Dancing Through Smile: Dancesport tilt unveiled on MassKara

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By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The MassKara Festival is not only known for its resilience and vibrant celebration — it also serves as a platform for discovering, developing, and showcasing world-class talent.

This spirit continues with the launch of the first-ever Mayor Greg Gasataya National Dancesport Competition 2025.

More than 228 athletes from across the country showcased their rhythm, artistry, and athleticism at the competition held at the newly opened SM City Bacolod Sky Hall on Oct. 11.

The competition gathered the nation’s top dancesport talents across categories including Amateur, Third Kind, Juvenile, Junior, Youth, and Amateur Rising Stars, turning the dance floor into a spectacular display of grace, teamwork, and Filipino excellence.

Philip Lui Deocadiz, who has represented the province in various national and international dancesport competitions, served as the tournament director and chief adjudicator under the MassKaralympics program headed by David Diaz.

“I’m so overwhelmed. It makes me happy to see more youngsters getting involved in sports, especially in this field,” Deocadiz said, as he recalled his journey in dancesport competitions.

He said this is not just a platform for them to showcase their skills and talent, but also a way to instill discipline, passion, and determination at a young age.

Seeing their growth and dedication reminds him of the need to continue building spaces like this for the next generation.

“I feel truly honored and at the same time, pressured. But this kind of pressure fuels the purpose: to create a safe space and a platform for aspiring local athletes, and to bring the national stage closer to them so they can showcase who they truly are as athletes,” he said.

Through this inaugural national competition, the City of Smiles once again proved its dedication to promoting sportsmanship, inclusivity, and artistic excellence.

Six winners each from the eight categories were the following:

Juvenile A – King Mckenzie Pelimiano and Zoie Antonnette Llanes (Talisay City); Cyrus Aurelius Riñon and Princess Dave (Legazpi City); Prince Amil Navarro and Mary Emanuelle Tamaño (Iloilo City); Cris Liam Tingson and Lorie Gabrielle Bentula (Iloilo City); Lawrence Hermano and Athena Deocadiz (Silay City); and Yohan Archie Valmoria and Zia Divine Betita (Cadiz City).

Junior A – Art Josh Ramos and Maxene Dawn Ortega (Iloilo City); Pelimiano and Nyx Aezryel Gonzales (Talisay City); Brent Jacob Sianosa and Vienne Caitlyn Verde (E.B. Magalona); James Carlos Bangug and Vanellope Deniz Rafols (Bacolod City); Iverson Jay Musa and Sheiney Czarine Duran (Silay City); and Kyle Riechen Angelo Muego and Agnes Cassandra Sibonga (Iloilo Province).

Junior C – Ramos and Ortega (Iloilo City); Sianosa and Verde (E.B. Magalona); Roelyn John Tornea and Audry Flores (Victorias City); Lloyd Ivan Doromal and Ambryl Gutana (Silay City); Rhainier Santarde and Rodelyn Rago (Bacolod City); and Musa and Duran (Silay City).

Youth A – Rimon Ashley Marquez and Sakura Pauline Marie Bernarte (Taguig City); Kevin Lirio and Wynneth Casuyon (Bacolod City); Syd Martin Decir and Kassandra Marie Gascon (Kabankalan City); Xai Slavik Angelo Sabalo and Frances Lynneona Lacsaman (Mandaluyong/Tarlac); Jovito Randy Llorente and Daphney Nicole Malaga (Iloilo City); and Jemuel Andrei Villianueva and Ma. Victoria Cruz (Iloilo City).

Youth C – Francis Thadd Bantiquete and Maddieson Jade Turalba (Iloilo Province); Kevin Lirio and Wynneth Casuyon (Bacolod City); Villianueva and Cruz (Iloilo City); Ian Troy Melchor and Maria Reo Abaquita (Bacolod City); John Michael Fajardo and Nyx Aezryel Gonzales (Talisay City); and Kevin Lirio and Wynneth Casuyon (Bacolod City).

Amateur Rising Star – Dandreb James Cangayda and Dana Angelica Galfo (Iloilo City); Marquez and Bernarte (Taguig City); Matthew Balbastro and Kate Michelle Jaramillo (Oton, Iloilo); Sabalo and Lacsaman (Mandaluyong/Tarlac); Clint Vincent Jullar and Kiann Gee Roxas (Roxas City); and Alfonso Ybrahim Mammah and Lea Mae Llagas (Legazpi City).

Amateur Open – Anselmo Estillore Jr. and Mary Joy Dumosmog (Talisay City, Cebu); Shardie Abellana and Marjorie Abellana (Cebu City); Marquez and Bernarte (Taguig City); Carlos Miguel Bernabe and Margareth Wilson Saba (Iloilo City); Balbastro and Jaramillo (Oton, Iloilo); and Gellour Vinz Delfin and Leanne Reigh Lanceta (Iloilo City).

Third Kind – Abellana and Estillore (Cebu City); Reden Macion Jr. and Ronnie James Bughao (Dumaguete City); Lark Jabonero and Paul Corpus (Cebu City); Shang Carlo Alapa and John Vincent Bernas (Roxas City); Mohammad Bennajir Jul and Axel Rose Gargar (Dumaguete City); and Carl Vincent Besonia and Ariana Corpuz (Silay City).

The distinguished Board of Adjudicators also included Michael Angelo and Stephanie Sabalo Marquez, Charlea Lagaras, Jesstha Chris Alcala, and Queen May Vinco.

The competition’s success marks a significant milestone for the local dancesport community and reinforces the city’s growing reputation as a center for cultural excellence and athletic passion.

As the beat of MassKara continues to echo with joy, color, and resilience, the dancesport competition adds a new rhythm to its celebration — one that champions grace, discipline, and world-class talent.

More than just a competition, it is a tribute to the spirit of Bacolod: vibrant, unstoppable, and always dancing forward.

With every step and spin, the fusion of MassKara and dancesport sets the stage for a future where passion meets performance and local talents shine on the national — and even global — stage.