Written by Hazel Nicole Aguirre and Liezel Binaliw
Photo courtesy of the School of Information Technology / Andre Luiz Valencia
The FUSION 13 Dancesport Competition, held on March 25, 2025, at the UB Cardinals Gym, was nothing short of electrifying. With the crowd roaring and the dance floor ablaze with energy, Jillian Lorraine Damasco and Andrei Luiz Valencia of the School of Business Administration and Accountancy (SBAA) stole the show. Their flawless footwork, undeniable chemistry, and sheer determination earned them the titles of Best in Samba and Best in Rumba, ultimately crowning them as Dancesport Champions.
The Road to Victory: More Than Just Steps and Spins
Behind every breathtaking performance is months of relentless training, discipline, and an unshakable mindset. For Damasco, preparing for the competition wasn’t just about perfecting routines—it was about building mental and physical endurance.
“Dancesport is more than movement—it’s a commitment. The hardest part is the final weeks before the competition when we must go beyond just executing steps and start bringing true artistry to our performance. We had to create a connection that the audience could feel, pushing ourselves beyond just movement to truly embody the dance. Staying motivated meant having a clear goal, trusting the process, and most importantly, enjoying the journey with my partner and team.” – Jillian Lorraine Damasco
From early morning rehearsals to late-night refinements, every moment was spent honing precision, synchronization, and storytelling through movement. But physical preparation was just as crucial—proper rest, nutrition, and conditioning played a major role in ensuring they were competition-ready.
A Moment to Remember: The Sweet Taste of Triumph
When the final results were announced, the atmosphere was electric. The hard work, the sweat, the sacrifices—it all paid off in that defining moment of victory
“Winning FUSION 13 was unforgettable! The highlight was securing victory with our team—it was the culmination of all our hard work. It reinforced how much can be achieved through perseverance, teamwork, and dedication. That moment will always remind me of the power of pushing beyond limits and believing in ourselves.” – Andrei Luiz Valencia
Their Samba was a burst of energy, filled with dynamic footwork and sharp movements, while their Rumba captivated the audience with emotion, grace, and storytelling. The judges took notice—not just of their technical skills but their ability to breathe life into their performance.
Raising the Bar for Philippine Dancesport
FUSION 13 followed a structured judging system, evaluating competitors based on choreography, technique, musicality, and overall presentation. Despite being a school-based competition, the level of skill and dedication displayed was remarkable. Damasco and Valencia stood out among their peers, proving that passion and hard work can lead to outstanding performances, even on an academic stage.
Their victory isn’t just a win for them—it’s a testament to the power of dedication, teamwork, and passion. As they continue to break barriers in the world of dancesport, their journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring dancers to dream big, dance fearlessly, and never stop moving forward.
