Dancing on Wheels? Let This Blog Show You How!



If you watched Pilipinas Got Talent Season 4 early this year, I’m sure that you remember this unique group called the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan Wheelchair Dancesport and BMG Dancers. I’m certain because this group is hard to miss: 6 ballroom athletes and 4 handicapped dancers on wheelchairs, showcasing some fiery Latin moves together.


The group is a combined force of dance enthusiasts from the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan (TWH), a non-profit and non-government organization for the orthopedically handicapped, and BMG (Bong Marquez Group), a group of Latin ballroom athletes consistent in the top ranks in different levels in Philippine dancesport, of which I’m a proud member! Both groups are coached and handled by Genice “Bong” Marquez, perhaps the country’s most popular and accomplished professional dance teacher.






Anyway, before you start accusing me of promoting our own group, you may want to watch this video:


Gave you goosebumps, huh?

It has been my coach’s advocacy over the years to establish Wheelchair Dancesport in the Philippines, and to fulfill this dream, he tied up with the Tahanag Walang Hagdanan many years ago. Aside from the skills training received by the physically challenged people from TWH, getting dance lessons put rehabilitation one notch higher as it enabled them to engage in an extremely physical activity despite their disabilities. This Wheelchair Dancesport group composed of BMG and TWH dancers is proof that when it comes to art and passion, anything is possible.
The girls of BMG. Rightmost girl is my partner, Ronna/Onang. Miss her so much!
The above video, which was from Quarter Final Round, received a standing ovation from the entire auditorium, because it was simply inspiring and amazing. I had the blasted chicken pox at that time, so I only saw it on TV. Would you believe that I was crying while watching it? The expressions on their faces as they danced – pure passion radiated and poured out of my TV screen, drenching me completely. And there I was, complaining about my pox marks, thinking I was the most miserable person on earth, while people who couldn’t walk danced with all their hearts in front of me.

I am especially proud of my team mates from BMG, who patiently practiced every day with the wheelchair dancers until the late hours of the night, just to master their choreography. And they continue to do it until now.


In fact on Saturday, the first-ever Wheelchair Dancesport International Friendship Games is happening in Manila. Dancers from Europe and other Asian countries will fly here to participate in the Wheelchair Dancesport event, incorporated in the annual ranking and competition hosted by the Dancesport Council of the Philippines, Inc. (DSCPI). Of course, the same dancers from Pilipinas Got Talent will be joining! I am so excited to watch!

Are you curious to see how Wheelchair Dancesport looks like? Well, both partners can be on wheelchairs, but usually, one of them is standing, that is, dancing on foot. Same Latin dances as in a normal dancesport event: Chacha, Rumba, and Jive, plus Samba and Paso Doble in advanced levels. Actually, DSCPI already held a similar event last year, but Saturday’s competition looks more exciting as this is the first time there will be a 5-Dance event (all 5 dances I mentioned)!
What wheelchair dancesport ISN'T. LOL.
My team mates Rose Jean Marquez, top amateur Latin dancer and
PGT TWH-BMG co-choreographer, Jaypee Decena
I can’t wait to witness this, and if you feel the same way, head over to Philsports Arena (ULTRA) on Saturday, October 12, to catch this prestigious event! Tickets are sold at the venue for P300 and P500, if I’m not mistaken (not sure about P300, but I’m sure it’s not more than P500). Students and Senior Citizens can come inside for free, provided that you show a valid I.D. The regular events, Latin and Modern Ballroom, happen at 9:00am and 1:00pm respectively, so you may want to free up your entire day. The Wheelchair Dancesport, Amateur, and Professional events start at 5:00pm. Bring your friends, your cameras, and cheer loudly! I am not competing—I’m just watching, so see you there!


Support BMG and TWH by watching on Saturday, October 12!



pepe samson

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4 comments :

  1. I saw them on tv before. I agree that their performance and the team as well is really inspiring. Where are you in the picture? Good luck and more power!

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    1. I was not part of the team who entered PGT, although I'm in the BMG team. Thanks Fred! :)

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  2. Tanong lng po kung matuloy b ang dancesport sa ultra bukas dahil sa bagyo?

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    Replies
    1. Hi! Last time I checked, tuloy pa din daw po. Thanks for dropping by! :)

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