Saint Louis University students were among the honorees of Ballet Baguio’s award-winning dancers at the 2026 MNL Dance Prix that brought home two Gold Medals, one Silver Medal, two Bronze Medals, the Best Classical Ballet Ensemble title, and two Outstanding Teacher Awards. The prestigious competition gathered more than a thousand dancers representing dance schools from across the country from 28–31 August 2026 at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) Arts Center, Taguig City, Manila,
The four Louisian students among Ballet Baguio’s roster were Janelle Mestito, a fourth-year Nursing student; Quisha Babas, a third-year Medical Biology student; Lara Annika Paula Namoca, a first-year student under the Accelerated Pathway to Medicine Program (APMed); and Angellyn Lorenzo, a Grade 12 student of the university’s Basic Education Department. Their achievements underscore the value of balancing rigorous academic pursuits with the discipline of artistic training, which is proof that excellence in the classroom and on stage can, and often do, go hand in hand.
Leading the triumph was “June,” a classical ballet ensemble celebrating the romance, elegance, and charm of the June bride choreographed by Ballet Baguio Artistic Director Jacqueline Go Ramon. The piece was awarded Best Classical Ballet Ensemble (Overall) and 1st Place in the Senior B Classical Ensemble Category, earning a Gold Medal. It featured Mestito, Babas, Namoca, and Lorenzo alongside Yesha Alimond, and SLU alumni Phoeboa Buen, and Keri Villegas.
In the Classical Solo divisions, Ms. Namoca earned a Bronze Medal in the Senior B Classical Solo Category for her rendition of the Medora Variation from Act III of Le Corsaire. Ms. Villegas also earned a Bronze Medal for the 2nd Shade Variation from La Bayadère. Rounding out the solo results, Jiyana Viel Audrei Maymaya and Theona Amira Subala won Gold and Silver in the Senior A Classical Solo Category.
Adding to Ballet Baguio’s achievements, coaches Jacqueline Go Ramon and Phoeboa Rei Buen — herself an alumna of SLU — were both honored with Outstanding Teacher Awards.
These achievements at the 2026 MNL Dance Prix reflect the dedication, artistry, discipline, and hard work of its dancers, teachers, choreographers, and creative team bringing another proud moment to Baguio City, Ballet Baguio, SLU, and the growing dance community. (Article by M.P. Namoca | Photos by Ballet Baguio)
