Young Mindoreña Makes Philippines Proud With Multiple Golds in Malaysia Dancesport Championship

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — She may not even be 10 years old, but young Mindoreña Erin Brittany A. Comi, fondly known as “Bree,” is already making her mark on the international dancesport stage.

The student of Adriatico Memorial School in Calapan City recently represented the Philippines at the 2026 Negeri Sembilan International Dancesport Championship in Seremban, Malaysia, where she collected multiple gold medals across several solo categories.

According to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Bree won gold in Samba, Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive in the Pre Solo Open Under 10 category.

She also captured gold medals in Samba and Rumba in the Ministry of Education Solo Open Under 9 division.

Her results did not stop there.

In the Solo Open Under 10 category, Bree earned another gold in Samba, along with a bronze in Paso Doble, fourth place in Cha-Cha-Cha, and sixth place in Rumba. She also finished fifth in Cha-Cha-Cha, Samba, Rumba, and Jive in the Solo Open Elite Under 10 category.

From Calapan to the International Dance Floor

Bree’s performance in Malaysia was the product of sustained training rather than overnight success.

PIA reported that she trains during weekdays at school and spends weekends practicing at Credo Dance Studio, under coaches Stephanie Sabalo-Marquez and Angelo Marquez, the latter identified in the report as a SEA Games gold medalist.

Her journey also highlights the growing opportunities for young Filipino dancers to compete beyond the country.

The Negeri Sembilan International Dancesport Championship was held at Regent Hall in Seremban on August 8 and 9, 2026. The World Dance Organisation lists the event among its recognized 2026 competitions, while the Negeri Sembilan Dancesport Association has also promoted the championship as an international event.

The competition has also previously attracted Filipino dancers. In 2025, SunStar Cebu reported that the Lapu-Lapu City dancesport delegation returned from the Negeri Sembilan championship with 55 gold, 17 silver, and five bronze medals, underscoring the growing presence of Philippine dancers at the Malaysian event.

Other Filipino dancers have likewise earned recognition at the competition. The 18th Ani ng Dangal Awards recognized Ric Russell Matawa Abao and Axel Rose Canama Paypa for winning gold medals at the Negeri Sembilan International Dancesport Championship. Philstar and Philippines Graphic both reported the recognition.

More Than Medals for a Young Filipino Dancer

For Bree, however, the achievement goes beyond the number of medals hanging around her neck.

Her mother, Maria Editha Comia, told PIA that every competition brings nervousness, but she trusts her daughter’s confidence once Bree steps onto the dance floor.

That confidence may ultimately be one of the young dancer’s most valuable victories.

At an age when many children are only beginning to discover their interests, Bree is already learning what it takes to compete internationally: discipline, preparation, resilience and the courage to perform in front of an unfamiliar audience.

Her story is also a reminder that international talent does not always come from the country’s biggest cities.

From Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, a young dancer has stepped onto an international stage carrying not only her own dreams, but also the pride of her province and country.

And if her performance in Malaysia is any indication, this may only be the beginning.