Ballet Baguio
Press Release — June 22, 2026
Baguio Choreographers Win Multiple Top Honors at 2026 ABAP Emerging Choreographers Competition
TAGUIG CITY, Philippines — June 21, 2026 — Ballet Baguio celebrated a landmark achievement at the 2026 Association of Ballet Academies Philippines (ABAP) Emerging Choreographers Competition, held at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater, as its choreographers earned two first-place awards, one second-place award, and two major special citations.
Artistic Director Jacqueline Go Ramon received First Place in the Adult Small Group Neo-Classical Ensemble Category for “Aerodynamic”, a work inspired by the synchronized flight formations and precise aerial maneuvers of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Performed by Yesha Alimondo, Quisha Babas, Phoeboa Buen, Jade Mestito, Lara Namoca, and Keri Villegas, the piece translated the discipline and unity of flight into movement on stage.
She also won Second Place in the Senior Small Group Neo-Classical Ensemble Category for “The Waves Obey Her”, a tribute to the power of the ocean and the warrior grace of mythical sea nymphs whose legends echo through the Philippine seas. The work was performed by Jiyana Maymaya, Alana Azarias, Alea Bai, Andrea Ducusin, Clea Go, Angellyn Lorenzo, and Theona Subala.
In recognition of her artistic vision and excellence in choreography, Ramon was further honored with the Tony Fabella Emerging Choreographer Award, the competition’s special distinctions in Neo-Classical Ballet.
Ballet Baguio Ballet Master Gabriele Alinio won First Place in the Adult Small Group Contemporary Category for “Sleepless”, a contemporary work exploring the restless thoughts, anxieties, and emotional turbulence that accompany a night of overthinking and sleeplessness. The piece was performed by Yesha Alimondo, Quisha Babas, Phoeboa Buen, Simone Co, Angellyn Lorenzo, Jade Mestito, and Keri Villegas.
The group also won a scholarship grant to the 2026 Manila Dance Prix for “Sleepless”.
These awards recognize excellence in original choreography and artistic innovation among dance artists from ballet schools throughout the Philippines.
“These recognitions reflect the dedication of our choreographers, dancers, faculty, families, and supporters who continue to believe in the power of dance and artistic excellence,” said Ramon. “We are honored to represent Baguio City and the Cordillera region on the national stage.”
The success of “Aerodynamic”, “The Waves Obey Her”, and “Sleepless” highlights Ballet Baguio’s continuing commitment to nurturing original Filipino choreography and developing young artists capable of excelling in both classical and contemporary forms.
Founded to promote excellence in dance education and performance in Northern Luzon, Ballet Baguio continues to provide opportunities for dancers and choreographers to grow artistically while contributing to the vibrant cultural life of Baguio City and the Cordillera region.
Awards Received
JACQUELINE GO RAMON
● First Place, Adult Small Group Neo-Classical Ensemble Category — “Aerodynamic”
● Second Place, Senior Small Group Neo-Classical Ensemble Category — “The Waves Obey Her”
● Tony Fabella Emerging Choreographer Award
GABRIELE ALINIO
● First Place, Adult Small Group Contemporary Category — “Sleepless”
Performing Artists
Aerodynamic
● Yesha Alimondo
● Quisha Babas
● Phoeboa Buen
● Jade Mestito
● Lara Namoca
● Keri Villegas
The Waves Obey Her
● Jiyana Maymaya
● Alana Azarias
● Alea Bai
● Andrea Ducusin
● Clea Go
● Angellyn Lorenzo
● Theona Subala
Sleepless
● Yesha Alimondo
● Quisha Babas
● Phoeboa Buen
● Simone Co
● Angellyn Lorenzo
● Jade Mestito
● Keri Villegas
About Ballet Baguio
Ballet Baguio is a Baguio City–based dance institution dedicated to excellence in dance education, performance, and artistic development. Through training, productions, and community engagement, Ballet Baguio cultivates the next generation of Filipino dance artists while advancing the performing arts in the Cordillera region.
