The Ilocos Sur Festival 2025 was a vibrant celebration of the region’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing outstanding talent and a deep passion for the performing arts. Among the festival’s many highlights was the Dancesport Competition, held on February 11, 2025, at the Quirino Stadium in Bantay. The event saw fierce competition and breathtaking performances, but it was the remarkable achievement of John Michael Rivera and Karizza Branches that truly captured the audience’s attention.

Rivera and Branches, representing their respective colleges, secured a well-deserved 3rd place in the Amateur Category of the competition. John Michael G. Rivera, a second-year BSCE (Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering) student, and Karizza R. Branches, a third-year BS Criminology student, demonstrated exceptional grace, technique, and synchronization on the dance floor. Their dedication and hard work were evident in every step, earning them enthusiastic applause from the spectators and high praise from the judging panel.

The talented pair was awarded a plaque of recognition for their outstanding performance, along with a cash prize of forty thousand pesos. Their victory not only highlights their personal achievement but also brings immense pride to their colleges and the entire UNP community.

Article by Romel San Diego Jr.