On Friday, September 13, 2019, the Eastbridge Dance Troupe won first place in the folk dance competition of the RIPRISA (Rizal Private Schools Association), held at Juan Sumulong Memorial Junior College in Taytay, Rizal. Representing the municipality of Rodriguez, the troupe competed against the champion troupes of twelve Rizal municipalities. Second place went to Cainta and third place to Antipolo.
One second to spare
It was a sweet victory. Eastbridge had made two earlier trips to this competition without placing at all. This time, the organizers were strictly timing every performance, and our dancers finished with just one second left on the clock. We later learned that even a time deduction would not have changed the result: the troupe's score was high enough to win by a comfortable margin.
Performing fourth out of twelve, the troupe drew applause at several points during the dance, and not only from our own supporters. It was an early sign that a championship was coming.
What came next
This win sent the troupe to represent the province of Rizal at the NAPSPHIL competition in Batangas, and two weeks later, on September 28, 2019, they won that too. Read the NAPSPHIL 2019 story →
Seven years later, in 2026, the troupe won its third RIPRISA title and became national champions again. Read the 2026 story →
More than a trophy
Two trips with no medal could have discouraged anyone. Our dancers and coaches kept practicing, kept learning, and came back stronger. That kind of persistence, and the discipline to finish a dance on time and as one, are lessons that will serve these children long after the music stops.
Thank you to our coaches, Coach Paul Sagrado and Teacher Glenda Espero, and to the parents who supported the troupe. To God be the glory!
Every child has gifts worth discovering.
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