Text by: Angelou C. Mendoza
Photo by: Ehcel S. Hurna

UP Manila’s Healthy University Office (HUO) has introduced “Decades Dance-Off,” a monthly dancing activity held on the first Wednesday of every month. This initiative is dedicated to promoting and fostering a healthy environment within the university.

The kick-off program was held on February 21, 2024 at the College of Dentistry Auditorium and gathered officials, faculty, staff, and students from the UP College of Nursing (UPCN), UP College of Dentistry (UPCD) who gamely danced to upbeat tracks from the past decades. The dance sessions were led by Asst. Prof. Rizaldy C. Hofilena of the Department of Physical Education, Kristina Andrea Santos and Matt Daniel Andrew Lisan, and the UPCD Groove Dexterity members.

The event was initiated as a product of the collaborative effort of UPM HUO and the two aforementioned colleges. The HUO will host more dance activities in collaboration with various colleges and units of UP Manila in the upcoming months, as an integral component of its Wellness Wednesdays initiative.

College of Dentistry Dean Michelle Segarra emphasized the importance of physical activity in her opening remarks before the activity began. “We want our students, faculty, and staff to be in a state of well-being – physically, mentally, and emotionally,” she said.

According to experts, physical activity improves cardiovascular fitness and psychological and physiological health. It also improves musculoskeletal strength. It also prevents stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It also helps maintain a healthy weight and enhance quality of life.