From Dance Floor to Daddy Duties: Danilo Barrios finds his groove in family and business
Danilo Barrios, the name might ring a bell. For those who grew up in the ’90s, he was a member of the iconic Filipino dance group, Streetboys. Known for their killer moves and undeniable charisma, they were a staple on noontime variety shows and in blockbuster movies. We also loved him in the youth-oriented show G-Mik. But time, as they say, waits for no one. The once active dancer has traded in his stage lights for the quiet hum of family life and the exciting challenge of running his own business.
“Mabuting-mabuti naman po. Ito lumulusog ulit. Nawalan ng sayaw,” Danilo says with a giggle, referring to his weight gain after their recent reunion concert. He admits to losing a whopping “22 kilos” for the show through a strict diet and intense rehearsals. “Halos karamihan naman ng sinayaw namin noong concert puro chorus lang ang alam ko. So kailangan ko talagang aralin ‘yung buong sayaw. Masakit na kasi sa balakang, sa likod, sa paa.”
But the dancing stopped, and as Danilo laughingly adds, “Atsaka eating season.” Still, the joy of performing with his old buddies clearly outweighs the pounds gained. And he’s quick to point out that the concert was a resounding success. “Kasi first time namin magkasama-sama talaga. Every year, hindi kami nakukumpleto. Isa-isa lang ‘yung umuuwi. This time talaga, wh’y not sabi ko, “Sasayaw ako kahit malaki ako,’ I pushed myself.”
Finding His Rhythm in Fatherhood
These days, Danilo’s life revolves around his four children. “Very happy, very satisfying kasi kasama ko lagi ang mga anak ko. Nakikita ko silang lumaki. Na-eenjoy ko ‘yung moments sa kanila. ‘Yun, very masaya. Masayang-masaya.”
His face lights up when he talks about his kids. While none have fully embraced the showbiz life (“Ayaw nila pero hindi naman sila ganun ka-mahiyain talaga”), he sees glimpses of his own talents in them. “Si Hugo. ‘Pag sa school, gustung-gusto niyang sumasayaw especially if kasama ako. Nag-nanumber kami sa school programs. Kahit ‘yung babae [kong anak] before, pero kasi 10 na siya feeling niya dalaga na siya kaya medyo umiiwas-iwas na. Pero gusto niya ‘yung singing sa school. Videoke queens silang magbabarkada.”
He recounts the amusing story of how his kids discovered his celebrity past. “Nalaman naman nila three or four years ago. Noong pinakita ko mga movies and dancing. Pati mga teachers din kasi sinasabi, ‘Kailan ba mag-ge-guest ‘yung daddy mo sa Christmas party natin?’ Ginaganun sila [and they would ask], ‘Why? Why? Why?’ So, nalaman din nila.”
A New Stage: The Business of Wellness
Aside from being a dedicated dad, Danilo is also a businessman. He, along with his wife, runs Tatio Active DX, an online store selling health and wellness products. “Itong business naman na ito, it started with my wife. ‘Yung wife ko po talaga ‘yung dating nagtitinda especially kasi iba’t ibang klase ‘yung tinitinda niya before. Hanggang noong napag-isipan naming nakaipon na rin kami, nag-create kami ng aming own products.”
Their products, which they’ve been selling for about ten years, are “mostly imported from Japan, US, Africa, and UK.” But they also have their own line, with Danilo’s favorite being Biomax. “Main ko kasi itong Biomax, latest namin. Good for skin, nails, and hair na rin. Mostly, ‘yung injectables also para sa panloob natin. Tapos itong Keto, for diet naman. Isa ito sa ginawa ko before kumain noong mag-coconcert. Fifteen to twenty minutes before mag-eat tinetake ko. Maganda rin siya, medyo mainit siya sa katawan. Faster ang burning.”
He explains that the products are formulated by them and manufactured in Japan. “Self-taught in business,” he says proudly. Currently, their business is primarily online, a decision they made after the pandemic. “Before, nag-pandemic, meron kaming puwesto sa Timog. Pero after ng pandemic, medyo naburnout din kami ng wife ko, tinuloy na lang namin ang online. Wala kaming iniisip masyado na tao.”
Keeping the Streetboys Spirit Alive
Even though years have passed, the bond between the Streetboys remains strong. They have a heartwarming Christmas tradition: every December 25, the group, along with their families, gather at the home of their former manager and mentor, director Chito Roño. “‘Yung mga Ninong at Ninang ng mga bata mga Streetboys lang din sa amin lang din umiikot,” Danilo shares. It’s a chance for them to reconnect, reminisce, and watch their kids grow up together. “Masaya lang nakikita namin ang mga bata magkakabarkada. Merong mga mas matatanda na, may mas maliliit pa.”
Looking Ahead: Family First
Though he’s enjoying this new chapter in his life, Danilo isn’t completely closing his doors on a possible showbiz comeback. “Busy na rin kasi ako dito at sa family. Siguro kapag lumaki na ‘yung bunso ko. At itong maliliit na ‘to mga pa-baby. ‘Tsaka masarap ‘yung hanggat gusto pa nilang binebaby sila so why not ‘di ba? I’d like to experience that kaysa hindi ko sila nakikita.”
“Kami ng wife ko more on the family talaga. First ang family, second is the business.” He adds, “Tingnan po natin. I will not close my doors pero as much as possible, gusto ko po talaga nasa family.”
For now, he’s content with his bustling family life and growing business. He’s found a new rhythm, a different kind of stage where he can shine just as brightly. And as he puts it, “Let’s just enjoy life.”
