Pinay wins in international pole-dancing competition

A Filipina pole dancer bested several foreign contenders in a recently concluded international pole-dancing competition, GMA News' Mark Zambrano reported on 24 Oras on Wednesday.

Kristel de Catalina championed in the women's solo professional pole category during the 2017 Air Stars 2nd Asian Aerial Dance Art Competition held October 27 to 28 in Taiwan.

De Catalina said she attained victory with a routine imbued with strength, coordination and dedication.

She said had to go though extensive training daily with a mindset to "be the best I can be."

"Pole [dancing] alone is a total body workout. You're lifting your body weight and you tone your muscles. At the same time, you learn how to dance," De Catalina said.

She also won the women's doubles category of the Singapore Pole Challenge 2016 with her partner Jamaica Jornacion.

De Catalina remains in disbelief with the popularity and praise that came with her success in pole-dancing.

"Sobrang nagpapa-picture po sila. Iba't ibang nation, mga foreigner. Ako po hindi ko po expect iyon," she said.

De Catalina hopes for pole dancing to grow further as a sport in the country. —Margaret Claire Layug/KBK, GMA News