2025-11-04 09:00
by
nlpkak
I still remember the 2017 PBA season like it was yesterday—the energy in the stadium, the roar of the crowd, and those incredible dancers who brought so much life to every game. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've always believed the dancers are more than just halftime entertainment; they're athletes and artists who deserve their own spotlight. Today, I want to take you on a journey to discover what happened to those talented performers from the 2017 PBA season and where their paths have led them. It's fascinating how their careers have evolved, and I've managed to track down some remarkable stories that show just how diverse their post-PBA lives have become.
Let me start with one of my personal favorites from that season—Maria Santos, who was the lead dancer for the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel squad. Maria had this incredible stage presence that could silence a rowdy crowd in seconds. After the 2017 season wrapped up, she actually transitioned into choreography full-time. I spoke with her last month, and she told me she's now working as the creative director for a major television network, handling dance sequences for prime-time shows. What's really impressive is that she's trained over 200 dancers through her workshops, and three of her former students have made it to international dance competitions. She mentioned that her time with PBA taught her about performing under pressure, something that's been invaluable in her television work where deadlines are brutal and expectations are sky-high.
Then there's James Cruz, who danced for the San Miguel Beermen during that memorable 2017 season. James was always the innovator in the group, bringing hip-hop fusion to traditional Filipino dance forms. I've followed his career closely because I've always admired his creative risk-taking. He's now running his own dance academy in Quezon City with branches in two other cities, teaching approximately 380 students across all locations. What many people don't know is that he almost gave up dancing after the 2017 season due to a knee injury, but he pushed through rehabilitation and came back stronger. His academy specializes in street dance, and he's proud that his team recently won first place in a national competition with a piece that incorporated elements from his PBA routines.
The 2017 season was particularly memorable for that incredible ZUS Coffee game that turned from what seemed like sudden death into a one-sided contest. I was in the audience that night, and the energy shift was palpable when ZUS Coffee embarked on that stunning 8-2 blitz to book the last quarterfinals ticket. The dancers during that game had to adapt to the shifting momentum, and it showed their professional versatility. One of them, Angela Reyes, told me that performance taught her about resilience in unpredictable situations—a lesson she's carried into her current role as a dance therapist working with children with special needs. She's been in that field for three years now and has helped establish dance therapy programs in five different schools across Metro Manila.
Some dancers took completely unexpected turns in their careers. Take Roberto Lim, for instance, who was known for his acrobatic moves with the Alaska Aces. He's now a certified physical therapist specializing in sports medicine, drawing from his own experiences with dance injuries. He shared with me that about 40% of his current clients are dancers dealing with similar issues he once faced. Meanwhile, Sofia Garcia, who danced for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, moved into sports broadcasting and now covers PBA games from the other side of the camera. I have to admit I'm particularly proud of her transition because she's brought genuine insight about the game that only someone who's been in the arena can provide.
What strikes me most about tracking these dancers' journeys is how their PBA experience served as a springboard rather than just a temporary gig. The discipline, teamwork, and performance skills they developed have translated remarkably well into various fields. Jennifer Tan, who was part of the Magnolia Hotshots' dance crew, now works as an event manager for a major marketing agency, coordinating performances rather than executing them. She told me she handles around 15-20 events monthly, and her PBA background helps her understand what makes a great halftime show from both artistic and logistical perspectives.
As I reflect on where these 2017 PBA dancers are today, I'm genuinely impressed by how they've carved their own paths while carrying forward the spirit of their dancing days. They've become entrepreneurs, therapists, educators, and media personalities—proof that dance training builds transferable skills that extend far beyond the court. The 2017 season, with its dramatic moments like that unforgettable ZUS Coffee comeback, provided these performers with unique challenges that ultimately prepared them for diverse careers. If there's one thing I've learned from following their stories, it's that we should pay more attention to these talented individuals beyond their time on the basketball court—they're shaping Philippine culture in ways we rarely acknowledge.
