by Sylvia Dagami-Fortich
The members of T-Mates are young Boholanos who came together as a dance group, bound by a shared passion and love for dance. These young performers are self-made, and every member plays a part in growing the group. One steps up as artistic director, another crafts the choreography and movement, while another takes charge of the stage and props.
In March of this year, they took a bold step and joined a national dance competition—World of Dance Philippines—held at Newport City, MM. Armed with their talent, artistry, and a strong resolve to showcase their skills to the entire country, they entered the competition using their own resources along with the support of friends and families.
Forty nine (49) competitors from across the Philippines gathered at Newport City to perform and vie for the top spot! The T-Mates members hardly expected it, but the hard work and discipline they trained for carried them to the highest honor as Champion of World of Dance Philippines 2026. What an achievement and honor they have brought to our City and Province of Bohol!
Next on their journey is the challenge of representing the Philippines at the World Global Championship Summit in Los Angeles, California on July 7–10, 2026. Such a major undertaking calls for funding, support from the local gov’t, and reaching out to many Boholanos here and everywhere else in the world.
The response from many of our “Paisanos” in the US has given T-Mates the inspiration to train harder and prepare better for the World stage.
To raise funds for their upcoming trip to California, T-Mates staged a fundraising dance concert titled “PANUKAD” just last June 19, at the Bohol Cultural Center. The entire production was initiated by T-Mates themselves, with the help of other artists and cultural groups here in Bohol.
The show turned out to be a great success, bringing joy and pride to the audience! The applause was deafening, and there was a palpable feeling of jubilation as the crowd witnessed the outstanding performance of the T-Mates and their winning number that earned them the championship trophy.
The “PANUKAD” proved to be a fitting send-off show for T-Mates! Surely the happiness they felt from their dance concert has inspired them even more to give their best at the World Championships!
More power to T-Mates, and we send you off to California with our prayers that you bring home the World of Dance title as Global Champions! Cheers and best of luck!
