Henry V. Lao, also known as Lao or Lao-Lao, has been active in the Bay Area Pilipino folk dance community for ten years. He initially got involved with folk dancing at UC Berkeley when he participated in Pilipino Cultural Night. To further his new interest in folk dance, he joined LIKHA Pilipino Folk Ensemble, under the direction of Rudi Soriano and later Jay Loyola. In that time, he took part in international tours to Europe as well as research trips to the Philippines. He eventually left LIKHA and followed Jay Loyola, becoming a teacher and founding member of the American Center of Philippine Arts.
     After missing the stage, he decided to join BDC where he is able to resume his passion for dance and performance. Henry pays the bills by working as a Case Manager, assisting individuals and families in need. He is also involved with an all Asian drag troupe known as The Rice Rockettes under the pseudonym, Marijoy Tabatsoy. In his free time he can be found at the local dive bar or wandering his neighborhood, the Mission.