A 12-year-old Filipino dancer from Oriental Mindoro swept the podium at an international dancesport championship in Singapore, bringing home 10 gold medals and two special awards in a remarkable debut on foreign soil.
Aidhen Benny Dick Lomio Atienza dominated the Modern Standard category at the Merlion Open Dancesport Championship 2025, winning every event he entered and earning the coveted Solo Elite Rising Star Overall Champion title.
The young student from Calapan City conquered all five standard ballroom dances (Waltz, Tango, Slow Foxtrot, Quickstep, and Viennese Waltz) in both open and grading divisions for his age group. His perfect record earned him a rare 10 Consecutive Champion Award, marking an unprecedented achievement for the Filipino delegation.
The championship victory is considered a breakthrough moment for Philippine dancesport, with Atienza becoming the youngest Filipino to claim an overall championship title at the prestigious Singapore event.
In a Facebook post, Atienza credited his success to extensive support from his family, coaches, and the Filipino dancesport community.
The young champion also acknowledged financial backers who made the Singapore trip possible, as well as fellow Team Philippines members who provided on-site coaching and moral support during the three-day championship.
The Merlion Open Dancesport Championship attracts elite competitors from across Asia and serves as a top qualifying event for regional and international competitions.
Atienza’s sweep of the youth divisions signals the rising competitiveness of Philippine dancesport on the international stage.
Photos: courtesy of Aidhen Benny Dick Lomio Atienza via Facebook
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