RILI brings true Pinoy street dance in MCL Cup

Rainbow Institute of Learning, Inc.'s team shows off Pinoy culture
at the street dance competition of the MCL Cup 2013.

Rainbow Institute of Learning, Inc. (RILI) brought the true spirit of Philippine street dancing during the On Being Equipped Street Dance Competition at the MCL Cup 2013 of the Malayan Colleges Laguna (MCL) in Cabuyao, Laguna, Nov. 20. RILI competed against five other teams.

RILI's dancers performed in shiny red, blue, pink, and yellow costumes complete with colorful props to reflect the the theme "OBE Shapes You for the Future" (OBE stands for On Being Equipped). They also focused on Philippine culture by giving a feast-of-the-harvest vibe to the dance. According to the contest mechanics, thematic interpretation and representation of regional culture account for 25% of the total score.

Despite this seeming advantage, RILI did not get a podium finish. RILI admin officials and trainers said they were quite surprised with the results but they still respect the judges' decision.

In the contest kit (where the mechanics were included), the contest was entitled "One Being Equipped Street Dance Competition". During the event, it was announced that the title of the contest was entitled "Street Beat Dance Showdown".

Aside from RILI, only one other team performed a dance akin to Philippine street dancing. The other groups performed modern hip-hop dances. The winning team from Southernside Montessori School performed a ballet-contemporary dance.

RILI's team were composed of members of the Bahaghari Cultural Dance Group together with other secondary students. They were coached by Grade 6 adviser Mr. Bryan Mon Rosa and Grade 8 adviser Mr. Freddie Boy Sorromero.