Maria Katrina Paras

Article (news)

Red Bull Dance Final Cebu 2025

<p>As someone who’s danced for over a decade, I’ve witnessed countless battles, from intimate cyphers to jam-packed competitions.</p><p>I’ve also had the honor of competing both nationally and internationally, and I know what it feels like to carry the weight of a style, a team, a story… and most of all, a<strong> flag</strong>. </p><p>Much like elite athletes, dancers train for moments like these: to rise, to represent, and to reclaim the floor as their own. The grind is real: physically, mentally, spiritually. We don’t just perform. We prepare. We pour our whole selves into a few explosive minutes that might define a lifetime.</p><p>The <strong>Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals</strong> is one of those rare stages, and this year, it turned <strong>Cebu</strong> into a dance capital, where raw skill, crowd energy, and personal journey collided.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1748422254119Red Bull Dance 2.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>Held for the first time at <strong>Ayala Center Cebu</strong>, the event brought together 16 of the country’s finest for a celebration of instinct, individuality, and improvisation. With the crowd as the judge, the night was anyone’s game, and it was magic.</p><p>Before the battles, guests were treated to <strong>Red Bull cocktails</strong>, <strong>live DJ sets by Orange Juice Asia</strong>, and a welcome that felt more like a party than a pre-show. As the crowd grew louder, <strong>DJ Jazz Zamora</strong> took over the turntables, setting the tempo for one of the most high-stakes street dance battles of the year.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1748422342878Red Bull Dance 3.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>Guiding the night with energy, heart, and undeniable stage presence was <strong>Madelle Paltuob</strong>, a respected figure in the dance community and an empowering force as host of the evening. Her words hyped the crowd, connected the dancers, and set the tone for a night rooted in rhythm and respect.</p><p>The celebration didn’t stop at the battles. The stage was graced with special performances from <strong>Karencitta</strong>, the proudly Cebuana pop powerhouse who brought hometown pride and bold energy to the mic, and<strong> SZHD</strong>, the <strong>HipHop International Philippines Gold Medalist</strong> in the <strong>MegaCrew Division</strong>, delivered a powerhouse performance that shook the floor. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1748422442000Red Bull Dance 4.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Adding star power to the event were two cultural icons: <strong>Niana Guerrero</strong>, one of the Philippines&#x27; biggest digital sensations, who has inspired millions with her moves and authenticity, and <strong>Dasuri Choi</strong>, a South Korean K-pop dancer who has long made her mark on Filipino digital spaces with elegance and power on her dance covers and performances.</div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKCCLNhTvlx/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A5747311.6%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="836" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>16 dancers from across the country competed for one dream: to represent the Philippines at the <strong>World Finals</strong> in <strong>Los Angeles</strong>. Each with a different style, a different story, but with equal fire.</p><div><strong>QUALIFIER FINALISTS:</strong><strong></strong></div><p><strong>SUJI </strong>– Hip Hop (@sugeethegreat)<strong></strong></p><p><strong>SPADECKX </strong>– Hip Hop (@spadeckx)</p><p><strong>JIGORO</strong> – House &amp; Popping (@jiggy_row)</p><p><strong>EBOY (SHANTI)</strong> – Krump (@eboy_aka_shvnti)</p><p><strong>PLAYMAKER</strong> – Krump (@playmakerdealastor)</p><p><strong>JPY</strong> – Hip Hop (@jpypopoy_02)</p><p><strong>BABY TITAN </strong>– Krump (@1baby_titan1)</p><p><strong>POPPIN GEE</strong> – Popping (@popngee)</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKD_F0DytxA/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A5864700.899999999%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="857" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong>WILDCARDS:</strong></div><p><strong>KLOCKWISE</strong> – Locking (@klockwis3.33)</p><p><strong>NEMESIS</strong> – Krump (@ladyhax_)</p><p><strong>GELLA</strong> – Dancehall (@gella.gonzales)</p><p><strong>PJ BOOGIE</strong> – Popping (@pj_boogie88)</p><p><strong>XYZA </strong>– Voguing (@xyzamizrahi)</p><p><strong>IZZY</strong> – Hip Hop (@____izzy0)</p><p><strong>BLAZE</strong> – Waacking (@blaze_is_on)</p><p><strong>TATAI </strong>– Waacking (@impinktatai)</p><div><br/></div><p><strong></strong>The <strong>Top 4 Semifinals </strong>brought the fire:<strong></strong></p><div><strong>BABY TITAN vs. JIGORO</strong></div><div><strong>EBOY (SHANTI) vs. NEMESIS</strong><br/><br/></div><p>Each dancer brought something unique to the stage: JIGORO’s clean musicality and, popping, and flow, BABY TITAN’s explosive presence, EBOY (SHANTI)’s powerful moves, and NEMESIS’ creativity and raw emotional storytelling through Krump. It was a masterclass in style, control, and command. These battles weren’t just technical… they were personal.