CEBU CITY – The two-week-long Kinabayo Festival in Dapitan City formally kicked off with the staging of one its most anticipated events – the Get Groove and Move 15 hip-hop dance competition.
A GROUP performs during the Get Groove and Move 15 hip-hop dance competition at the Dapitan City Cultural Center in Dapitan City on Saturday, July 20. (Contributed photo)
The staging of the competition on Saturday, July 20, showed that the city is completely back on its feet after it was slowed down by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The competition is already in its 15th year but it was stopped for four years and then the pandemic happened. I fought so hard for this competition to return this year because it’s always full house aside from the fact that this is already an institution,” said Apple Marie Agolong, chief of the Dapitan Tourism Office.
Agolong said the competition provided talented youth an avenue to showcase their skills.
“It was more than just a contest. It was a celebration of talent, passion, and community spirit. The event highlighted incredible dance talent from across the region and fostered a sense of unity and camaraderie among all involved,” Agolong added.
Dapitan Mayor Seth Frederick “Bullet” P. Jalosjos, in partnership with D’ 7101 Community, supported the competition’s return from a four-year hiatus, Agolong added.
“We had over 20 hip-hop groups from Zamboanga del Norte and neighboring provinces showcasing their talent and filled the night with fierce competition and unforgettable performances,” Agolong said.
Tapped to judge the event were Philippine All Stars and XB Gensan’s Jan Acharon, Michael Ver Acharon, and Vincent Jopia.
Crowned as champion was Dipolog City’s Special Delivery. Another group from Dipolog City, the D'Caution Dance Crew, was first runner-up while OKM Teens from Oroquieta City finished second runner-up.
Taking the third runner-up honors was Dapitan’s Exile Brothers. Slim Shadow Crew of Bais City, Negros Oriental finished fourth runner-up.