Pinoy dance group reclaims victory in World Hip Hop competition

MANILA, Philippines - Two years after bagging their first crown, an all-Filipino dance group again reined supreme in the recently concluded World Hip Hop competition in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Philippine All Stars reclaimed victory last August 3, two years after winning the championship in 2006. Last year, All Stars only managed to get the bronze. The seven-member team beat 1,000 dancers from more than 30 countries including the United States, said to be the birthplace of hip hop culture. Three judges that included multi-awarded singer MC Hammer and hip hop choreographer Shane Sparks gave their highest scores to All Star. During the eliminations round, California-based Filipino-American dance group Kaba Modern placed second followed by dance crew Prestige from New Zealand. Kaba, short for kababayan, joined the first season of MTV’s Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew where coincidentally, a predominantly Filipino dance crew, Jabbawockeez won first place. All Stars edged out other dance crews in the World Hip Hop stage after incorporating several dance styles including breakdance, popping, crump and stepdance. The group donned the iconic sun and stars of the Philippine flag during the competition. Aside from the World Hip Hop crown, All Stars won top prizes in the 2nd International Hip Hop Open D'Italia, Pala Ruffini in Torino Italy, and the 5th World Hip Hop Championships in Redondo Beach, California, which were both held in 2006. The Philippine-based dance group is composed of 15 dancers. Among them are Kenneth “Kenjohns" Serrano, Lema Diaz, Sheena Vera Cruz, Laurence Chua, Patrick Caballa, Kyxz Mendiola, Michelle Salazar, Jhong Mesina, Jeremiah Carandang, Reagan Cornelio, Chelo Aestrid, Madelle Enriquez, Prince Paltu-Ob, Deo Bantillo, and Niko Bolante. The group is also making a film documentary titled “HIS-STORY the Movie." that will chronicle the group’s preparations for the World Hip Hop competition. - MARK JOSEPH H. UBALDE, GMANews.TV