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While thousands have been left jobless because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many Filipinos are finding new ways to make a living by working from home.

Since many bars have stopped operations during the community quarantine implementation, some bar performers have been performing from home, in front of a virtual audience. This week, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho takes a look into the lives of men who work as macho dancers at night.

One of them is Evo Martin also known as "Yum Evo." He's a farmer by day, and a proud macho dancer at night.

He earns from his audience who watches him dance from home online via Zoom. With the extra income he was able to save money, which allowed him to buy a property and build a house, worth P1 million.

His unique work-from-home job started when a friend requested him to dance online. Evo requires payment before performing for his audience.

"Meron akong isang friend na nag-message sa akin kung willing ako mag-perform via Zoom. Okay lang basta sasayaw lang ako."

"Kumita ako sa isang gabi ng mga P30,000.

"OK lang basta sasayaw lang ako dito sa loob ng bahay lang, para safety na rin."

"Hindi po lahat ng iniisip n'yo sa aming mga macho dancer ay ganito."

Evo isn't the only who has become successful from working from home. Other dancers have adapted to the pandemic by making their performances available online. This work has supported their families because of the considerably large income.

While Evo's story seems like instant success, other macho dancers have resorted to finding other means of making a living during the pandemic.

A viral TikTok user named Diegzz teaches macho dancing moves on social media. Diegzz was a macho dancer for eight years before the pandemic. While his career has brought him success, it wasn't easy in the beginning.

Check out these stars on TikTok:

He recalled his first time performing on stage "Parang nawalan ako ng dignidad hindi ko naman pinangarap na gawin ito pero dahil sa hirap ng buhay kailangan maghanap ng kanya-kanyang hanap buhay."

During the nationwide lockdowns, Diegzz decided to step off the dance floor and manage a barbecue business instead. Other macho dancers have followed Diegzz' path by building their own businesses during the pandemic and dancing online for fun.

According to CIDG-PNP Head Pltcol. Ivy Castillo, macho dancing is not illegal.

"Nagiging illegal lang siya kung nagsasayaw lang siya ng hubad-hubad na pinipilit siya for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Nakikita ko na magiging violation siya sa batas natin dito sa Pilipinas."

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