SEN. Bam Aquino commended five Filipino dance crews for winning medals and showcasing the country’s talent at the 2026 World Hip Hop Dance Championship in Phoenix, Arizona, held from July 25 to Aug. 1.
Aquino filed Senate Resolution (SR) 591, congratulating and commending Femme MNL, HQ, The Crew, Folk Jumpers and Sayawatha Jr. for their performances at the international competition organized by Hip-Hop International. Femme MNL won the championship in the Megacrew Division, while HQ topped the Adult Division. The Crew placed second in the Megacrew Division, giving the Philippines a 1–2 finish in the category. Folk Jumpers and Sayawatha Jr. also secured bronze medals in the Adult and Junior divisions, respectively. Other Philippine representatives included A-Kidz, Sayawatha, NDDU Generals, A-Gyalz, A-Boiz and UNRVLD, who competed in various divisions. Aquino said the victories reflected the growing presence of Filipino artists in the global dance community and underscored the country’s strength in creativity, discipline and performance. “The continued success of Filipino dance crews in international hip hop competitions affirms the Philippines’ reputation for producing exceptional dance talent and highlights the country’s vibrant creative sector,” Aquino said. He also recognized the coaches, choreographers, mentors, families, dance organizations and supporters who help develop Filipino performers and enable them to compete internationally. Aquino said the achievements could inspire more young Filipinos to pursue the performing arts while reinforcing the value of dance as a vehicle for creativity, cultural expression and talent development. The senator has likewise been pushing for greater recognition and support for Filipino artists and the broader creative economy.Recently, he filed SR 545 congratulating P-pop group SB19 for its performance at the Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago on July 30. He also filed SR 370 honoring BINI after the group became the first all-Filipino act to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship, Aquino has included strengthening the creative economy in his five-point agenda, with emphasis on expanding global opportunities for Filipino artists, creators, filmmakers, designers and other creative professionals. He has also proposed establishing a government agency dedicated to developing and promoting the country’s creative industries, patterned after South Korea’s Korea Creative Content Agency.