Jonathan Michael Mercado

Jonathan Mercado is a Filipino-American movement and performance artist whose work is deeply rooted in his experiences within the Philippine diaspora. He explores the warrior spirit as both a source of creative expression and a pathway for healing. Central to his practice is Sagayan, a traditional warrior dance from Maguindanao that predates both colonial and Islamic influences.

As a developing martial artist, Jonathan has trained in disciplines including boxing, Muay Thai, and VSCK (Visayan Style Corto Kadena) under Guro Jasper Pugao. These physical practices inform and enrich his movement vocabulary, blending martial and performative traditions.

Jonathan currently performs with Kularts under Legacy Artist Alleluia Panis and with Parangal Dance Company under the direction of Eric Solano. Through these collaborations, he has traveled to various indigenous communities in the Philippines, building meaningful relationships with culture bearers and deepening his understanding of traditional practices.

He brings this knowledge back to his community as an instructor with Agos, a Filipino youth arts program based in Oakland, California, led by Herna Cruz Louie. Together, Jonathan and Herna co-developed Oakland Tayo, a project that explores the intersections of culture, identity, and movement within the diaspora.

Jonathan’s work spans performances and projects throughout the Bay Area and across the United States. As he continues to grow in his artistic journey, his passion for movement remains a guiding force in developing a dance vocabulary that reflects his lived experiences.