CBA TSU-PA Dance

Troupe Reps Hail 19th TIFF

Grooving their hearts to the upbeat of the drums...

“Ican’t express my feelings through words. Hindi po sapat ‘yung mga words na ‘Happy and thankful’,” Ezraella Obregon, 3rd Year BS in Accounting Information System (BSAIS) student and Tarlac State University Performing Arts (TSU-PA) Dance Troupe Representative of College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) said in an interview.

This comes after TSU-PA Dance Troupe proved that Filipino talents can compete and triumph world-class after being awarded three “Excellence” trophies and after receiving major recognitions during the 19th Thailand International Folklore Festival (TIFF) last October 1926, 2022 at Chantaburi, Korat, Surin Province in Thailand.

The trophies brought in by the group were “Spectacular Costume during the Performance”, “Manifesting Careful and Elegant Performance” and “International Leadership with Crow Spirit” in response to the leadership they showed in international activities over the siege of the pandemic. They also received TIFF pin in international folklore performances. Among the members of the group are proud CBA students, whose talent and perseverance contributed to the achievement of TSU-PA, from BSBA Major in Marketing Management – Gia Merino (4th year), Karl Vicente (3rd year) and Celene Bethrese Balanquit (1st year), and from BS AIS – Ezraella Obregon (3rd year).

Ground breaking Moves Lead the Team

A ccording to Obregon, her teacher from Junior High School (JHS) who is also a TSU-PA Alumni urged her to join TSU-PA to mold her talent and skills and to focus on cultural dances, which is very close to her heart as she loves to dance especially folk dances.

“I have joined different kinds of dance competitions and it started when I was in high school, and recently in the Intercollege (Latin Dance Category) I noticed that I have a talent in dancing when I am one of the people leading our dance min-

Jess Resuello & Michelle Patricia Manalo

istry in our church. That time I have a feeling that I have a galaw (or groove) so I tried joining,” Obregon said in an interview.

She said that this achievement is very fulfilling because of her inspiration, as she offered this kind of achievement internationally to her parents who unendingly and untiringly supported her throughout the competition. Obregon also paid heed and gratitude to the eye and mentor of their group Professor Marcelino Balanquit, Culture and Arts Head because management, it is how you can manage in excelling in both areas as we see this situation in a brighter light, as this will develop our management and decision-making skills,” Merino answered in an interview when asked about the pros and cons of joining the group.

Merino also pinpointed that those awards are proofs that Filipinos can shine among other countries, and she was glad and honored to be part of the triumph of the group since being a member since her freshman days.

She said that this experience gave her the advantage of developing her communication skills, teamwork, self-discipline, and time management.

“Huwag kayo matakot to join and challenge yourself. Minsan naiisip na nakakasira ito sa acads pero we became more disciplined students. If you want to work on enhancing your dancing skills, you can join us. We can help each other to give our best execution and best pieces of advice,” she added.

The Dancing Feat Never Ends

“I’m extremely happy with these accomplishments because they have inspired me to keep improving and not be afraid to showcase the talent that TSU students possess that can compete both nationally and internationally,” Vicente graciously unveiled.

if not for him, there can be no dance troupe.

“And to those who are aspiring to be part of the dance troupe and aims to achieve also this kind of award, all I can say is that, mahirap pagsabayin ang pag-aaral at pagsasayaw but if you love it naman gagawin at gagawin mong pahinga ang pagsasayaw at dapat wala kang isasacrifice sa kanila,” Obregon inspiringly imparted.

Finale: A New Era Emerging to Dance

As a 4th-year BSBA Marketing Student, Gia Merino seized the moment after going to Thailand as a delegate to represent not just the Philippines but also TSU. She said that receiving the award was such a great experience where she learned different customs and traditions.

“As a marketing student, it is important to build your network as early as possible for future endeavors. Although joining the group put the test of your time

“If you have to enhance your skills in dancing, especially with our very own folk dances, and [you want to] have a great experience during your stay in the university, this is the right place for you. Don’t hesitate and take the opportunity to join the audition because, in the end, we will only be regretting the chances that we didn’t take,” Merino addressed.

A Fresh Start : Success Unlock

Celene Balanquit has proven that everyone can make a difference as she was able to unlock success to start her fresh career being a part of TSU-PA’s achievements.

“Actually, transferee and shifter po ako. 3rd year na po sana pero nagdecide ako to transfer here in TSU and as a transferee I feel so honored and proud to be part of this achievement lalo na narepresent ko po ang bago kong school agad,” Balanquit said.

He also advised the youth to be unafraid to exhibit their talents as it represents their strength to let others see how talented a person is. He encouraged everyone to further develop their talents because they have the best of the best and ultimately compassionate trainers who can help them to increase their understanding of their talents and compelling backstories.

“Leave your body’s timidity behind because every talent comes with courage and self-confidence, which will help you achieve a lot,” Vicente emphasized.

Furthermore, aside from the TSU-PA Dance troupe, Culture and Arts Head Prof. Marcelino Balanquit proudly received the ‘Diamond of Asia’ Award and was named ‘World Peace Declarer’ for his outstanding effort and achievement in international culture and arts and folklore activities.

Meanwhile, aside from the Philippines, countries like Thailand, Albania, Bulgaria, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Hungary, Italy, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Korea, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Poland, Peru, Sri Lanka, and Turkey also participated in 19th TIFF highlighting 719 international artist-delegates from the 24 countries mentioned.