Dubbed as the "Philippines’ Dancing Queen," Belinda (and her partner Michael Mendoza) reigned in the Latin category in the Dancesport event, also known as competitive ballroom dancing, a new discipline introduced in the 23rd SEA Games.

On Sunday, Jan. 28, at 9p.m., viewers all over the world shall witness Belinda’s "victory story" together with a Japanese male dancer when the National Geographic Channel (NGC) features them in a special episode on ShowReal Asia, titled "Strictly Asian Ballroom."

Now on its 3rd season, ShowReal Asia is a project of NGC and the Singapore Economic Development Board (SEDB) which cultivates Asia’s filmmaking talents by showcasing excellent works of Asian documentary filmmakers.

"ShowReal Asia is one of the most popular programs on NGC featuring the different cultures, people, places, etc., in Asia created by top Asian filmmakers," said Richard Silaraks, NGC senior manager for distribution and network developments.

"Out of the thousands of proposals we got from Asian filmmakers, NGC only selected 10, which we thought were the best…and one of them is Strictly Asian Ballroom which tells a story of two Asian dancers coming from different backgrounds pursuing their dreams and passion for dancing," he added.

ShowReal Asia: Strictly Asian Ballroom will have replays on Feb. 4, 3 p.m. and Feb. 5, 5 p.m., on the National Geographic Channel.

Other NGC programs to watch out for according to Richard are: Everyday Things, Mad Labs, I Didn’t Know That, Crash Science and Triumph of Life.

THE PHILIPPINES’ DANCE DIVA

Many of us do not know who Belinda Adora is. But in the Philippine dancesport, only one name stands out —Belinda Adora.

Born and raised in Northern Samar, Belinda Adora was virtually born with a passion for dancing which manifested itself when she was five years old.

"Dancing has always been my life and my passion," said Belinda.

"I would always join in the dance performances and competitions in school and would always win, too!" she bragged.

When she’s not dancing, Belinda would be in the school gym playing sports like volleyball and badminton or doing gymnastics and taekwondo. Otherwise, she’s in the library doing school work.

"I was always a busy girl but I would still prioritize my studies because I wanted to maintain good grades. In fact, I was top 4 back in high school," she told us.

Second to the youngest of four children, Belinda left Samar after high school to pursue her studies in Manila hoping to get a degree in accounting. Nonetheless, her love for dancing was too strong that Belinda decided to go into dancing over her studies.

"I was on my way to Centro Escolar University (CEU) when I saw the Metropolitan Theater in Lawton…So, instead of enrolling in CEU, I decided to enroll in dance class at the Metropolitan Theater," Belinda related.

"That was my first formal dance lesson. I learned jazz and other dances," she continued.

Belinda’s grace and fluidity on the dance floor caught her instructors’ attention and asked her to be part of the Ballroom Greats of Metropolitan Theater Dance Company. But it was "Eezy Dancing", a weekly dancesport competition on TV (years ago) that launched Belinda’s career in dancing.

"My exposure started on Eezy Dancing when my friends asked me to join the dance competition," shared Belinda.

"I wasn’t even interested at first, but we joined anyway because of the cash prize because I was supporting myself. Fortunately, my partner and I won and we won R15,000. Then, we came back for the succeeding competitions all the way to the finals where we won the first prize," she narrated.

Belinda’s participation in Eezy Dancing opened doors to bigger "dancing opportunities" here and abroad.

Determined to make a name in the dance scene, Belinda competed in prestigious dancesports all over the world.

Among these competitions were: Japan Open Dancesport Championship (champion); 1st Chairman Cup Dancesport Championship, Hong Kong (champion): Super Hong Kong Dancesport Championship (champion); 14th Lion City International Dancesport Championship (champion); 2002 Major Cup Open Dancesport Championship, Toyko, Japan (2nd place); Asian Dancesport Championship, Taipei, Taiwan (bronze medalist); and the 2005 Southeast Asian Games (champion).

Though blessed with "talented feet", Belinda told us that her rise to dancesport stardom was not easy. It cost her sleepless nights and endless hours in the dance studio perfecting her dance routines.

"I’m happy that I was able to fulfill my dreams as a dancer and to give honor to my country but for the meantime, I want to focus on my studies and graduate," stated Belinda who is currently a fourth year accounting student in CEU.

Juggling between dancing and studies wasn’t easy but Belinda knows how to manage her time well.

A consistent dean’s lister in CEU, Belinda still finds time to conduct dance classes at night (Mondays to Sundays) at the Savannah Moon Ballroom Club in QC (right across Eastwood, Libis), where most of the scenes of ShowReal Asia: Strictly Asian Ballroom were shot.

In spite of the trophies and recognitions she has received, Belinda told us that she still aims to compete in the future if given the opportunity. Also, she wants to become an accredited "international adjudicator" someday.