DLSZ SYMPHONIC BAND & ZOBEL DANCE CREW TRIUMPH AT 30TH IYMACE KOREA

By Joaquin Inigo Daroy (DLSZ 2030) and Hailey Kalia Garrucho (DLSZ 2027) 

The DLSZ Symphonic Band and Zobel Dance Crew (ZDC) embarked on a journey that went far beyond music and dance from July 24 to July 29, 2025, in Cheongju City, South Korea. Both groups won in the 30th International Youth Martial Arts and Cultural Exchange Competition, achieving the following awards:    

• DLSZ Symphonic Band: Governor’s Excellence Award
• Zobel Dance Crew: Mayor’s Excellence Award

Preparations for the Competition

Symphonic Band

The suspension of classes not only canceled our Send-off Concert but also our final days of rehearsal. Still, we pressed on, holding on to excitement stronger than any downpour. This was the band’s first time travelling and competing since the pandemic. It never left us that we were stepping beyond the familiar walls of our alma mater and into the world, bringing our music with us.

To say that we were nervous was an understatement. We were aware of the legacy left by those who came before us. Their awards lined the orchestra room back home, serving as silent reminders of excellence. We wanted to honor that history and live up to the name that is now ours to carry.

Zobel Dance Crew

Training days were intense — filled with sweat, countless repetitions, and moments when our bodies begged for rest. With every training session, we committed ourselves to bringing the spirit of the Philippines through the fusion of traditional and modern elements to a global stage. Every movement, every turn, and every expression became clearer as we worked towards representing not just our school, but our country.

We were not just polishing taught choreography — we were learning how to tell a story of the Philippines through movement. There were long hours of training with moments of exhaustion, but also laughter. Many would feel that growing sense of unity among the cast members. Through this, we were not only preparing for a performance — we were becoming a family.

First Steps in Korea

We stayed in Songnisan Alps Resort, a retreat house, and shared rooms with Korean students. At first, communication seemed like a challenge. But bonds quickly formed as we shared small interests, meals, and moments of wonder over cultural differences and similarities. A touching moment happened when the young Korean residents made a spontaneous midnight mukbang of unfamiliar yet tasty treats, but we shared them with gratitude. We participated in a bonfire and danced in the night.

Before the competition, we were given the chance to explore the area and grow closer to both our team and international neighbors. Each day was an opportunity to build trust. There were days with pre-planned programs held in an event room in the resort. We were paired up with the residents in groups of many to interact through games, activities like building blocks, and a talent show. 

On our second day, we finally set foot in the Cheongju Arts Hall for our final rehearsal. The hall was grand, and our nerves were high, until a familiar face walked in. Senior Vice President Mr. Rafael Reloza had flown to Korea and surprised us. His presence alone felt like a spark of hope. We felt valued and cared for. With lifted spirits, we were more motivated than ever to give our best.

The Day of the Competition

It was a full day of performances from delegates across Korea, China, and the Philippines. Our country was represented by the DLSZ Symphonic Band and the Zobel Dance Crew. Throughout the day, we watched performers showcase martial arts such as taekwondo, hapkido, and aikido. We witnessed modern, indigenous, and fusion dances. There were song numbers, instrumental solo and group performances, and vibrant cultural expressions.

Symphonic Band’s Performance

We were tense, but the moment Mr. Linwell Lalic lifted his baton, a reassuring calmness and confidence settled in. Our music filled the hall; we were home again. We played pieces that spoke of our identity, a medley of “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” and “Anak,” and we honored the culture of our hosts with a medley of “Arirang” and “Akatonbo.” Each note carried the weight of hours of hard work, shared dreams, and unity. 

The band’s woodwind quintet gave a graceful and elegant rendition of “Waltz of the Sleeping Beauty.” It added a classical touch to the mix of performances. The band’s brass quintet also gave an impressive performance of “Killer Tango.” It showcased a powerful energy that echoed long after the final note. Both pieces received warm applause and added to the pride we carried as Filipino and Lasallian musicians.

ZDC’s Performance

ZDC’s exceptional skills and innovative choreography, a stunning Philippine Folk Dance Fusion, brought the artistry and culture of the Philippines to life on stage. As the music began, adrenaline took over. Every movement, gesture, and cheer carried the spirit of our heritage and the pride of our team. Our movements told a story of Filipino culture — its resilience, joy, and unity. 

Under the mentorship of Coach Mycs Villoso and the support of the moderators Ms. Joanne Navarro Almeria and Ms. Andrea Martinez, the group delivered unmatched energy and power while fiercely competing against teams from Korea and China. The dancers’ precise execution and captivating presence not only captured the audience’s attention but also transformed their immense hard work into a well-deserved triumph. 

Later, during the awarding ceremony, the announcement came in Korean. Our translator was slow to relay the message, so when we were called on stage, we did not know what we were receiving. The realization hit like lightning. The DLSZ Symphonic Band won the Governor’s Award – Grand Prize, while the Zobel Dance Crew received the Mayor’s Award under the Foreign Cultural Category.

After the Competition

We were divided into pairs for a two-night homestay with Korean families. Joaquin was assigned to a Korean student named Yongseun, along with his bandmate, Jad. “At first, I felt a bit anxious about staying in a stranger’s home. But when we met Yongseun and his mom, they were warm and welcoming. We drove about 30 minutes to their four-bedroom apartment, where we shared a room with Yongseun. We spent the evening eating samgyupsal and using Google Translate to understand one another,” shares Joaquin. 

The following day, we had a city tour and ended the night enjoying a soy garlic chicken dinner, bowling, and rounds of Mario Party on the Nintendo Switch. Language no longer felt like a barrier, just a challenge we were all willing to overcome.

After our homestay, we reunited with the group and spent our day together at the Sangkok Water Park Resort. We rode water slides, floated endlessly on the lazy river, tried surfing on artificial waves, and soaked in the joy of just being together. Our final day in Korea was quiet and reflective. As we sat at the boarding gate in Incheon Airport, we looked back at the laughter, shared meals, music, and friendships. 

“This event was really memorable, so we could not forget because we made a lot of friends in Korea and made new connections with shared stories by Koreans and by us. But that does not mean that our journey stops here; there are more challenges waiting for us and more opportunities to see and experience more festivals and concerts,” shares Alejandro Miguel Villanueva (DLSZ 2031) 

An Unforgettable Memory 

Upon return to the Philippines, the memories played back like a highlight reel — the nervous energy backstage, the warmth of our hosts, the shared laughter over spicy food, and the exhilaration of hearing our name called during the awards.

For ZDC, we came to Korea as a dance crew. We left as cultural ambassadors, carrying with us not only a certificate but also the knowledge that our art has the power to connect hearts across borders. No matter where we go next, the spirit of ZDC will continue to move — one move, one crew.

For the Symphonic Band, no matter where we are, we are and will always be one band, one sound.

All of them are now a core memory that we will certainly treasure forever. This journey reminded us of something simple yet profound. Music and dance have no borders, kindness needs no translation, and home is not always a place. It can be a stage, a shared meal, or even a song played in harmony.

We left the Philippines as artists. We came home as ambassadors of culture, friendship, and heart. Animo La Salle!