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1748422704125Red Bull Dance 5.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1748422765325Red Bull Dance 6.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>Then came the Final Battle: NEMESIS vs. BABY TITAN Two Krumpers. Two Cebuanos. Two fearless energies. One last shot.</p><p>And for anyone watching, especially dancers who know the discipline and depth of Krump: this was an emotional climax. The floor shook. Chests popped. Eyes locked. There was no choreography, just pure instinct, energy, and fire. You could see years of pain, progress, and prayer pouring out in every move.</p><p>Nemesis didn’t just dance to win, she danced with purpose. And that night, her story hit different.</p><p>Because sometimes, the most powerful statement in a battle isn’t dominance.. it’s honesty.</p><p>And the crowd felt it.</p><p>And they chose her.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1748422999129Red Bull Dance 7.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Nemesis</span></span></span></div><div><strong>Battle Name: Nemesis</strong></div><p>When <strong>Sam Rivera</strong> enters a battle, she becomes Nemesis, and when she moves, you feel it. Not just in the room, but in your bones.</p><p>“Every time I battle, I want my opponent to see me as a strong enemy: someone that’s intimidating, a real threat.”</p><p>She’s been dancing for over 10 years, but this was her third time competing in Red Bull Dance Your Style. And this time, she danced like it was her last shot, and in many ways, it was.</p><p>“It tested my faith,” she told me. “But I had to trust the journey. The past two years were filled with lessons, learning to accept defeat, and then turning that into power. You really have endless opportunities — you just have to use them.”</p><p>What made this victory sweeter? It happened in her hometown. Surrounded by family, friends, and a crowd that knew her story.</p><p>“When I saw my mom, my family, my friends. I felt empowered. The Cebu crowd carried me through.”</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1748423075791Red Bull Dance 8.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Next Stop: Los Angeles</strong></div><p>With the title in hand, Nemesis now prepares to represent the Philippines at the <strong>Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final</strong> in <strong>Los Angeles</strong> on <strong>October 11 </strong>— her first time traveling outside Asia.</p><p>“I feel pressured. I know I’m carrying the Philippines. But I made a promise: I’ll train hard and represent our country well.”</p><p>Her mindset is simple, but powerful: “Enjoy your dance. Trust your dance. If this is for you, it will happen. But it takes training, and it takes God.” </p><p>“I&#x27;ll just be myself. I&#x27;ll show them how I Krump and what Filipinos are made of.”</p><p>What happened at Red Bull Dance Your Style Cebu wasn’t just a dance competition; it was a powerful celebration of movement, community, and resilience. A space where dancers became storytellers, where music met muscle memory, and where one woman’s persistence turned into a nation’s pride.</p><p>And as someone who’s lived that grind, who knows the rhythm of both defeat and victory.</p><p>I left reminded of this:</p><p>Dance will always be more than performance. It’s identity. It’s purpose. It’s power.</p><p>Follow Nemesis as she takes on the world stage this October — and may every Filipino dancer feel just as seen, heard, and celebrated.</p>

<p>Nemesis didn’t just dance to win, she danced with purpose. And that night, her story hit different.</p>

Nemesis didn’t just dance to win, she danced with purpose. And that night, her story hit different.

The Floor is Yours: How Nemesis Rose from Defeat to Dominance at Red Bull Dance Your Style Cebu

People

Fashion

Beauty

Wellness

Travel

Culture

Living

Food

Weddings

Culture

The Floor is Yours: How Nemesis Rose from Defeat to Dominance at Red Bull Dance Your Style Cebu

CJ Reyes

Published May 28, 2025 05:00 PM PHT

|

Updated May 28, 2025 05:07 PM PHT

Read More:

2025

Red Bull Dance

Red Bull

Nemesis

Red Bull in Cebu

Sam Rivera

Metro.Style is your go-to destination for all things chic and stylish—featuring the latest in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, celebrity news, and inspiring stories. It's your curated guide to living your best life.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.