Yer Lord Ilyvm Gabriel is definitely a name to remember.
First, for the distinct sound it creates, even when one says it in a whisper. Secondly, for the charismatic man who was baptized with it.
Yer originated from his father’s name, Rey, spelled backwards. Lord to commemorate Saint Pope John II’s declaration of World Youth Day in Manila on 20 January 1995 — coincidentally his birthday. Ilyvm is the abbreviated version of “I love you very much.”
Today, he has found the ideal balance between work and dance, as he clocks in to the office as a Discipline Officer and after hours, has successfully climbed to be a member of the Breaking National Team — under the name Bboy Dudut.
Son of a former overseas Filipino worker in Saudi Arabia and a caring and hardworking housewife, the fourth of five siblings, Yer Lord, 28, was initially inspired to join the world of b-boying in 2010 as he constantly watched his three cousins, namely, Yogi, Denjo and Tale, who could effortlessly handstand, flare and even fly!
He soon learned how to move and groove through the ever-dependable YouTube, supplemented by the guidance of his personal three musketeers.
Two years hence, he felt confident to participate in an amateur dance meet. His high hopes were immediately shattered to pieces — he realized there were tons of individuals multiple leagues better than him. This shaking realization instantly devastated him and almost pushed him to quit. Despite this extremely discouraging experience, he carried on. “In hindsight, it certainly encouraged me to improve.” he admitted.
This long and winding road — all too familiar with athletes who aim for excellence in their sports — has led him to various competitions, to include his most unforgettable one — self-dubbed as “the best battle of my life.” In Chiayi, Taiwan, he participated in a one versus one exhibition for 45 minutes, where he represented the Philippines as a member of the national team versus Taiwan’s very on rep. “It truly tested my cardio and challenged my critical thinking!” he recalled.
Chiayi, Taiwan.
Through the years, he has learned to incorporate the different salient points of the judging criteria into his very own choreographies. The categories must include musicality, artistry, technicality, execution and strategy. A top-tier break dancer is expected to integrate all these aspects into their routines.
Today, he has qualified in the Breaking Competition of the upcoming 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia and is busy in preparation for the regional tourney, hopeful to add to the Philippine medal harvest.
His end goal? The 2024 Summer Olympics. As a background, Breaking or Breakdancing is fairly new in the athletic scene, as it was initially introduced in the 2018 World Youth Games in Buenos Aires and proposed by the host city Paris as a new field in the 2024 Olympics.
After work at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, he goes back home and dedicates three hours of intense training at the rooftop of his parents’ home. He seeks support and guidance via what he calls “my crew.”
When pressured, he loves to get together with his girlfriend and buddies and just talk. “Somehow, pressure is released. We are all good listeners as well.” He likewise enjoys calisthenics on the side.
As for his motto, he is a firm believer of “Practice makes perfect.” “Oh, and learn to listen,” he ended.
Just last week, we sat down with Yer Lord to hear his thoughts on his prep, being a national athlete and more.
On exposure to other national athletes
We recently had a SEA Games representatives gathering at the Philippine International Convention Center with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., sporting officials and other luminaries of the field. Looking around, I was very intimidated — these were all great athletes — without exception — who I have read about in the newspapers and watched on television countless times. And now I cannot believe that I’m a part of the delegation. However, I will not let this faze me. It is a great honor to represent the country — and maybe some pressure to do my absolute best.
SEA Games preparation
I need to train to be consistent because sometimes I still have cases of tsamba. I likewise need to focus on my cardio and strength, plus enhance my techniques. I need to clean up my execution and study every move thoroughly. Everything has to be seamless.
Dream collaboration
It would have to be Bboy Lilou. He is the French past World Champion — the absolute best! I met him in Manila in 2015 when he judged one of our competitions.
Being a Discipline Officer
Being a psychology graduate from the Far Eastern University, I work at Benilde’s Center for Restorative Discipline. I counsel the students and investigate offences. And at times, even give a helping hand in other situations. Some cases are more complicated than others and at times, even needs the participation of parents, other students and even lawyers. I am an extrovert, so I enjoy talking to students and hopefully assist them to become better citizens.
Balancing work and being an athlete
I enjoy both aspects of my life. Work does not feel like work. And I obviously enjoy breakdancing. I love both roles and it just so happens to fit into the allocated hours in the days of my life.
The 32nd edition of the SEA Games is slated on 5 to 17 May in Cambodia. Let us wish him good luck on the competition.