By Princess Lorelai C. Salonga

From red and white to blue and yellow: from flaming fire and pure dreams to soaring high and sunshine winnings.

The Vallenian X Crew (VxC) was recognized as modern dance 3rd placer in the National Alliance of Private School Philippines (NAPSPHIL). 

During ROPRISA, different schools in Montalban will compete with one another to judge who will represent Montalban in RIPRISA. The different municipalities of Rizal competing in RIPRISA will narrow down a winner that will compete in NAPSPHIL against the 5 provinces of CALABARZON.

Vallenian X Crew aced from ROPRISA to NAPSPHIL. 

They followed the beat of their winning song “footloose” until it led them to Juan Sumulong Memorial Junior College to represent Rizal. No loss and with feet on the ground. 

The sweat of Vallenian dancers are raindrops on the floor as they move from dusk to dawn where 30 minutes-healthbreak of VHA students is just their warm up time. 

Vallenians saw how they worked hard to earn every medal they got starting from ROPRISA. 

“Nag-istart kami ng 8:00 AM, natatapos kami ng 5:00 PM,” the dance trainer of VxC, Ej Piopongco said. He trained the Vallenian dancers for the second time this year. 

“Pangalawang beses ko na sa Valley High [Academy], sa VxC. Yung iba kasi kasama ko na last year, ngayon mas nabuo na yung chemistry namin kaya minsan lumalabas kami,” he shared how his bond with the student-dancers became tighter. 

Along with that is a promise to redeem themselves from last year and a dream to reach the floor of NAPSPHIL.

“Sobrang saya kasi last year talo kami noong RIPRISA tapos sabi namin babawi kami ngayon. Ngayon okay lang [kung] manalo, matalo. Manalo bonus na, yung makasayaw kami rito sobrang sarap kasi dati sabi ko lang babawi kami tapos ngayon nandito na kami,” he said with a smile planted on his face.

The dancers have different lenses on how they look at the event and winnings. There are new members who underwent auditions, old members who are trying to redeem themselves, and old members who are graduating. They have different motivations but have the same goal –  which is to win and represent their school, home town, and province. 

Beginning 

Four new members joined the Vallenian X Crew this school year 2024 to 2025: Jemuel Bello from 11 HUMSS B, Alejandro Ramos from 11 STEM E, Decerey Vente from 11 STEM D, and Jhoan Voluntad from 10 Newton. 

New members were selected through an audition that was conducted last September 9, 2024.

Their heart was burning with passion and commitment to dance along with the experienced members. Jemuel Bello and Alejandro Ramos shared their experiences. 

“First time ko [i]to and I'm so happy dahil naging part ako ng history ng VxC na first sa NAPSPHIL. Ang saya ko kasi naging part ako ng VxC,” Bello said. 

“Sobrang grateful, sobrang hindi makapaniwala kasi first time tapos yung mga kasama ko batikan na. Hindi talaga ako makapaniwala, sobrang saya namin [na] nandito kami ngayon. Kahit anong mangyari ngayon sobrang saya namin [dahil] nakatungtong kami dito sa NAPSPHIL,” Ramos said.

Bello and Ramos are happy and grateful but they also carried pressure as first timers surrounded by experienced dancers. 

“Syempre napressure ako lalo kasi 3peat sila nag ROPRISA, nagchampion, kaya parang mas napressure ako na “hala first time ko what if matalo kami” pero hindi. Dahil kay God nabigyan ako ng lakas ng loob na lumaban nang lumaban at para i-represent yung bayan natin,” Bello shared.

“Sobrang laki ng pressure kasi first time ko lang din lalo na noong ROPRISA kasi kaming mga bagong grade 11 first time lang namin maka-apak so ibang iba talaga yung feeling, hinding hindi makakalimutan,” Ramos shared. 

An ear for classroom discussion and another for hearing every beat of footloose as they dance. As student-dancers, they have to keep their academics and passion balanced. 

“Kailangan talaga may mga isa-sakripisyo kang bagay kasi may mga hilig din ako bago ako sumali sa VxC na kailangan kong i-let go para lang makapag-focus sa acads tsaka sa sayaw,” Ramos said.

In Between

In Chelseah Maglonzo’s eyes, their journey is a long ride after witnessing both losing and winning. 

