These ballerinas took home the overall championship from the Asia Pacific Arts Festival in Vietnam
The 6th Asia Pacific Arts Festival (APAF) was recently held last January 19-20, 2019 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The APAF is a cultural exchange celebrated through performing arts competitions. Its goal is a pursuit towards harmony, peace and global friendship.
19 ballerinas from the ages of 7-19 years old represented the Philippines in Vietnam. The ballerinas who competed include but are not limited to the following: Sophia Marie Lily Lucito, Herbie Amber Bobier, Nasia Mabelle Castillo, Chloe ZiQian Chen, Bianca Denise Magbatoc, and Jamela Beatriz Napao. They are all performers from the Dance Theatre Arts Philippines.
According to Pamela Ortiz-Bondoc, the directress of the school, participation was on a volunteer basis. They did not want to discourage others by holding audtions or qualifying rounds. So the contingent was made up of dancers who were willing and confident enough to volunteer.
Other schools who participated in the cultural exchange are City of Bogo Science & Arts Academy & Ballet Center Cebu, Bulacan Ballet & Arts Academy, Cavite National High Hchool, Lyceum of the Philippines, Ballet & Arts Centre, Twinkle Toes Ballet & Music Academy, Dance Theatre Arts, Jeté Performing Arts Studio, GCF International Christian School and Regional Lead School for the Arts.
They bagged 27 gold, 7 silver and 1 bronze awards. The Philippines was awarded the title of overall champion. The festival was attended by participants from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Hong Kong and Vietnam.