Following months of electrifying qualifier rounds in Davao, Manila, and Cebu, it all came to a head as the Queen City of the South hosted the Red Bull Dance Your Style Philippines national finals for the first time on May 24 with the country’s fiercest dancers in an explosive dance showdown at Ayala Center, Cebu.
Top dancers from across the country battled for the crown during the national finals in Cebu, electrifying the crowd with a mix of styles, from hip-hop to house, waacking to locking, and even voguing. Ultimately, Sam Rivera, known in battles as “Nemesis,” was crowned the 2025 Red Bull Dance Your Style Philippines national champion.
“It was an amazing journey,” said Nemesis of her Red Bull Dance Your Style journey. “This was my third time to join and I’m so happy that I won the championship title in my hometown, Cebu. It’s my pride and honor.”
Nemesis also expressed her excitement at having the national final in Cebu for the first time. “I was so excited because people from my hometown will get to see me dance on the national stage, especially my mother, my family, and my friends. I think that I was more empowered because my family was here with me, and while I was on stage I could see my friends, so that gave me a boost.”
With their undeniable stage presence and crowd-commanding charisma, the Cebuana Krump Star stamped her dominance each round and earned not just the trophy but also a spot on the global stage. As the representative of the Philippines at the Red Bull Dance Your Style world finals in Los Angeles, USA, Nemesis now has her sights set on the next battle.
“First of all, it’s going to be in Los Angeles, and it’s going to be my first time travelling outside of Asia. I want to connect with other dancers from around the world, and dance my heart out at the world finals to show them what Filipinos are capable of,” she said.
Beyond the intense dance battles, the Red Bull Dance Your Style national finals in Cebu turned into a full-blown cultural celebration. The event curated an unforgettable experience for attendees.
Aside from world-class street dancing, guests were treated to the flavors of Cebu’s talent with special performances from Cebuana superstar Karencitta, and local dance crew SZHD. More than a dance competition, the Red Bull Dance Your Style national finals was a true festival of Cebu’s urban creativity.