Maglonzo represented Valley High Academy for the second time this year. She is a grade 11 HUMSS student and her first time competing was during her 10th grade. 

The Vallenian X Crew hoisted the trophy as champions during ROPRISA last season but their fight ended on RIPRISA.

The tables have turned this 2024. They were recognized as champions during ROPRISA and RIPRISA giving them an opportunity to dance on the floor of NAPSPHIL.

Maglonzo was present for both experiences: losing and winning.

“Sobrang saya kasi last year natalo kami ngayon nabawi naman pero nakakalungkot din kasi yung mga grade 12 ko na kagrupo ay ga-graduate na next year,” she said.

Maglonzo will continue to compete next season as a grade 12 student.

“If there's a life lesson that I've learned, ito ay [to] never give up. Kasi talagang darating yung tamang panahon for you to shine; darating yung araw na ikaw naman pero it will only happen if you work hard for it,” she shared.

Ending

On the lens of graduating members: She Navarro from 12 TVL Kraft, Nicole Aien Lorica from 12 ABM Bentham, Mary Angel Poseo from 12 ABM Bentham, Majeh De Jesus from 12 STEM Meyer, and Joyce Mari Boongaling from 12 STEM Graham Bell. They are grateful to be a VHA alumni carrying all the lessons in their heart and ending the season with three medals from ROPRISA to NAPSPHIL.

“Hindi man kami nakaabot noong nakaraang taon sinabi namin sa sarili namin na makakabawi kami. Hindi naman namin magagawa yun kung wala yung coach namin tsaka si ma’am Dixie and ma’am Redg,” Navarro said. 

“We're so happy and proud na nakarating kami sa Nationals, and better yet, lumaban kaming may naipanalo. It's a huge honour to not only represent VHA or Rodriguez, but the whole Rizal province. I'd say na it's the best reward for us dahil masasabi na naming we've come so far,” Lorica said.

"I'm happy and proud na may naiuwi kaming 3rd place after all the hardship na napagdaanan namin. I'm grateful for the experience throughout the journey. As a member ng VxC since 2019, sobrang saya ko na malayo na narating ng VxC and magtuloy tuloy parin sana yun kahit wala na kami!” Poseo shared. 

Sobrang kinakabahan po ako at ang mga kagrupo dahil we have no idea about sa program po dahil first time lang namin makapag-NAPSHIL. Sobrang saya sa puso and also nakakaproud dahil despite sa lahat ng struggles ng grupo [ay] nakapag-uwi kami ng 3rd place award. We enjoyed the moment na nakapag perform kami at naibigay namin ang best namin all throughout the performance,” De Jesus shared.

“Last year hindi kami nanalo ng RIPRISA. Sa [a]kin as an individual na kasama sa VxC, gusto kong ipush yung best ko kasi alam kong last year ko na rito and also mimomotivate ko yung mga kasama ko kasi para sa amin yung magiging panalo namin and para sa mga Vallenians din,” Boongaling shared. 

As seniors, they had the biggest influence on their younger co-members. They are part of the backbone that choose to stand and be a foundation of inspiration to VxC members. 

“Bilang grade 12, gusto kong sabihin sa kanila na hindi lahat ng pagkatalo ay dapat malungkot tayo. Gawin natin siyang motivation para i-give yung best natin sa susunod na pagkakataon,” Boongaling said. 

The root of all winnings is the strong foundation of support at the back of the Vallenian X Crew. The faculty, admins, staff, and students are handing endless support from beginning until the end.

"Sa three years kong sumasali sa VxC, feel na feel ko talaga yung support nila: sa pagte-take care pa lang sa amin sa school hanggang sa labas ng school, sa pagti-treat sa amin tuwing nananalo kami, emotional support, and physical support hindi nawawala yun,” Boongaling shared. 

Their winning can be seen from different perspectives but their happiness radiates equally reaching in Valley High Academy. Everyone is proud as they dance with pride and grace. While they were dancing, cold wind passed through the skin of audiences and left their jaws dropping. During the awarding of winners, VxC members’ heartbeat was felt and heard but their shout was louder after winning the 3rd place. “Isa pa,” they all shouted: the Vallenian X Crew will compete again next season.