TEAM Philippines at the 26th annual World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Anaheim, California, U.S.A. was crowned the “Overall Grand Champion” and took home five individual Grand Champion titles, along with 362 medals and awards, besting South Africa and Thailand in the top podium spot of the global competition participated by 34 countries this year.
The Talent Olympics for performers and entertainers, held from July 28 to August 6, showcased Filipinos on the global stage in an “unforgettable way.”
After six years, the Philippine delegation brought home the first Grand Champion titles, including the Overall Grand Champion, for the most medals and awards — the Top Team and the Top Division Winner ranks.
The 2023 WCOPA awards for Team PH also include: five grand champions, 86 golds medals, 91 silver medals
59 bronze medals, 53 division plaques, 10 finalists medals, 56 semi-finalist medals, seven scholarships from the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, and Grand Champion of the World Titles
Nine-year-old Thed Maglocot from Iloilo was hailed with two wins: the Junior Grand Champion Performer of the World and the Junior Grand Champion Vocalist of the World.
Ballet dancer Simone Tatyana Alyeshka Avisado of Ateneo De Davao University claimed another two World Championship titles: the Junior Grand Champion Dancer of the World and a second gold medal as part of the Junior Group Dancer Category winner.
En Avant, composed of Avisado and Jhanrill Barcelona, won the title of Junior Grand Champion Dance Group of the World.
General Santos City delegate Pia Torino took home the Senior Grand Champion Dancer of the World title. Team Philippines WCOPA Facebook page proudly announced its medal harvest this year.
Team Philippines also honored its officers as the people behind the success of the team.
“Cheers to the TEAM PHILIPPINE OFFICERS for their dedication and passion. It is because of their tireless and selfless efforts that Team Philippines remains a team to reckon with. Take a bow, TP Officers!” posted on their Facebook page, together with a video of the TP Officers.
National Director for Team Philippines and two-time Diamond Awardee Gerry Mercado was proud of the team as they successfully represented the country.
“Of course, it is a chance and opportunity for us to promote the Filipino brand, as I always say. What better way to promote the Philippines to the world than to show the world how beautiful and talented the Filipino people are?” ND Mercado said in a video posted on Facebook by Annie Mercado.
Mercado also expressed gratitude to WCOPA Team Philippines, noting that the organization does not only build talent but also build character. He also thanked the 102-strong Filipino delegation and the people who generously supported the team.
