The Zamboanga Hermosa Dance Sport Competition took center stage Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) Gymnasium in Rio Hondo, featuring dancers from the elementary level up to the open invitational category. The event highlighted the rhythm and artistry of participants as they competed in the Samba, Jive, Rumba, and Cha-Cha-Cha categories.
Participants impressed the crowd with flawless execution and lively performances. One of the highlights of the competition was the introduction of the 3rd World Category, which featured same-gender dance partners. This new addition drew strong reactions and applause from the audience, reflecting inclusivity and diversity within the dance sport community.
Here is the list of winners on each categories:
Juvenile (Couple)
1st Place – Edrian Matt E. Delos Reyes & Daniella V. Galvez
2nd Place – John Carlo Ashante V. Cañada & Alexa Sophia A. Jomoc
3rd Place –3rd place – Aaron Vyle Marqui F. Sanoy & Rica Liliana Mariano
Juvenile (Solo)
1st Place – Celine Anne A. Damian
2nd Place – Ma. Athena G. Bravo
3rd Place – Alleiyah M. Tan
Junior High School / Secondary (Couple)
1st Place – Bret B. Marcial & Brianna Braille B. Marcial
2nd Place – Kyle Nathan Rey A. Fabian & Janicar Ashley V. Cañada
3rd Place – Royce Deo A. Montana & Jena Rose C. Hilarion
Junior High School / Secondary (Solo)
1st Place – Evrylle Binuluan
2nd Place – Iyana Brielle M. Tan
3rd Place – Leadiviere Joy Hebron
Tertiary / College (Couple)
1st Place – Justine Kyle O. Tapales & April Joy Acibo
2nd Place – Willen A. Capacio & Jilian C. Mendoza
3rd Place – Gerry N. Tomas & Erich Mae T. Elmaga
3rd World Category (Same-Gender Pairs)
1st Place – Eula Graciella E. Rodriguez & April Joy A. Acibo
2nd Place – Kyle Nathan Rey Fabian & Royce Deo Montana
3rd Place – Willen A. Capacio & Bret B. Marcial
Invitational Open Category
1st Place – Bret B. Marcial & Athea Aisel M. Conte
2nd Place – Kyle Nathan Rey A. Fabian & Janicar Ashley V. Cañada
3rd Place – Willen A. Capacio & Brianna Braile Marcial
For the Invitational Open Category, top performers showcased professional-level routines, with winners receiving ₱20,000 for 1st place, ₱15,000 for 2nd, and ₱10,000 for 3rd. Meanwhile, winners from the elementary, secondary, tertiary, and 3rd World categories received ₱10,000 for 1st, ₱5,000 for 2nd, and ₱3,000 for 3rd.
The Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2025, promotes not only talent and creativity but also inclusivity and unity through the art of dance.
Narrative by: Sheyn Arambala
Photo credits: April Joy Araneta-Adriano
