MANILA, Philippines – Hard work, determination and a second chance to show off their talents proved to be the winning combination for the dance crew of General Santos City as they beat 10 other contestants in the first Showtime Grand Finals on Saturday.
XB Gensan was named as the Champion in the contest dubbed as the “Ultimate Showdown” held at the Yñares Sports Center in Antipolo City.
The group earned an average score 9.875 and received P1 million as cash prize.
The other groups received the following average scores—Kasibulan, 7.375; Perlas ng Silangan, 8.575; Mortal Combat and the Showgays, 9.3; Beat Guyz, 7.325; Sensei, 8.1; Savannah Kids Ballroom Dancers, 8.775; Philippine Islands Assassin, 9.7; Enlighten Black Theater Group, 9.425; E-Crew, 8.575; and Boyz Unlimited Dancers, 9.625.
“Gamit ang puso sa pagsasayaw. Noong una akala namin di na kami makakabalik,” said one of the XB Gensan members before the group started their routine.
Another member expressed how proud they are that a group was going to represent Mindanao.
“Tunay na talent na galing GenSan saka yung tunay na pagkakaisa ng grupo,” said the group.
With 10 other groups that vied for the title and the prize, XB Gensan vowed to give it their all.
“Hindi namin alam kung makakaya namin. Ang sa amin lang, ibuhos ang lahat. Maraming salamat po sa second chance na ibinigay nyo sa amin,” they said.
After their dance routine, XB Gensan was overwhelmed by the cheers and support they received from the crowd and even from the judges.
“Alam ninyo, mahirap humakot ng fans dahil napakalayo ng pinanggalingan ninyo. Pero nakita ninyo ang response sa inyo ng tao! Alam ninyo guys, masyadong emosyonal yung ginawa ninyo dahil galing iyan sa puso. Pakinggan nyo ang sigaw ng tao!” said one of the judges, Jong Hilario.
“Alam ng buong Mindanao, ng buong Pilipinas at ngayon sa buong mundo na kayo ang dapat manalo ngayong araw na ito,” Hilario added.
Another judge, Vice Ganda, could not help himself but be proud of the XB Gensan dance crew.
“Sobrang ipinagmamalaki ko kayo dahil ito pong grupong ito ay natalo na, pinabalik, pinagpursigihan, nanalo ulit at heto na sila ngayon,” Vice Ganda said.
It can be recalled that the group was eliminated but was given another chance to prove their talent during the Wild Card Round. The said round gave a second chance to groups which brought amusement to the Madlang Pipol but failed to advance beyond the monthly finals.
“Isang malaking pagpapaalala sa ating lahat na never use your failures yesterday as an excuse for you not to do better and strive more today,” Vice Ganda said.
Joining the popular talent show was never easy for the group. They saved what little money they had just to try and give it a shot in Manila.
For them, the experience proved to be not only worthwhile, but actually a dream come true.
“Salamat sa lahat! Proud to be an XB Gensan,” the group said.
