BAGUIO CHOREOGRAPHERS RULE NATIONAL COMPETITION, BRING HOME 3 MAJOR AWARDS AND TOP HONORS

TAGUIG CITY — Baguio choreographers Jacqueline Go Ramon and Gabriele Alinio delivered a commanding performance at the 2026 Association of Ballet Academies Philippines (ABAP) Emerging Choreographers Competition, capturing two first-place titles, one second-place award, a prestigious special recognition, and a scholarship grant—cementing Baguio City’s place among the country’s leading centers for dance excellence.

Jacqueline Go Ramon after receiving her awards during the 2026 Association of Ballet Academies Philippines (ABAP) Emerging Choreographers Competition. 📸 Contributed Photos

Ramon led the victories after winning First Place in the Adult Small Group Neo-Classical Ensemble Category for Aerodynamic and Second Place in the Senior Small Group Neo-Classical Ensemble Category for The Waves Obey Her. She was also awarded the Tony Fabella Emerging Choreographer Award, one of the competition’s highest honors for emerging choreographers in neo-classical ballet.

Alinio likewise topped the Adult Small Group Contemporary Category with Sleepless, a piece that explored anxiety, overthinking, and emotional unrest. The work also earned a scholarship grant to the 2026 Manila Dance Prix.

Ballet Baguio together with Jacqueline Go Ramon. 📸 Contributed Photo

Gabriel Alinio (middle) poses together with other Baguio Ballet members who also received recognitions. 📸 Contributed Photo

Held at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater in Taguig City, the competition gathered choreographers from ballet schools and dance institutions across the Philippines, recognizing excellence in original choreography and artistic innovation.

“These recognitions reflect the dedication of our choreographers, dancers, faculty, families, and supporters who continue to believe in the power of dance and artistic excellence,” Ramon said. “We are honored to represent Baguio City and the Cordillera region on the national stage.”

Award-Winning Works and Performers

Aerodynamic (First Place – Adult Small Group Neo-Classical Ensemble)

• Yesha Alimondo

• Quisha Babas

• Phoeboa Buen

• Jade Mestito

• Lara Namoca

• Keri Villegas

  
  

The Waves Obey Her (Second Place – Senior Small Group Neo-Classical Ensemble)

• Jiyana Maymaya

• Alana Azarias

• Alea Bai

• Andrea Ducusin

• Clea Go

• Angellyn Lorenzo

• Theona Subala

  
  

Sleepless (First Place – Adult Small Group Contemporary)

• Yesha Alimondo

• Quisha Babas

• Phoeboa Buen

• Simone Co

• Angellyn Lorenzo

• Jade Mestito

• Keri Villegas

  
  

The multiple awards mark a significant achievement not only for Ballet Baguio, but also for the Cordillera arts community, showcasing the region’s growing influence in both classical and contemporary dance at the national level. Through original works such as Aerodynamic, The Waves Obey Her, and Sleepless, Ballet Baguio continues to prove that world-class choreography and artistic innovation are thriving in Northern Luzon.