On January 25, 2026, Unfold Studios PH transformed into a battleground of style, creativity, and community as Prelude PH staged Resistance, a one-day dance battle that proved why the local scene continues to thrive.

Doors opened at 1PM, with battles kicking off at 3PM, and for more than seven hours the space pulsed with energy with three categories: Rookies, Open, and Select, each offering a P10,000 cash prize, inviting dancers from different styles and experience levels as they stepped in to the circle to represent who they are.

Resistance is an extension of Prelude PH’s broader mission. While the global Prelude Dance Competition, founded in the United States in 2005, continues to spotlight street dance communities across North America, the Philippine chapter has carved out something uniquely its own: Resistance, comprising of community battles embodying Filipino grit, adaptability, and love for the culture.

While many of their events slowed down this season, Prelude PH moved forward rooted in resilience and propelled by community.

The night opened with infectious energy from emcees Pop N Seb and Tito Vince whose humor and crowd work kept spirits high from preselections to the finals.

Rookies: The Future in Motion

The Rookies Category, reserved for dancers with three years or less of battling experience with or without titles yet, delivered one of the evening’s most unforgettable moments. The finals saw Kali Magnus face off against Martian, with judges Crazybeans, James Wong, and Labyrinth calling the rounds over tracks spun by DJ Blake.

With Kali Magnus’ win – a toddler and already commanding the floor with sharp KRUMP foundations – the room witnessed a glimpse of the future of Philippines street dance in real time.

Open: Borders Dissolve in the Cypher

In the Open Category, where anyone could join, the traditional one-on-one format brought the crowd to its feet. Ransakk and Stella reached the finals, with Stella (representing Indonesia) ultimately claiming the championship.

Judged by Crazybeans, Keycee, and Labyrinth, with DJ Abstract controlling the tempo, the division underscored what Resistance has become: a space where Filipino dancers meet international talent on equal ground.

Select: Metro’s Finest Collide

The invite-only Select Category gathered some of the strongest battlers in the metro: Izzy, Blaze, Gabster, Ransakk, Blazymess, PJ Boogie, 2nd Path, and Slhenderman, each bringing a distinct language of movement.

Tweaking the usual battle mechanics, each dancer was given two lives with the two remaining battlers advancing to the finals. The crowd watched Gabster and Blazymess battle it out for the top spot, ending with Gabster taking the crown. Judges from all the categories presided over the round as DJs Blake and Abstract traded beats.

Battle of the Champs

But the night had one last twist: the three category champions returned to battle for the Ultimate Champion title and an extra P5,000 prize. In the final exchange, Stella emerged on top, capping the evening with an international win.

Laughter and celebration filled the hours in between as Tito Vince’s unexpected and comedic showcase had the audience roaring despite its simplicity, proving once again that connection matters as much as complexity. Even as time ran short, the crowd made sure to send love to Pop N Seb who is also dubbed as “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved.”

Before the event wrapped, April Simei, Head of Prelude PH, addressed the room:

“This platform exists because of you. Your passion, your discipline, and your love for the culture… Prelude has always been about community before anything else, and as long as you keep showing up for each other, we’ll keep building this with you.”

She also teased March’s Ladies First event for Women’s Month, offering discounts to those who stayed through the full 7-hour and 30-minute program.

As Resistance ended, one thing was clear: Philippine street dance continues to expand with international competitors stepping into local circles. Filipino dancers have long traveled abroad to prove themselves but now, the world is being invited into local cyphers and battles to witness the depth of Filipino talent firsthand.