On November 23, Robinsons Magnolia sets the stage for the first-ever Hip-Fest Philippines, an official qualifier for the Vietnam-based festival of the same name. Founded in 2014, the government-sponsored Hip-Fest attracts thousands of international street dancers and artists to Ho Chi Minh City every December.
With the recent inclusion of “breaking,” or breakdancing, in the Paris 2024 Olympics and the upcoming Philippine-hosted SEA Games, governments are now pushing hip-hop dance culture as a tourism platform.
The Philippine qualifier is open to all and will feature three freestyle dance categories: Solo B-boy, 4v4 B-boy and 2v2 Hip-Hop. Winners of the two B-boy categories land a sponsored invitation to represent at the December world finals. The all-star judging panel includes local figurehead J-Masta, hometown hero Mouse and international star Dyzee, who will be teaching a pre-event dance workshop in Brewing Point, Quezon City on November 22.
Taking place in Robinsons Magnolia’s scenic garden, the tournament is free for all spectators and mall-goers. Competitors need only register at the venue. Hip-Fest Philippines is co-organized by local dance groups Manila Soul and Boombap Phl.
Manila Soul is a world-class Filipino breaking crew representing the capital city. Boombap Phl is a nationwide hip-hop dance collective.
