How DJ Loonyo Dances To The Beat Of An Artist’s Drum

In a world that has become a stage where people play their parts, the artist chooses to be no other than himself. 

For someone who is used to the stage and the spotlight, DJ Loonyo’s unassuming presence may come as a surprise for some. As Loonyo (a moniker he prefers to be called, a variation of his last name Lunio) prepares to answer the questions for the feature, he is seated at the side of the room with his back slouched and offering a shy smile. But another side of him switches once he does what he loves doing—performing. 

WARMING UP

What started as a fiesta tradition during his elementary days grew into high school competitions up until dancing merited him a scholarship in college. “Ang genre ko talaga ay contemporary and jazz,” he says. “But nung nagkaroon na ng Philippine All Stars, that’s when I switched to hip hop.” 

He also mentions that seeing performers like Usher and Gary Valenciano made him dream bigger, wilder. Be a performer like them. 

Rehearsing Moves

With a perceptive performer’s eye view, Loonyo saw, in 2018, that social media will be  the next big hub for the talented youth to showcase their skills. From there, he studied the ins and outs of using the platform as a space to show his own capabilities. 

Now, in 2022, he is still continuously discovering the intricacies of the internet. But he shares what he has learned so far—leave an ounce of privacy for yourself and be a responsible surfer of sites. 

“Kapag hindi ka responsible, talagang aatakihin ka ng mga tao. Siguro dapat maging compassionate lang, pero maging accountable din sa actions mo,” he answers, an advice that anyone needs to be reminded of once in a while. 

The artist has had his fair share of experience on social media and he knows that while some are genuinely giving constructive criticism, others attack like vultures to eat up your flesh and bone. 

“What I can only control are my emotions, hindi yung opinyon ng iba,” he acknowledges this fact. “As long as my intentions are clean, mareredirect ako sa tamang content.” 

When his world gets too noisy from cheers and occasional boos from the spectators, he turns to his family first. He clarifies that reprieves does not come from actual conversations with them, but more of reminding himself that they are the reason why he is striving to be successful. 

He is also grateful for his girlfriend who chooses to listen to him. “Ngayon, alam na namin kung kailangan ba munang makinig or magbigay ng advice. Kapa na namin kung paano tulungan ang isa’t-isa.”

Taking The Stage

Loonyo credits the negative energy for birthing any new choreography or any line. Consciously, he creates good stuff to destroy the bad ones in his system. 

But as an artist who knows his core, he also comes back to his promise of giving back and making people happy the way his inspirations did for him before. 

And while he is on the stage, Crown Artist Management is always there to cheer him on and guide him in his journey. 

“Naging seatmate ko si Ate Maj (Maja Salvador) sa Pop Pinoy and nagclick lang kami. I’m very thankful for them kasi collaborative sila sa plans ng artist. Nandyan din talaga sila to guide and remind us. Mas magaan kapag merong kang kasama.” 

The limelight may be harsh at times for DJ Loonyo, but with inspiration and guidance, he will always find himself back on the stage for his next performance. 

_{Photography ANDREIK SULEIK
Creative direction BRIE VENTURA & GARI SY
Styling MIKA REYES assisted by Gabby Garcia, Louise Daniel, & Nicole Chan
Videography EXCEL PANLAQUE
Hair & Makeup ARON GUEVARA
Shoot coordination KZ FRANCISCO & MJ ALMERO}