Manila, PHILIPPINES – DreamPlay, City of Dreams Manila’s DreamWorks-inspired interactive play space, recently held the grand finals of its children’s dance competition dubbed as “King Julien’s Dance Off” wherein the Junior FMD Extreme, an all-boys group of former street children bested the other six finalists and clinched the championship trophy at the Grand Ballroom.
A total of seven finalists comprised of children’s dance groups competed for over P100,000 worth of prizes. The dance contest was open to kids ages 7 to 14 years old, in groups composed of all boys, all girls or mixed. After each of the seven finalist performed five-minute routines to the tune of their preferred Dreamworks movie theme songs particularly Madagascar’s “I Like to Move It,” Kung Fu Panda’s “Kung Fu Fighting,” and Shrek’s “I’m a Believer”, the all-boys dance group Junior FMD Extreme stood out with their dynamic and synchronized performance punctuated by acrobatic moves, and won the grand prize. The distinguished panel of judges included celebrity Paul Salas, notable choreographer Douglas Nierras, City of Dreams Manila’s VP for PR Charisse Chuidian and City of Dreams Manila’s SVP for Non-Gaming Jarlath Lynch.
Each of the finalists performed exhilarating and entertaining dance moves that excited the crowd. Runner up Southernside Dance Theatre amazed the audience with a refined modern jazz and ballet dance number, while Amazing Kiddos, Kidz.com, Junior Hashtag, Rhythmworks Kids, and SPCP JR. Terpsichore (NM Max) each brought their own impressive hip-hop and modern dance performance that wowed the crowd.
Junior FMD Extreme, composed of Jeston Carlo Carganilla, Mark Ahl Zafra, Jayrome Lawag, Russel Susano, Ivan Christian Setinta, and James William Yaoas, were awarded as the champions of the first-ever “King Julien’s Dance Off”. Coming from humble beginnings as street children, these boys aged 9 to 14 have been passionate about dancing since they were little, and began rehearsing and competing in community events since six years ago.
As winners, the Junior FMD Extreme team received the first-ever DreamPlay trophy, exclusive one-year passes to DreamPlay for each member, P80,000 in cash, six DreamShop vouchers worth P1,000 each, six Chez Gingy restaurant vouchers worth P1,000 each, three gift certificates of an overnight stay and breakfast at Nobu Manila, eight Hyatt Café dinner buffet vouchers, a photo op with all the DreamPlay characters, and special invitations to DreamPlay’s upcoming events. The runner up, Southernside Dance Theatre, brought home P20,000 while the five grand finalists received P10,000 in cash per group.
Also present during the event among travel and tours representatives, contestant supporters and friends, to cheer on the grand finalists were City of Dreams Manila executives: Director of Family Entertainment Tourino Dilaga and Director of Public Relations Romina Gervacio as well as Fil-Am NBA D-League player Bobby Ray Parks, Jr.
DreamPlay celebrated its first anniversary on June 10 and announced an array of exciting new activities to the indoor play space, including the launch of the children’s dance competition as well as a new character – King Julien of Madagascar. Admission rates have been updated to P680 and P880 for full-day weekday and weekend/holiday passes, respectively, while special perks await VIP and Annual Pass holders each at P1,500 and P4,900, respectively. Children below 80 centimeters can enter DreamPlay free of charge.
For DreamPlay inquiries and admission, guests can call 800 8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit cityofdreamsmanila.com.ph. ADVT.