Tarlac State University's hip-hop and contemporary dance groups secured silver and bronze medals in the 18th season of the National Dance Championships at the Philippine Sports Arena in Pasig City last March 28 and 29, 2025.
The TSU Hip-hop Dance Group landed the first runner-up spot in the College Mixed Hip-hop category, maintaining a podium finish for two consecutive years. The group bested 10 other colleges and universities in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, the TSU Contemporary Dance Group also managed to stay on the podium in the College Mixed Contemporary category as the second runner-up, competing alongside renowned dance groups in the Philippines, namely the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe and the Company of Ateneo Dancers.
According to Mr. Daniel T. Dizon, faculty coach of the contemporary group, the NDC Season 18 is the "biggest season ever," with more than 250 teams on its roster.
"For contemporary, grateful and honored talaga kami na maihanay sa mga malalaking pangalan sa dance industry. And to see the scores na' di nagkakalayo, it means we're somehow at par na with the standards of those with advanced training in contemporary form. Kaya nga po hindi siya competing 'against' for us, it's more of competing 'with,'" Mr. Dizon said in an interview with the Office of Public Affairs.
The TSU Contemporary Dance Group received a total score of 257, trailing behind the dance teams from the University of Santo Tomas with 272.5 and the Ateneo De Manila University with 258.5.
Prof. Joseph M. Melegrito mentors the TSU HHDG, while Mr. Darren Dee Alimurong also served as a faculty coach for the contemporary group alongside Mr. Dizon.
Meanwhile, alumni Mr. Alec Jan Galinato and Ms. Lea Angelica Alhambra contributed to the choreography of the hip-hop and contemporary groups' dances, respectively.
The TSU HHDG and the Contemporary Dance Group are under the Office of Culture, Arts, and Languages.
Photos and details from Mr. Daniel T. Dizon, faculty coach
