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He explained that the chair in the middle of the stage represents all the people who tried to drag him down and said he couldn't dance.

And El-John, a 21-year-old choreographer from Bataan, ended his symbolic routine with the chair overturned, a personal message about turning harsh criticisms into strength.

"Sila iyong mga taong hindi naniniwala sa akin, pilit nila akong dina-down, mga taong ang daling pumansin ng mali ng iba," he explained of his use of the chair. "Diyan ako lumalakas."

His performance showcased his self-proclaimed "El-John-style," a mix of all the dances he learned growing up, including hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, and vogue.

It earned him an average judges' score of 89.3, more than enough to earn him a place in the next round.

Acts will only need at least an 80 score to move to the second round. They will be judged based on performance, technique, choreography, creativity, and presentation. A max score is 100.

All the judges were in agreement that his performance was intense and emotional, with Billy Crawford noting: "Hindi ka lang sumayaw, naparamdam mo rin iyong puso mo."

"World of Dance Philippines" airs Saturdays after "Home Sweetie Home" and Sundays after "Wansapanataym."