Local talent is on the rise and is putting the world on notice. From Bini’s KCON appearance to SB19’s First Take performances and even our representatives at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Filipino excellence is right up there with the best of the best.
As we continue to break past barriers and enter new arenas and platforms previously dominated by others, Adhika from St. Scholastica’s Academy of Marikina is next to represent the country and showcase Filipino talent at yet another global stage—World of Dance.
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From July 28 to Aug. 1 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Adhika will compete with world-class groups from over 50 countries and attempt to make it into the top 10 of the international junior team division championship. Doing so would grant them the opportunity to participate in the world finals, which includes top-placing teams from other divisions. The winner will receive a grand prize of $5,000 and the title of World of Dance Champion.
Do they have what it takes to win the crown? Certainly.
We visited Adhika during one of their rehearsals ahead of the team’s flight to Los Angeles and talked about the history of the group and their grueling road to the World of Dance Summit.
The making of AdhikaCoach Edi Jocson joined Adhika when it was first formed in 2017. Back then and coinciding with the introduction of senior high in the education system, the dance team was exclusive to seniors and is a totally separate group from the junior high dance club.
Jocson occasionally picked out younger students to train with Adhika during summer camp. However, they weren’t usually allowed to participate in competitions for fear of clashing with ongoing junior high club activities. In fact, it was only during their recently concluded fundraising concert and the World of Dance summit in Los Angeles that everyone from both senior and junior high was allowed to perform together on stage.
Adhika members taking a break after a tiring routine
Photos by Carl Martin Agustin
“This year we opened Adhika to the whole junior high so they’ll have six playing years. Sobrang gagaling pa sila and ’yun ’yung pinakamabibigay namin sa future ng Adhika,” says team captain Danielle “Yiel” Bulot (18), who is excited for the younger members despite her time on the team coming to a close.
Fellow senior and team treasurer Justine Mei Saito (18) adds, “It feels good to pass on these lessons to the juniors—last year kami ’yung tinuturuan ng mga seniors namin. Ngayon, kami na ’yung nag-i-inspire and nag-mo-motivate sa mga juniors.”
The ongoing summer break has allowed the girls to participate in and focus on their preparations | Photo by Carl Martin Agustin
“I really feel grateful to be a part of this since not a lot of people my age get to experience this. I know it’s really hard to get to their level but once you get to be determined to keep up, to be at the same level as them, you get the chance to learn,” says youngest member Victoria Mendoza (12).
Aside from handling Adhika, Jocson is also the founder of dance teams 4DK and Class E (an all-girl troupe where most Adhika graduates go). He also leads the Metrobank Dance Company.
The climb to the World of Dance SummitAdhika’s journey to World of Dance began in 2023 when the team finished last during the local qualifiers. Disheartened yet motivated, the group continued to dominate regional competitions, including Dance Supremacy High School Queens 2024 which they also won the previous year.
After that was a return to the World of Dance regional qualifiers stage at the UP Theater, where Adhika finished fourth despite being the crowd favorite.
“I’ll be honest medyo nag-expect kami siyempre crowd favorite, kaya nasaktanfast & furious,” says Jocson, maintaining that just bouncing back from the previous year’s last-place finish was a good win for the team.
@adhk.ssam Introducing the #TooBadChallenge 😎🤘🏻dc: ADHIKA