By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The accomplished and widely-renowned Iloilo MB Dance Academy is back.
After turning heads on the international stage last October when they flaunted their skills during the 5th Kuching International Dance Festival held in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, the Iloilo-based dance academy impressed during the recently concluded 3rd Philippines Superstar Dancesport Championship last February 18, 2023.
The duo of Mary Chelleen Faith Baylon and Jayson Gian Cala-or bagged second place in the Youth C category of the competition.
Baylon and Cala-or got up against the best dancers from all over the Philippines and bested the almost 100 participants in their category.
The Dance Vision Arena in San Juan, Manila was filled with oohs and aahs after the MB Dance Academy representatives took center stage and showcased their precision taught by no other than Mr. Matthew Balbastro, their long-time chief trainer.
“Always make your good or bad experiences be your motivation to be better. Because no one can tell you what you can’t and can achieve, just focus on the genuine people who support you emotionally and spiritually they are just what we need. The materials you use for your trophy always depend on how you prepare for it (not all but most likely) during the rehearsal and competition sum up all your efforts along the way, collect them,” said Mr. Balbastro as a message to both Baylon & Cala-or in an exclusive interview with the Daily Guardian.
Aside from their achievement in the Youth C category, Cala-or ended the event with a gold medal in the Champion Latin Duo Open category.
According to Mr. Balbastro, the continued exposure of the Iloilo MB Dance Academy on the national and international stage will not only help them grow as a team but their goal is to also gain more knowledge in the dancesport scene.
As of now, the top Dance Academy in the City of Love is still preparing for the lined-up competitions in a busy 2023 tournament calendar.
“Stay humble and keep going no matter what. I will always be here to support and believe in you both Jayson and Chelleen congratulations! I can’t wait to see more of you and Jayson. To God be the Highest Glory,” added Mr. Balbastro.
