March 29, 2024

Fifty athletes from Benguet and Baguio City have graduated from the month-long DanceSport Cordillera training camp at the Capitol in La Trinidad, Benguet.

The program culminated on March 4 with an inter-municipal dancesport competition where athletes executed the dance techniques, partnering, and conditioning they learned in February and March. 

Benguet Dancesport Team (BDT) coach Charibelle Pingawan, who also heads DanceSport Cordillera, Inc. (DSCI), organizer of the event, congratulated the participants and their parents and coaches for not only winning during the competition but also for sticking with the month-long learning. 

Pingawan led BDT members in training the athletes to sharpen their skills in competitive ballroom dancing.

The multi-awarded BDT athletes composed of Mico Dumalos, Mark Gonzalo Benter, Jayson Ace Abenoja, Betty Mae Agad, Jhosan Galvez, Mary Luz It-itan, Ashley Abance, Eiji Justine Balao, and Xyraine Gail Bayanes.

“Athletes, continue honing your passion and craft. Parents and coaches, continue supporting our child’s and/or athletes’ passion and interests in dancing,” Pingawan said.

The training camp, in partnership with Provincial Sports Office, was launched Feb. 12 and continued on Feb. 19, 25 and on March 4 at the Ben Palispis Hall. 

Pingawan said there will be a midyear dancesport camp and second inter-local government unit dancesport competition happening this May. Athletes from various barangays, municipalities and provinces in the Cordillera are expected to join the next training camp.

Meanwhile, the members of the BTD are asking for support as they are set to compete in the 2023 first quarterly ranking of the Philippine Dancesport Federation National Competition on April 1.

For those who would like to help out the athletes, send it to the Gcash account of Pingawan at 0912-884-8084. – Ofelia C. Empian