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9 Filipinos help UAE team take medal haul in world performing arts championships
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Nine Filipinos helped Team UAE bring home a huge haul of 239 medals along with 60 titles in the 2026 edition of the World Championships of the Performing Arts (WCOPA) held recently in the United States.
Seven of the nine Pinoys are children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), while the remaining two are a philosophy doctorate summa cum laude from De La Salle University (DLSU), and a risk management manager who was diagnosed with panic disorder.
The 22-member Team UAE was among more than 70 countries which participated, including Nigeria, India, Jamaica, South Africa, the US, Malaysia, and the Philippines, among others.
The event was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 13-21. The WCOPA potentially opens doors to the entertainment industry, with its Hollywood talent scouts and industry contracts keenly observing the competition.
Grand performer
Kirstin Reyes, Celine Madison Matondo, and Heinrich Agsaullo, "captivated the crowd and audience" with their performance of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," said coach Elipas Sibua, Team UAE national director.
The three were crowned Junior Grand Performers of the World, the most prestigious title awarded in the Junior Division at WCOPA 2026.
"Their performance showcased not only their exceptional vocal ability but also their artistry, teamwork, stage presence and dedication, making it one of the most memorable moments of WCOPA 2026 and a proud milestone for Team UAE," Sibua said.
Sibua himself was a recipient of the WCOPA 2026 excellence certificate, and has been mentoring event participants for the past nine years, all of which had similar results.
Thirteen-year-old Reyes, who won 13 gold, five silver and three bronze medals overall and six division titles, said she felt "nervous at first."
"I knew I would be performing alongside incredibly talented contestants from different countries. But once I stepped on stage, my nervousness turned into excitement and confidence," she said.
World title
Eleven-year-old Matondo was hailed as the Junior Grand Champion of the World after winning 14 golds, two silvers, three bronzes, on top of three division titles and a scholarship at the New York Film Academy (NYFA).
Matondo is also the lead vocalist in the Dubai-based, six-member, all-girl Pinoy Pop group JAMeela, which opened for the all-Filipino squad SexBomb Girls during a UAE tour on August 8 in Abu Dhabi.
"It's a humbling experience because you compete against the best who has also prepared to win," she said.
Agsaullo, who won 10 gold, five silver, three bronze medals, and five division titles, said he tried to make sure he did well in the competition.
"I focused on cutting away the noise and refining every second of my performance. It took a lot of repetition and constructive feedback, making sure that I am able to deliver under pressure," he said.
The WCOPA 2026 was "a mix of awe and anxiousness," as it was "incredibly humbling," he added.
Scholarship
Other participants included 12-year-old Heera Jayne Agsaullo, who won three golds, four silvers, and two bronze medals plus a $2,500 scholarship.
"Now that I know how it's like to compete with the best of the best, I feel much more ready to embrace the challenges on my musical journey," she said.
Eleven-year-old Riley Ruben Matthew Montilla got five golds, four silvers, and two bronze medals plus two division titles.
He said he hopes to "one day perform on some of the biggest stages in the world."
Seventeen-year-old Carlos Chace Eustaquio is world champion in vocals, grand finalist in two other categories and also won two division titles, not to mention six gold and two bronze medals. He likewise received a scholarship from the NYFA.
"It was a whirlwind of adrenaline and pure focus. (W)inning a lot of gold medals was shocking, and securing a $20,000 per year scholarship to NYFA made all of the hard work worth it," Eustaquio said.
Allysa Diane Ili, 18, got two gold, one silver and one bronze medals. She also expressed hope to "perform on bigger stages, create more music, and inspire other young performers to pursue their dreams."
Overcoming anxiety
Cary Dimacutac, 43, a group internal control manager for risk management, was a grand finalist in one of the categories. He also won a division title and three golds, one silver and one bronze medals.
The WCOPA experience, he said, "reminded me that while anxiety may be part of our journey, it doesn't have to define our limits."
"If my journey can encourage even one person who is struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, or self-doubt to keep chasing their dreams, then everything I went through was worth it."
Academician
Accomplished educator Dr. Rommel Sergio, a grand finalist, division title holder, and winner of seven golds, one silver, and a bronze medal, could not be happier.
The 52-year-old Dubai academician who, aside from his DLSU stint, also earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, said he is excited about the opportunities ahead.
"I have accepted an offer for two of my original songs to be featured in short films scheduled for release in 2027. In addition, I am currently preparing my 2026 Christmas album. Looking ahead, I am also considering pursuing acting opportunities in short films in 2027 as I continue to expand my career in the performing arts," Sergio added. — VDV, GMA News
