DUBAI // Weeks of practice, a festive theme and fun costumes paid off for Jay Bauzon and Lea Encabo, winners of the first Yan Ang Indak (That's the Move) dance competition at the weekend.
The pair were among five couples who competed on Friday night in the finals of the competition, which was modelled on the American TV programme So You Think You Can Dance and wrapped up after a month.
The winning pair impressed the judging panel after donning red-and-white costumes to do the jive to All I Want for Christmas is You. "Their choreography was great," said Xernes Martinez, the panel's chairman. "They worked hard on their techniques, their expressions were fun to watch, and they made quite an effort with their Christmas costumes. They really came prepared."
Ms Encabo, 30, works as an administrative assistant while Mr Bauzon, 30, is an accountant. "We wanted the audience to enjoy our dance," he said. "Our weeks of practice paid off."
The pair split Dh3,000 for first prize, and an extra Dh1,000 for being chosen as crowd favourite.
In second place were Erwin Lladoc Jr, 27, and Sunshine Gerodias, 26, who won Dh1,000 for their contemporary rumba.
The event featured two teams of male dancers who travelled from Abu Dhabi to thrill the audience with hip-hop and street dancing.
Auditions for the competition were held in October and plans are already in the works to hold it again next year. The organisers - University of the Philippines alumni asociation in the UAE (UPAA-UAE) - will use proceeds for its scholarship endowment fund.
"Tonight's not only a night of dancing and partying," said Oliver Conti Ramos, 29, the creative head behind Yan ang Indak. "We're giving one scholar in the Philippines a chance to study at UP."
rruiz@thenational.ae
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
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Political flags or banners
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Bikes, skateboards or scooters
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
Various Artists
Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)
Her most famous song
Aghadan Alqak (Would I Ever Find You Again)?
Would I ever find you again
You, the heaven of my love, my yearning and madness;
You, the kiss to my soul, my cheer and
sadness?
Would your lights ever break the night of my eyes again?
Would I ever find you again?
This world is volume and you're the notion,
This world is night and you're the lifetime,
This world is eyes and you're the vision,
This world is sky and you're the moon time,
Have mercy on the heart that belongs to you.
Lyrics: Al Hadi Adam; Composer: Mohammed Abdel Wahab
