From Rodriguez to Rizal to Nationals: Eastbridge Dancers Win 3rd RIPRISA Folk Dance Title

On October 9, 2026, the Eastbridge dance troupe won the RIPRISA (Rizal Private Schools Association) Folk Dance Competition, held at Juan Sumulong Memorial Junior College in Taytay, Rizal. It is the troupe's third provincial championship. The dancers' parents were there in full support, cheering every step.

This victory comes just weeks after the troupe won its 7th ROPRISA (Rodriguez Private Schools Association) folk dance championship in September. The children first earned their place among the schools of Rodriguez, and then against well-prepared schools from towns across the province of Rizal.

A win that didn't come easy

The provincial level brought a new level of competition. Schools from across Rizal sent gifted, well-prepared dancers, and our team knew it. Teacher Glenda admits she was in tears from the tension as she watched the other performers, praying that the judges had studied the dance's literature as carefully as our team had.

"Hindi kami naging complacent," she shared. "Sobrang gagaling ng mga dancers from other towns."

What the judges looked for

Before announcing the winners, the judges walked everyone through their criteria point by point, clearly explaining how each performance measured against the competition guidelines.

The troupe stood out for staying true to the dance as it is documented. The steps followed the literature, and the costumes honored the dance's farming and harvest roots, down to the choice of fabric. "In the end," Teacher Glenda said, "talagang tama lang na nag-stick tayo sa literature."

Those costumes were designed by our Directress, Roce Jane Limoso, who has designed the troupe's costumes year after year. This year they were brought to life by Eastbridge parent Yanica Manjares, our new costume maker.

Back to Nationals

The troupe now advances to the NAPSPHIL (National Association of Private Schools in the Philippines) national competition in Lucena City on October 24, 2026. It's familiar ground: Eastbridge was crowned national champion in School Year 2019–2020 and placed 3rd at nationals in 2024–2025. We'd love your prayers and cheers!

More than a trophy

This win teaches our children something we care about deeply: doing a thing faithfully and correctly matters, even when a shortcut might go unnoticed. It also shows what happens when teachers do their homework, children give their best, and parents stand behind them all the way.

Behind every great performance is a great team. Our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated dance coach, Paul G. Sagrado; to the always-present Kaye Beldad, who did the hair and makeup of our female dancers; and to Directress Roce Jane Limoso and Yanica Manjares for costumes worthy of the dance.

Congratulations to our twelve dancers, to Teacher Glenda, and to every parent who sewed, drove, waited, and cheered. To God be the glory!

Every child has gifts worth discovering.

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