powerful and emerging for years to come.
Tune in to new episodes of “World of Street Woman Fighter” every Wednesday on ViU.
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Which team are you rooting for on “World of Street Woman Fighter?” Sound off in the comments below!
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