Dancing his way to building an enterprise

At 14, Juan Paulo Infante, better known as JPI, was already envisioning how to transform his passion for dance into a thriving business. He began his professional career with Douglas Nierras' Powerdance, where his ambition started to take shape.

Juan Paulo Infante CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/JPI Entertainment

Artistic talent runs in the family. Infante is the cousin of award-winning scenographer Mio Infante and the grandson of director-actor Fritz Ynfante. He honed his craft with Powerdance (2005 to 2008) and the UP Filipiniana Dance Group (2009 to 2011), earning recognition as the most promising dancer in one of Nierras's Pro Jazz classes. At just 15, he became Powerdance's youngest faculty member.

Infante credits his growth to his mentors, especially Nierras, whom he considers both a father figure and a guide. "Everything I know about dance and the values I hold came from Tito Douglas," he said. His training spanned jazz, ballet, ballroom, and hip-hop, forming the foundation of his career.

In college, Infante joined the UP Filipiniana Dance Group, where his transition was seamless, thanks to shared values instilled by Powerdance. Under the guidance of coach Van Manalo, he further refined his skills and deepened his appreciation for teaching.

At 17, Infante became a choreographer for GMA 7's "Eat Bulaga" and "Party Pilipinas." These early experiences prepared him for bigger ventures, including founding JPI Entertainment in 2012, a year after establishing Philosophy in Dance (PHD) Dancers. Initially created to support PHD, the company quickly expanded its scope, offering services in events and digital experiences.

JPI Entertainment operates under the mantra "Just Push Innovation." As president, Infante leads a dynamic team committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences while continuously adapting to industry demands.

The company's roster includes in-house talents and partner influencers such as Daiana Menezes, Chuckie Dreyfus, and Gwen Zamora. Infante limits the number of talents he manages to provide personalized career guidance, ensuring they achieve their goals.

Reflecting on 12 years in the business, Infante considers his team and partnerships with major brands as his greatest accomplishments. "Our team's dedication and the trust we've earned are what I'm most proud of," he shared.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Infante offers straightforward advice: "Do what you love, but know that passion alone isn't enough. Be prepared for challenges, stay committed when enthusiasm fades, and plan strategically."