Even in the final moments before stepping into the spotlight at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 20, UP Streetdance Club co-captain Giulia Añasco felt “very confident” about their chances of winning it all this season.
It had been nearly a decade since the Fighting Maroons last ruled the UAAP Street Dance Competition. In the years that followed, they settled for four runner-up finishes.
WATCH: Athletes of Diliman: UP Streetdance Club
That night, however, Añasco and the rest of the squad believed in the power of manifestation—even as they made it clear that clinching gold was never the ultimate goal.
“It’s just a huge bonus if we make it to the podium or bring home the championship,” she told Tinig ng Plaridel (TNP) backstage after stepping onto the stage.
As it turned out, that Tuesday was like no other for the UP Streetdance Club. It was a date with destiny.
With a magic-themed routine filled with stunning choreography and bold visuals, the Harry Houdinis from Diliman outclassed the eight-team field to ultimately claim the UAAP Season 87 Street Dance crown.
The comeback victory tied UP with De La Salle University as the winningest programs in the event since its introduction in 2011.
For head coach Aye Alba, the championship could not have been sweeter: not only did his squad write the perfect ending to what had been a rewarding season for State U, but they did so in the thick of finals week.
“We dedicate this to the entire UP community,” Alba said after the awarding ceremony. “It feels amazing to win the title again. Hopefully, we can keep this going.”
“Honestly, the team went through a lot. It’s finals week, and everyone’s swamped with deadlines, so things got really tough. But they worked so hard, and seeing them pull it off on stage made us all so emotional,” he added.
Beyond dethroning two-time defending champions University of Santo Tomas, the UP Streetdance Club finally got to experience what it feels like to be UAAP champions once more.
It is an honor that fourth-year Physical Education student Annika Cinco is grateful for, especially in what could be her swan song with the club.
“This has been our dream for so long, something we’ve held onto in the last four years,” an emotional Cinco shared with TNP. “Even in our past competitions, it already felt rewarding. But now, to be recognized by the entire UAAP and the dance community, it means everything.”
“I’m looking forward to how the rookies will continue our legacy. It’s about honor and excellence, and also determination and the overall work ethic of the UP Streetdance Club,” she added.
Among those entrusted with carrying forward the club’s winning tradition are newcomers Loren Molinos and Catiana Ferrer.
For the duo, stepping onto the stage was already a surreal experience. But casting their spell and helping the squad reclaim the gold after a nine-year title drought was nothing short of magical.
“As a rookie, I really didn’t expect to be lined up,” shared Molinos. “It’s such a huge blessing from our coaches, and especially from the Lord. We’re so happy to have brought the gold back to UP, even as first years.”
Behind their shimmering performance, they believe that the motivation to help their seniors was the unseen force for them to deliver a gold-winning routine.
“It also added a lot of pressure because our goal was to finally win the UAAP Street Dance Competition for our ates and kuyas who have long dreamed of this moment,” Ferrer said.
As they set their sights on the next season, the team knows it well that the real challenge begins now.
“There’s even more pressure when you’re defending a title. If this routine was champion-worthy, we have to level up next season,” head coach Alba said.
And with hearts still alight from their victory, the team, especially the rookies, is now more inspired than ever to bring the magic back to the dance floor in Season 88, drawing from the spellbinding legacy left by their team’s veterans.
“They always push us to find ways to improve. It’s inspiring. The pressure was too big to handle, but our seniors carried us with their goals. Now, we hope to carry that forward as the next generation,” Ferrer shared.
