SM City gives tribute to Ilonggo WCOPA winners

SM Supermalls continue to be in the forefront in recognizing and supporting Filipino youth excellence in all fields of endeavor. In Iloilo, SM City recently gave a homecoming tribute to fourteen Ilonggo performers who were the country's representatives to the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) 2016.

WCOPA is a prestigious, worldwide competition presented by Worldstars and held last July 8-17 at Long Beach, California, USA. The Ilonggo performers competed with other contestants from all over the world, and gave honor to the the country when they brought home awards and citations including gold medals and gold plaques.

WCOPA 2016 winners with SM City PR Manager Troy Camarista (6th from left),
SM City Asst. Mall Manager Darrel John Defensor (7th from left) and
City Tourism Officer Junel Ann Divinagracia (9th from left).

The tribute was held last August 26, where the delegates were warmly welcomed by SM City Iloilo executives, headed by Asst. Mall Manager Darrel John Defensor. Junel Ann Divinagracia, city tourism officer, represented Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog during the event. Their presence, along with those of the media and bloggers, gave the WCOPA performers a big boost as their achievements and contribution to the performing arts were duly recognized.

Dos Pares (Ruth Lynn Grace Guillamas Lazaro and Eliseo Juanillo Mendiola Jr.)
won 5 gold medals in the dance category.

The WCOPA Team Philippines awardees are: Daphne Gupeteo Jontarciego, Antonio Ambong Trinidad Jr., Melky Barrera Arboleda, Sharie Faith Quintilla Binas, Stephany Joy de la Cruz Mijares, Michelle Peñaroyo Luna,  Yves Adrian Garde Gabasa, Joan Marie Suganob Jarloc, Elmar Jan Lagumbay Bolaño, Dos Pares (Ruth Lynn Grace Guillamas Lazaro and Eliseo Juanillo Mendiola Jr.), Mico Hendrix Cabilan Chua, Jariz Mayve Maculada de la Gente and Norelle Grace Villanueva Fernandez.

Singer Daphne Jontarciego was the Finals Night Pre-show Performer and brought home two gold plaques,three golds, one silver and one bronze medals.

Auditions for next year's WCOPA will be in October at Richmonde Hotel, Iloilo City. For more information, visit WCOPA Team Philippines' Facebook page.