BLEU IN BATALLA. Bleu poses in front the crowd of City Coliseum for Zamboanga Hermosa Festival Hip Hop Competition. Photo by DAYANG MEGAWATI-PUTRI JAAFAR
For the past two years, the pandemic surely dwindled the chances of rocking the dance floors for the annual Batalla Dance Competition held during Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. Dancers, dance enthusiasts, and supportive fans were robbed off this opportunity due to the pandemic’s drastic impact. Hence, with its comeback, to say that everyone is excited would be an understatement.
Alas, after two long years, BLEU – composed of 28 participants from Senior High School and College students to alumni for this year– is back to compete in BATALLA 2022: The Hermosa Mega Crew Hip Hop Dance Battle. Bagging the 3rd place and ₱15,000 cash prize at odds among all participating teams last October 9, at the City Coliseum.
BATALLA is an all hip hop dance competition and one of Zamboanga City’s staple activities in every celebration of Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, organized by newly-elected District 2 City Councilor, Hon. Vino Guingona, along with the Sangguniang Panlungsod. Among the other highlights of the event are the presence of Zamboanga City Mayor, John Dalipe; Vice Mayor, Pinpin Pareja; and renowned actress, Empress Schuck.
As this year’s festival banners the theme: “Celebracion de Colores,” BLEU showcased a Wowowin-inspired performance — Wowowin is a famous television variety show aired on weekdays on GMA network. Sporting orange, yellow, and white colored costumes while featuring the show’s famous segment “Pera o Bayong,” and performing to the hit songs of show host, Willie Revillame.
Due to the surge of COVID-19 infections across the city, Zamboanga City local government units (LGUs) prohibited face-to-face activities for the past two years; including the BATALLA Dance Competition thus, caused the dance group to compete in dance video competitions instead.
Despite descending one spot from clinching 2nd place during BATALLA Dance Competition 2019, with their group priorly known as the Ateneo Dance Company (ADC); BLEU achieving 3rd place this year is still rewarding for the group. According to the group’s leader, Renzo Jumangit, they are still part of the Top 3 winners and their long tiring practices were not wasted.
Meanwhile, the competition ended with Mixtensive hailing 1st place whereas the longest defending champion of the competition, True Family Dance Company, finished at 2nd place.
BLEU members expressed their gratitude to the AdZU community and the rest of their supporters for their loud cheers and unending support from the start until the end of the competition. With their vibrant oranges and yellow colors, one color did prevail more in the members’ eyes and hearts — the color of Ateneo.
