DANCERS from the Bohol Dance School (BDS) garnered a total of 13 medals during the 2025 Philippine Challenge Cup Dance Competition (PHCCDC) 2025, held at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater in Manila.
PHCCDC, a dance competition first held last April 1, 2024, aims to promote dance culture and to provide a platform for practice and experience sharing for young dancers.
In this year’s competition held on July 3-5, the Boholano dancers competed in classical ballet and contemporary dance categories. They garnered a total of 13 medals including two golds, five silver, three bronzes and three encouragement award.
While this is only the first time that the BDS dancers participated in the competition, their achievements immediately showcased the Boholano’s creativity, skill and commitment.
The gold medal winners in their respective categories are Ma. Rheanna L. Hinampas and Jozeth Alenza M. Borja, solo contemporary for ages 7 to 9. Silver medal winners were Borja and Charlotte Gabrielle C. Butron in children’s ballet for 7 to 9; Herma Lei S. Lim in junior ballet for 10-12; and Julia Maria Theresa G. Ylaya for solo contemporary 16 to 19.
The bronze medals were won by Joana Belariz B. Acosta and Hinampas, children’s ballet solo 7 to 9 and Janah Geesnell Yap in solo contemporary 10 to 12 and encouragement Award. Also earning encouragement award were Isabela Therese B. Acosta and Yap in junior ballet solo for 10 to 12 and Ylaya in senior ballet solo for 16 to 18.
Lobreza Pimentel – Trottier, Artistic Director of Bohol Dance School in a statement said that ‘We chose to join this competition because it’s the perfect opportunity for Bohol Dance School students—especially our local dancers and first-time competitors aged 7 and up—to gain valuable stage experience in a supportive and inspiring environment. Events like this help build confidence, discipline, and performance skills, all while fostering a deeper love for dance. It’s an ideal stepping stone for our young dancers to shine, grow, and take their first big leap into the world of competitive dance.’
Furthermore, she added that ‘I can confidently say that this competition is fair, well-organized, and truly inspiring. It’s amazing to see how much our Bohol Dance School students have grown through this experience—not just in technique, but in confidence and performance as well. I’m especially happy that they had the chance to compete alongside talented dancers from Manila. It makes me proud to bring Bohol dancers to the national stage, and even prouder to see our school slowly gaining recognition within the wider dance community across the Philippines.’
Gia Gequinto from Ballet Philippines and James Bryll Dumandan also compose the Teacher Team for Bohol Dance School. (PR)
