IN THE MIX BY MIC DIAZ
For Jascel Valencia, performing has always been about more than being seen onstage. Whether through dance, music or songwriting, creativity has given him a way to tell stories, express himself and continually discover what he can do next.
Born and raised in Manila, Valencia began performing professionally at the age of 10. Dance eventually led him to Junior New System, the Filipino all-male dance group that became known internationally for combining athletic choreography with an unexpected trademark—performing intricate routines in high heels.
As part of Junior New System, Valencia experienced stages far beyond the Philippines. The group appeared on Asia’s Got Talent, America’s Got Talent, World’s Got Talent and at the World Championships of Performing Arts, introducing international audiences to a distinctive style of Filipino performance.
But even as dance opened doors for him, Valencia was developing another creative voice. Writing became an outlet for expressing thoughts and experiences that could not always be communicated through movement alone. Over time, that interest evolved into songwriting and gave him the opportunity to create music he could call his own.
In 2022, Valencia took another step toward establishing himself as an individual artist when he joined Top Class: Rise to P-Pop Stardom. He emerged as one of the competition’s grand winners, marking an important chapter in his development beyond his identity as a member of a dance group.
Today, Valencia performs and records under the name Nerdie, bringing together his background as a dancer with his work as a singer, songwriter and composer. His original music explores themes of individuality, perseverance and pursuing one’s ambitions despite challenges. One of his songs, “Buga,” reflects that outlook, centering on determination and staying connected to one’s roots.
Valencia eventually brought his journey to Los Angeles, where he continues to write, record and perform while developing his music and creative identity. His evolution into Nerdie has allowed him to explore another side of himself without abandoning the dance career that helped shape him.
From Manila to international dance stages and now Los Angeles, Jascel Valencia continues to create on his own terms. Dance may have introduced him to the world, but through Nerdie, he is showing that his story—and his artistry—still has many more directions to go.