At 14, Juan Paulo Infante (also known as JPI) began his professional career at Douglas Nierras’s Powerdance and already envisioned turning his passion into a profitable venture.
“It was always at the back of my mind,” JPI shared.
JPI’s artistic inclination runs in the family. He is the cousin of award-winning scenographer and costume designer Mio Infante and the grandson of veteran director-actor Fritz Ynfante.
From 2005 to 2008, he trained with Powerdance and later joined the UP Filipiniana Dance Group from 2009 to 2011. Nierras described him as the most promising dancer during one of his Pro Jazz classes. At 15, JPI became the youngest faculty member of Powerdance, handling his own classes.
“I owe everything to Powerdance. I had great mentors like Danny Marshall, Ianne Damian, and Ace Lebumfacil. But the person I consider both a father and a mentor is Tito Douglas,” he said, emphasizing that Nierras instilled in him not only the technical aspects of dance but also life values.
JPI credited his versatility to his training in jazz, ballet, ballroom, and hip-hop, which he applied to his professional career.
In college, JPI joined the UP Filipiniana Dance Group, where he trained under Van Manalo, a senior from Powerdance.
“Since we shared the same values from Powerdance, adjusting to classes and choreography was seamless. Sir Van Manalo was an exemplary teacher, and I truly valued his teachings,” he said.
Taking inspiration from Nierras’s words that art should not be limited to oneself but shared for others to enjoy and appreciate, JPI became a choreographer for GMA 7’s Eat Bulaga and Party Pilipinas at just 17.
This early exposure became a learning ground for him before taking the next step in his career. In 2012, at 21, JPI founded JPI Entertainment, a company initially created to house his dance group, Philosophy in Dance (PHD). Over time, the company expanded its services and became a one-stop shop for digital experiences and events.
At JPI Entertainment, the team lives by the mantra “Just Push Innovation.” JPI describes his team as composed of creative, dynamic individuals who continuously strive to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the industry while maintaining their core values.
Under JPI Entertainment, JPI manages both in-house and partner artists, offering end-to-end career management. Notable talents include Daiana Menezes, Chuckie Dreyfus, Anthony Rosaldo, Gwen Zamora, Gian Magdangal, and Kristof Garcia.
In his 12 years in the business, JPI considers his biggest achievement to be establishing JPI Entertainment as a household name and earning the trust of major brands in the Philippines.
“I’m proud of our partnerships and even prouder of our team, which I consider one of our greatest achievements,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey, JPI advised aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue what they love but cautioned that passion alone is not enough
“Be ready to face obstacles and stay committed even when enthusiasm wanes. Pursuing passion can lead to a fulfilling and successful venture, especially when supported by solid and strategic planning,” he said.
Today, JPI Entertainment continues to thrive, proving that passion paired with innovation and dedication can turn dreams into reality.
