TUBOD, Lanao del Norte (PIA) — The Hip Hop and Cheerdance Competition, which was held here as part of the week-long celebration of the 65th Araw ng Lanao del Norte, engaged local youth in a creative and positive activity aimed at steering them away from vices.
The competition highlighted the talents and skills of local dance groups in the province and nearby towns.
Mildred Jubay Hingco, provincial treasurer of the provincial government, stated that the competition aimed to empower youth to showcase their talents and foster camaraderie among youth.
“Ang among katuyuan ani nga programa aron mapadasig ang mga batan-on nga ipagawas ang ilang talento nga ilang gitutokan, ang ilang talento sa pagsayaw, labi na gyud sa cheerdance ug pag-stunt,” she said.
(Our aim with this program is to encourage the youth to showcase their talents, particularly in their focus on dancing, especially in cheerdance and stunts.)
She said they organized this event not just for Lanao del Norte but also to encourage the youth to compete globally.
Meanwhile, Camilo M. Diacor Jr., provincial assessor, said the purpose of such competition is to guide the youth away from negative influences and to focus on their education and daily exercise.
Lanao Wild Cats (All Stars), composed of alumni of Lanao del Norte National Comprehensive High School in Baroy town, claimed the top prize of P100,000 in the cheerdance category, followed by Starlinks and Blue Hawks as first and second runners-up, winning P75,000 and P50,000, respectively.
Mark Joel Abecia of the Lanao Wildcats Allstars has shared his passion for cheerdancing since elementary school, using it as a form of self-expression. Despite having danced in college for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and gaining more experience, he felt proud performing for his school and hometown.
“I would like to thank God for this opportunity to dance again and to represent the school and my alma mater. I also like to thank my family, friends, and our coaches, who always support us in our routines, and our teammates as well,” he said.
Meanwhile, in the hip-hop competition, L.A. Prima of Iligan City emerged as the grand champion and took home the P50,000 cash prize, along with Lanao Crew from Lala town and Acts 21 from Kapatagan town, who secured the first and second runner-up spots and prizes of P35,000 and P20,000, respectively.
L.A. Prima is a group of LGBTQIA+ dancers established in February 2023. Their passion for dance evolved into both a stress-reliever and a form of artistic expression. According to their leader, Jeno Acedilla, their journey has cultivated friendships and camaraderie through competitions, which have significantly enhanced their dance skills and self-confidence. This recent victory marked their second time winning as grand champions in the competition in Lanao del Norte. They also actively compete in other places, like Surigao.
“Thank you so much, sa tanan nga ni-support. Thank you so much sa organizing team ani nga competition, sa tanan sa Iligan nga nag-support, ug sa family and friends nga nag-pray nga safe mi makaabot diri ug safe mi mu-perform,” Acedilla said.
(Thank you so much to everyone who supported us. Thank you so much to the organizing team of this competition, to everyone in Iligan who supported us, and to our family and friends who prayed for our safe arrival and performance.)
Dance instead of vices
Youth participants in the dance competition have encouraged their fellow youths to also try dancing instead of getting into vices.
Jindrich Dane Atilano, a 21-year-old participant from Pagadian City, has embraced dance as his calling since elementary school. According to him, what began as a simple school activity grew into a profound passion by high school, and it has become an integral part of his life.
He aspires to perform on major stages, not only locally but also internationally. Through dance, he has learned to integrate into communities, communicate effectively, and easily make friends, regardless of how new the acquaintance. For him, dance is not just a hobby but a means to cope and thrive amidst life’s difficulties.
“Para sa mga kabatan-onan dira, dili tanan problema pwede maagi sa pagmahay sa kinabuhi. Daghan kaayong paagi para maka-cope up ka. Pwede ang pagsayaw, kung aha mo interested, pwede pud basketball o uban nga sports. Daghan kaayong paagi if ever daghan kaayo ka’g problema,” he said.
(For the youth out there, not all problems can be solved by feeling sorry for oneself in life. There are many ways to cope. Dancing is an option if you’re interested, as is basketball or other sports. There are plenty of ways to handle things if you have many problems.)
Meanwhile, Dionesin Buhawin Jr., of 3D Mover in Tubod town, shared that their participation aims not only to showcase their talents but also to highlight their unique identity and abilities.
He anticipates that hip-hop will continue to grow and inspire more young people to try it.
He also encouraged youth involved in vices to try hip-hop, suggesting they might initially feel it was beyond them but urging them to give it a try. He emphasized the rewarding and enjoyable experience it provides once they participate. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
