March 29, 2024

The unstoppable duo of Mico Dumalos and Mark Gonzalo Benter led the Benguet Dancesports Team in winning three gold, three silver, and two bronze medals in the 1st Nusantara online dancesport competition hosted by Indonesia on the weekend.

Dumalos won gold in the Latin open adult grade C and a silver medal in the Latin open adult grade B while Benter topped the Latin open adult grade B. They clinched another gold medal in the Latin open duo male.

Adding silver medals are Marc Allen Esteban and Ian Harvey Cariaso in the Latin open duo male and the duo of Mary Luz It-itan and Jhosan Galvez in the Latin open duo female.

Jayson Ace Abenoja bagged another silver in the open adult standard grade C.

Two bronze medals were won by Ashley Abance in the open junior 2 male rhumba and the pair of Shaila Pilo and Nena Roschan Escalera in the open adult duo female.

Some of the medalists were likewise finalists in the other events.

Cariaso placed sixth in the Latin open adult grade C; It-itan placed sixth in the Latin open adult grade C; Galvez placed ninth in the Latin open adult grade C; and Abance placed fifth in the open junior 2 male jive, fourth place in the open junior 2 male cha cha, and ninth in the open junior 2 male.  

Eiji Justine Balao ranked 10th in the open junior 2 female jive, 15th in the rhumba, 17th in the cha cha, and 30th in the female C while Zenobea Faith Olayan ranked 17th in the rhumba, ninth in the jive, 17th in the  cha cha, and 23rd in the female C.

Olayan and Balao ranked seventh in the open junior 2 duo female.    

Xyraine Gail Bayanes joined the open junior 1 female and ranked 21st in rhumba, placed 20th in the jive, 19th in the cha cha, and ranked 30th in the female C; Betty Mae Agad placed fifth in the open adult standard grade C; Shaila Pilo ranked 12th in the open adult grade C Latin; Escalera placed eight in the open youth C Latin and seventh in the open youth B Latin.

Coach Charibelle Pingawan thanked those who supported the team during the event, namely Gov. Melchor Diclas, La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda, Vice Mayor Roderick Awingan, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation president Councilor Apolinario Bagano, Jr.; Board Member Bobot Fongwan; barangay council of Betag; Shubby’s Cafe and Restaurant; Tamtam Café;and Quad’s Fitness gym. – Ofelia Empian