Ateneo Medicine Dance Collective (AMDC) clinches victory at MedGroove 2024 with a heartfelt performance
03 May 2024 | Kathrine Joyce R Molit
The Ateneo Medicine Dance Collective (AMDC) comprised of students of the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, emerged victorious as the Champions of MedGroove 2024, the annual dance competition organized by the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges (APMC) Student Network. This year's competition, marking its return since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, showcased exceptional talent from medical students across the country.

The journey to victory was not without its challenges. The team faced a tight schedule with limited time for preparation, balancing rigorous school requirements and extracurricular commitments like sports competitions within ASMPH called INFLAMED and Palarong Medisina of APMC where they compete against other medical schools. Nevertheless, the AMDC persevered, overcoming conflicts in training time, having only a month to prepare.
Their winning performance not only showcased exceptional talent but also conveyed profound emotion through their choice of song and choreography. The team chose a deeply emotional Filipino song entitled "Oksihina" by Dionela that really pulls at the heartstrings. This heartfelt ballad touches upon themes of love, sacrifice, and the willingness to endure pain for the sake of someone they truly care about. A line from the song translates to "You are my oxygen, when I am unable to breathe," resonated deeply with the medical theme, even adding layers of meaning to their performance.
Led by a dedicated team of coaches including Aennon Tabungar, Lean Mangrobang, and Klarence Giray, the AMDC members poured their hearts and souls into their performance, captivating the audience and judges alike. Special recognition is deserved by Marella Reyes, Rachael Lim, Jericho Dugenia, Rae Dacalanio, and Jancee Domalanta and the entire ASMPH community for their outstanding contribution and support to the team's success.
The winning team comprised the following members:
- ALBA, Mikayla Riza L. - Year Level 6
- ALMUETE, Kristen M. - Year Level 7
- CATINDIG, Aaron Nicholas C. - Year Level 7
- CRUZ, Ashley Marie B. - Year Level 5
- DELA MERCED, Stephanie Anne G. - Year Level 5
- GONZALVO, Miguel Angelo L. - Year Level 5
- HALASAN, Nicole Mae J. - Year Level 5
- JAMISOLA, Maanyag B. - Year Level 6
- LLANES, Julia Reymonde B. - Year Level 6
- LONGNO, Michael P. - Year Level 6
- MANLUTAC, Andrea Sabina D. - Year Level 6
- MIGUEL, Triela S. - Year Level 5
- PABILICO, Dino Spencer S. - Year Level 5
- PACIS, Immanuel Zach J. - Year Level 6
- REYES, Christelle Joy L. - Year Level 7
- SALMINGO, Denzel Lyle B. - Year Level 5
- SANTOS, Aaron Christopher S.P. - Year Level 7
- TAN, Charles Jason G. - Year Level 6
- UY, Klara Belinda - Year Level 5
- UYGUANGCO, Enrico Raphael P. - Year Level 6

The AMDC's victory at MedGroove 2024 not only demonstrates their exceptional talent but also highlights their ability to infuse artistry and emotion into their craft. Their performance serves as a testament to the multifaceted abilities of future doctors, showcasing their capacity to excel both academically and artistically. They have truly found their oxygen.
Watch their performance here: https://fb.watch/rP6Zv5LC94/