I first met dancer-choreographer Novy Bereber when he choreographed the performance for the opening program of Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival in August 2019. He was introduced to me by colleagues, but with several things simultaneously happening that night, I didn’t have time to stop and chat for long.
Four months later, I saw him again when he did the choreography for the Sinag: Festival of Radiance in 2019, which was part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Pandemic happened. Performances were put on shelves. We struggled, but life moved on.
A few years ago, Novy asked me to write about his partner, the late Filipino-born Australian creative director Ignatius Jones. Finding his story compelling, I wrote about Jones’s career as an event manager and his experiences handling major events for Glazing Life last year.
When Novy lost his beloved Ga, I felt his pain, knowing how deeply he loved and was supported by Iggy in his artistic pursuits. Even in death, Novy felt his husband’s spirit guiding him.
Novy once shared how he became involved with Parkinson’s Disease and established Bereber Sayaw PD in 2019. Planning to semi-retire after performing in The King and I at the Sydney Opera House, he stumbled upon a flyer for a Dance Teacher Workshop for Parkinson’s.
Although unfamiliar with the disease, the word “dance” caught his attention. A lifelong dancer, Novy had started with Dagyaw Theatre Dance Company in Iloilo under Edwin C. Duero and later became a soloist with Ballet Philippines.
The two-week workshop changed his life, especially after learning that his relative and his husband’s cousin had Parkinson’s. Novy became the first Filipino to teach Dance for PD in Australia. When he shared his plan to bring this mission to the Philippines, Ignatius wholeheartedly supported him.
“Dance saved my life. Now it’s time to give back. I promised that whatever I learned abroad, I would bring home,” enthused Novy.
In 2019, he founded Bereber Sayaw PD to uplift individuals with Parkinson’s Disease through a therapy-based dance program that brings joy and hope.
The organization combines art-based supportive care with two goals: to guide patients in dance classes tailored to their condition and to create a fun, social environment for dancing.
Chair-based exercises target the spine, upper limbs, and hands while safely engaging the lower body, stimulating creativity, imagination, cognition, and emotions.
“It’s time to break the misconception that there is nothing much we can do once an individual is affected by Parkinson’s. Through dance, we can help these individuals turn their lives around, finding joy and hope in staying active, expressing themselves, or reaching their full potential no matter their age or circumstance,” said Novy during the launch of Bereber Sayaw PD at Manila Marriott Hotel.
During the launch, Brand Worx president Nikky Nicandro gave his full support to the advocacy, saying: “Our campaign conviction – Parkinson’s disease may diminish mobility but not the human spirit. Together, we can foster an environment where everyone has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of dance.”
Novy envisions Bereber Sayaw PD as a nationally recognized foundation supporting underserved Parkinson’s communities in the Philippines and Asia through dance and a connected care ecosystem of patients, carers, benefactors, medical professionals, and LGUs. He hopes to raise awareness about Parkinson’s, which affects one Filipino every six seconds, with over 120,000 documented cases in 2016—many undiagnosed due to limited awareness. Early-onset cases, starting at ages 40 to 45, are also increasing, with many patients seeking medical help only at mid-level severity.
He believes dance is more than therapy—it’s about expressing oneself like a dancer, not a patient. His classes create joy, community, and belonging for those who may feel isolated caused of the disease.
By combining creativity, music, and care, Novy ensures his students feel safe while finding joy in every step. He’s not just teaching dance; he’s creating new beginnings for people with Parkinson’s.
“Parkinson’s disease isn’t the end – it’s the beginning of a stronger and graceful you,” concluded Novy.
Check out their website (https://sayawpd.com) on how to enroll in PD dance classes and learn more about this advocacy.
