Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation students Albert Rupinto, Alex Jarenz Tablante, Hannah Mae Lamadrid, Jared Vincent Pionilla, Ragem Angelyn Portes II, and Yzabelle Luna joined the local dance troupe Prjct Mnstr in securing the 8th spot in World of Dance Philippines with a total score of 89.33.
Among the six, Rupinto, a 3rd-year criminology student, drew the birthday-themed dance performance from the cultural tradition of giving gifts to birthday celebrants after many considerations with Jomari Catalla.
With the success of Prjct Mnstr, Lamadrid, Tablante, and Pionilla from the College of International and Hospitality Management, and Portes II from the College of Education testified their joy and struggles to achieve the feat with the whole dance team.
“Our journey was both enjoyable and challenging, considering that we had encountered problems like finding a place to practice, but we refused to let it get in our way because we were committed from the beginning. We had to put in a lot of time and effort, but for us, performing on the World of Dance PH stage was a real dream come true. It’s still unbelievable to me that we ranked 8th out of 49 participants. It was all a result of our coaches, who never stop guiding and inspiring us, and our members, who never stop supporting and encouraging one another,” Lamadrid expressed.
Aside from the five college students, Grade 12 Humanities and Social Sciences student Yzabelle Luna also took part in the group’s World of Dance PH win.
Meanwhile, dancers from various universities also contributed to the achievement including Azy Albanio, Aldrin Albaño, Red Albaño, Tianoo Albaño, Jomari Catalla, Jovan Dominique Catalla, John Jonil, Caster Leonil, Ralph Villanueva, Nathaniel Sanchez, Michael Eubanas, Jazkenth Merle, Albert Rupinto, Sue Noy, Francis Kenneth Mendones, Sheinah Sta. Cruz, and Edmar Payno Malinao.
Notably, the dance concept that the group performed also earned the grand championship title in the Paskong Quezonian 2023 and 1st runner-up in the Quezon Linggo ng Kabataan Pasiklaban 2023 Dance Competition.
World of Dance Philippines is part of the World of Dance franchise, the biggest dance competition in the world, which featured performers with unique dance styles held at the UP Diliman Theatre, Quezon City, on March 10.
