13 Oct. 2025 – Fifteen-year-old Hazel Ann Estacio, a Baguio City National High School grade 10 student, proves that joining a dance sports competition with proper training and maintaining strict fitness routines will propel you to the top as she garnered the gold medal in the junior category of breaking dance at Batang Pinoy 2024.
She said representing the Summer Capital in a national competition and securing her first national title is nothing but joy and pride.
Although, breaking dance has never been her choice, as she explores different genres, she has lately discovered that breaking might be her own dancing style.
As a student-athlete and former Special Program for Arts student, Hazel manages her time by attending classes in the day and conducting training afterwards.
Her preparation was intense, involving the creation of unique and creative dance moves while maintaining strict fitness routines.
Before the competition, Hazel felt overwhelmed as she overthought her training to determine if it was enough for her to achieve victory but she refusedto give up as she told herself that dancing is her comfort zone and that the stage is her home.
After winning the gold medal, Hazel celebrated her triumph with her family and friends, who gave her unwavering support and unconditional love.
She also extended her heartfelt gratitude to the Baguio Krayonz Dance Troupe and her coaches especially to Sir Black and Sir Flexi for motivating and pushing her limits that made her successful in the sport.
“When you really love doing it, don’t stop and continue to grow from it,” is Hazel’s message to other student-athletes.
She said that training every day is better than a one-day show because experience and knowledge are the keys.
When asked if she is going to continue her sports in college, Hazel said she is beyond ready for a new chapter and new challenges that life will throw at her. **Lester A. Mejia/PIO Baguio-UPANG Intern/gabykeith
