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| (Image Source: Mindanao Times/Red Bull Philippines) |
Following months of electrifying qualifier rounds in Davao, Manila, and Cebu, it all came to a head as the Queen City of the South hosted the Red Bull Dance Your Style Philippines National Final for the very first time. Last May 24, 2025, the country’s fiercest dancers came together for an explosive dance showdown at Ayala Center, Cebu. Top dancers from across the country battled for the crown during the National Final in Cebu, electrifying the crowd with a mix of styles, from hip-hop to house, waacking to locking, and even voguing. The energy was unmatched, with each dancer’s fate resting on the crowd’s hands. Ultimately, Sam Rivera, known in battles as ‘Nemesis’, was crowned the 2025 Red Bull Dance Your Style Philippines National Champion.
“It was an amazing journey. This was my third time to join Red Bull Dance Your Style. I’m so happy that I won the championship title in my hometown, Cebu. It’s my pride and honor,” said Rivera of her Red Bull Dance Your Style journey. Nemesis also expressed her excitement at having the National Final in Cebu for the first time, explaining, “I was so excited because people (from my hometown) will get to see me dance on the national stage, especially my mother, my family, and my friends. I think that I was more empowered because my family was here with me, and while I was on stage, I could see my friends, so that gave me a boost.” Nemesis also credited the Cebuano crowd for energizing her throughout the competition, saying, “They carried me through the Final. I’m so grateful to them because the community here is so supportive, not just to me but to all the contenders who danced on stage. And of course, Red Bull, who gave me wings. Thank you for the energy.” With their undeniable stage presence and crowd-commanding charisma, the Cebuana Krump Star stamped her dominance each round and earned not just the trophy but also a spot on the global stage.
As the representative of the Philippines at the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final slated to be held on October 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California in the USA, Nemesis now has her sights set on the next battle. She shared their enthusiasm for the World Final, stating, “First of all, it’s going to be in Los Angeles, and it’s going to be my first time travelling outside of Asia. I want to connect with other dancers from around the world, and dance my heart out at the World Final to show them what Filipinos are capable of.” Nemesis shared how she plans to prepare for the World Final, saying, “I will do my usual routine. I will train my body, my mind, and my soul. I think that (has to be) a balance of everything, your faith in God, your physical conditioning, and strong mental conditioning when you perform.” On her game plan for the World Final, Nemesis shared, “I’ll just be myself because I think we’re all unique in our own way. I’ll just show them what I can do, how I krump, and how I dance.”
Beyond the intense dance battles, the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals in Cebu turned into a full-blown cultural celebration. The event curated an unforgettable experience for attendees. Aside from world-class streetdancing, guests were treated to the flavors of Cebu’s talent with special performances from Cabuana superstar Karencitta, and local dance crew SZHD. More than a dance competition, the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals was a true festival of Cebu’s urban creativity.
