Walter Betito pursuing a dream

From humble beginnings to predictably a man of good endings, Walter Batestil Betito captures fame and probably good fortune as a result of many years of perseverance and headstrong determination to grow and maintain a status that is entirely meant for him to savor.

Responsible for ushering in fame for Tangub City's Sinulog entry circa 2000 and the year thereafter and Abellana National School's Lumad Kina-iyahan Cultural Troupe at present, Walter, after a near-death experience sometime in 2002 continues to persevere and work for the love of dance.

Humble beginnings recalled

"I was an athletic scholar of Cebu Central Colleges (now University of Cebu). By chance, I dropped by the school's dance hall where I found myself gazing at dancers rehearsing their Muslim routine under the brilliant tutelage of Mr. Ceasar Nimor. I instantly fell fascinated and soon found myself as a member of that prestigious group. My constant exposure in learning new things on cultural dancing eventually paved the way for a more challenging profession - choreography. I was Mr. Nimor's right hand. Being that was as rewarding as my first win, when my peers challenged me to choreograph a number for a local competition.

Mr. Betito claimed that the inspiration to become a choreographer was drawn out of him. His innate passion made him a constant winner in most of his undertakings.

He pursued and persevered even through his most trying times.

Life's greatest trial

"After a three-in-a-row win of the Sinulog Grand Parade (1999-2001) I went through the saddest and the most desperate, trying moment of my life. I got sick and was hospitalized for almost two years. I underwent a series of medications and surgery due to severe osteomylitis of my right femur. Further accident eventually caused the amputation of my right leg. At the time, aside from being out of circulation,

I felt crushed! But I soon found hope in God although I'm still in search for His great plan for me. In the process, I made a series of adjustments and this is where I've been to so far. But it never occurred to me that this disability prevented me from continuing my craft. People tend to wonder how I'd be able to continue to do what I love best since there's already a hindrance for me to execute and teach dance. Sometimes, I verbally answer these skeptics with a cheerful smile and a sentence: Maybe one of my legs is removed but my ideas and my mind are totally intact".

Today, he sits as the MAPEH cultural coordinator of Abellana National School. Despite hardships, Walter continually reaps several triumphs like that in cheer dance competitions. He won the 2004 Milo cheer dance finals and 2nd place this year for the same contest and Alay Lakad cheer dance meet.

When asked about how he handles challenges, WB replied: "Seriously. Doing my best is an ongoing challenge. But I do also believe in luck where time and chance could be determining factors for achievement. Panahon-panahon lang na. Win some. Lose some. However, I firmly believe that God puts all things into the right perspective. That is why I have never been bitter even during my saddest moments".

Mr. Betito is a lifetime member of the Philippine Folk Dance Society (Manila), business manager of PFDS-Cebu, BOD member for Cebu Colleges and Universities Choreographers Association and Choreographers Guild of Central Visayas.

He enjoys life in his many brand new acquisitions - house, lot and a car - fulfilling rewards and testaments of his days of hardship.

"I plan to put up my own dance company in the future. I'm still in the process of organizing the possibilities. If there's determination, there'll always be fulfillment. And I intend to be predictable that way," Walter Betito concluded as he cleared his throat fancifully with a cheerful smile on his face.