Aunzo, Caneda waltz way to golden double

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu’s decorated dance couple Wilbert Aunzo and Pearl Caneda showed their readiness to don the Philippines colors in the forthcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games after they came up with a golden double in the 11th Dancesport sa Sugbu Open Championships late Saturday night at the Pacific grand ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Performing on the dancefloor in perfect harmony, Aunzo and Caneda went on to dominate both the Latin Philippine Open and and the closed division.

They edged Andrew Ysla and Noelyn Pedrano, their teammates at Dancesport-Team Cebu City, in both classes. Russians Aleksandr Razonenov and Anastasiya Nasulenko settled for bronze in the Philippine Open while Paul Mocorro and Mary Joy Dumosmog of DTCC wound ip third in the closed division.

The Russian duo also got bronze in the modern standard topped by Manila’s Mischa Aranar and Anna Leonila Nualla.

On top of their triumph, Aunzo and Caneda couldn’t be more happier and proud after seeing hundreds of Cebuano youngsters “graduating” from their year-round training and monthly competition.

Despite their busy schedules, Aunzo and Caneda continued to train kids and other potential Cebuanos, keeping the team and now, the academy’s spirit of volunteerism going.

Over 2,000 students from public schools in Cebu City enjoyed free dance lessons spearheaded by DTCC in partnership with the Cebu City Sports Commission headed by chairman Ed Hayco.

After undergoing rigid training, the aspiring dance athletes underwent weekly competitions in their own barangays and other host areas. Those with the most potential made it to last Saturday’s “Battle at the Castle” at Waterfront.

The top performers in the juvenile, youth and junior divisions will then continue to train and compete under the Cebu City Dancesport Academy and get a chance to be a member of the elite DTCC squad. (FREEMAN)