The University of Northern Philippines reaffirmed its status as a powerhouse in dance as Jhasley Relon from the College of Architecture and Ahron Andrei De Leon from the College of Arts and Sciences claimed the championship title in the Amateur Category of the Dance Sport Competition at the Ilocos Sur Festival 2025. Held on February 11 in Vigan City, the event brought together the province’s finest talents to celebrate skill, artistry, and cultural pride in one of the festival’s highlights.

The competition featured 29 pairs across three categories—Junior, Amateur, and Third World. The Junior Category, for dancers aged 12 to 17, included 10 pairs, while the Amateur and Third World Categories, open to participants aged 18 and above, featured 10 and 9 pairs, respectively. Performing Cha-Cha, Samba, Rumba, and Jive, the contestants showcased exceptional versatility and mastery of Latin dance.

Jhasley and Ahron, dance partners for seven years, delivered a showstopping performance that captivated both the judges and the audience. Their flawless execution, chemistry, and technical precision earned them the championship title in the highly competitive Amateur Category.

UNP’s dominance was further highlighted as its representatives swept the top five spots in the Amateur Category. Harriz Bautista and Angelica Gironella clinched second place, while John Michael Rivera and Karizza Acance claimed third. Shancarlo Cortez and Mary Jane Supnet, along with Jaz Jefferson Argallon and Romelyn Palacielo, rounded out the top five, cementing UNP’s reputation as a hub for exceptional dance talent.

Article by Charles Angelo Andrada, Photo by Gabriel Isaac Fieldad.