LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET — A fresh rhythm took over the crowd last April 26, 2026 as the King of the Valley Dance Battle made its mark as a first-of-its-kind event in the area, bringing together dancers, music, and culture in one dynamic space. With its open-style format, the event created a unique cultural mix that signaled a growing space for diverse pop culture, from hip-hop to pop music and beyond.
The event was made possible through the collective efforts of the La Trinidad Business and Industry Federation, in collaboration with JCI BLISTT, Satur Solutions, Mr. Alex Cauan, and Dap-ayan Food Corporation, whose partnership helped bring the competition to life and support the growing creative community.
The event featured five group contenders in the group category and 22 dancers in the 1v1 category, each bringing their own style, story, and energy to the floor. Participants came from Pangasinan, Ilocos, La Union, Baguio, and different municipalities of Benguet, showing how the dance community continues to grow and connect across regions.
Adding prestige to the competition were esteemed judges and known dancers Rowen “Black” Boyles, Dexter Abuan, and Marvin P. Agustin, who brought their expertise and strong presence to the panel. The event was hosted by DJ RBK Hector Mazon, who kept the energy alive and the crowd engaged throughout the battle.
For event organizer Nic Satur Jr., the dance battle carried a deeper meaning beyond performance.“King of the Valley dance competition is more than just a battle or competition. This is the story of each and every dancers and crew who put practice into movement and into action.”
Furthermore, he highlighted that La Trinidad is capable of hosting a large-scale open-style dance competition, welcoming talents from different regions and building a stronger dance community.
Kurt Sebio, Head of Operations of the La Trinidad Benguet Industry Federation,also shared his message to the youth, encouraging them to keep pushing forward in their craft. He expressed his thanks to all participants and highlighted the importance of continuing their passion, saying, “ituloy tuloy niyo lang iyong pagpupursige niyo sa talent na hino hone niyo, malay niyo in the near future we’ll be having the first na world star sa dance and hiphop.” His message carries hope that today’s dancers can rise to global recognition.
Beyond the competition, Sebio also highlighted exciting events that the community can look forward to as part of the ongoing celebration. As the Strawberry Trade Fair nears its closing, more activities are set to energize the coming days. From April 28 to May 3, the first Salidumay Cordillera Highland Music Festival will take place, bringing together music and culture in one stage. A special tribute on April 29 will honor living legends, giving attendees a chance to meet musicians from the 90s and early 2000s. From May 1 to 3, the festival continues with a Woodstock-inspired experience, followed by the first Neon Fun Run of La Trinidad on May 9.
More than just a single event, the King of the Valley Dance Battle marks the start of something bigger. It opens opportunities for young talents, supports creative expression, and creates space for different styles and cultures to grow together. With strong community support, it sets the tone for more events that celebrate the energy and potential of the youth.
For more updates on the remaining events of the Strawberry Trade Fair, visit the official page of the La Trinidad Business Industry Federation.