By Recthie T. Paculba
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The city government of Cagayan de Oro supported efforts to promote physical fitness and an active lifestyle as it hosted the Step Dance PH Mindanao Tour 2026: Master Class and Recital, which gathered 500 participants from various parts of Mindanao at Ayala Malls Centrio Activity Center on November 8.
Councilor Kenneth John Sacala, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation president of Cagayan de Oro and Committee Chairman on Youth and Sports Development, said the activity provided residents of the city and neighboring municipalities with an opportunity to improve their physical health and wellness through group fitness activities.
“Dako pud ni og gakahatag og motivation sa atong kabatan-onan nga ma-improve ang ilahang physical health,” the councilor said.
(This also provides significant motivation for our youth to improve their physical health.)
Sacala added that he would push for the integration of Step Dance PH activities into barangay-level SK programs to make the fitness initiative more accessible to different communities.
“As your SK Federated President, atong i-integrate dinhi sa mga programs sa atong mga SK diri sa barangay para matagaan in every community ug matagaan og oportunidad ang atong mga katawhan sa mga barangay para maka-experience aning step dance,” he said.
(As your SK Federation President, we will integrate this initiative into the programs of our barangay SK councils so that every community and its residents will have the opportunity to experience step dance.)
Step Dance PH founder Al Batulan explained that the program is an original Filipino fitness initiative that combines three exercise inspirations. “We incorporate these principles to develop cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, and total physical conditioning,” he added.
The November 8 activity featured four master class sessions in the afternoon, followed by a recital during the evening that showcased the participants’ skills, discipline, and dedication to fitness.
For participant Carla Sandoval Quieta Balatero of Bukidnon, joining Step Dance PH has become more than just a way to exercise, as it also provides an outlet for managing work-related stress and maintaining work-life balance.
“What started as a way to stay active has become so much more—a work-life balance outlet, a stress reliever, and a chance to meet new friends and be part of an inspiring community,” she shared.
Step Dance PH coach Chinlerynn Moreno likewise expressed amazement at seeing hundreds of participants come together not only to work out and perform but also to support and celebrate one another.
“It still feels surreal seeing hundreds of steppers not just to join a session or perform but to support, celebrate, and uplift one another,” Moreno said.
The recital, Batulan said, became a gathering of different communities united by fitness, friendship, and a shared passion, reflecting the group’s goal of building a supportive community beyond its workout program.
“What made the recital truly special was seeing different communities come together as one big Step Dance PH family. That moment reminded us why we started this movement, not simply to create a workout program, but to build a community where people feel connected, supported, and inspired,” Batulan said.
He said the event’s success was measured by the connections made and the participants’ positive experiences, not its size.
Through initiatives such as Step Dance PH, Sacala said community-based fitness activities provide opportunities for residents, particularly the youth, to embrace active lifestyles while building friendships and stronger community ties. (RTP/PIA-10)
