Himamaylan bet Melanie Flor Agustin’s ballroom skills proved more graceful than the hip sways and footwork of Persian-dressed belly dancers, and tribal-clad fire jugglers, making the judges give her the Lin-ay sang Negros Best in Talent award yesterday.

The 19-year-old B.S Tourism major drew cheers from a crowd of around 2,000 people as she and her partner worked the stage at the Robinsons Place Bacolod, gliding with the music in their red and white outfits with a steady confidence.

Agustin, a member of the Kagayon Dance Troupe of the Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod, stood out from the other Lin-ay crown contenders, as she playfully flapped her skirt during the three-minute performance.

Other crowd favorites were Victorias City’s Mona Gail D’Angelo, who performed a hip-hop number in her military-inspired attire, and Jade Mariz Penado of Talisay City, who did an ethnic bird dance.

E.B. Magalona’s Gretel Shyne Abastillas’ fire dance was also well-applauded as she twirled two improvised “fire” batons while standing on top of high-stacked pots.*PP

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