Ahhhh, nothing better than smoked sausages, grilled burgers, fresh sangria and iced cold beer. Sunny, breezy and surrounded by good friends and welcoming a new generation, I had a pretty good Saturday.
Celebrating the amazing growth spurt of my godson, Maximilian, and a small house warming of my best friend we all had a fun time! Look at all that food! Picture perfect.
I had a great weekend . How was yours?
Metal.
This is the third visit of the metal band, Lamb of God, to Manila. I saw them back in 2010 during their first visit, but wasn’t able to see their full set. (Which was a terrible experience) So, when the opportunity came I just had to grab a ticket to see the amazing band. Heavy metal may not be for everyone, but these guys are purely talented musicians. I was introduced to their music back in 2008 and even for me, the genre was something I did not expect to like. This band was one of many to introduce me to heavy rifts, rugid vocals, passionate poetic lyrics and a kickass drop by double-peddle drums.
One of the best gigs I’ve been to so far!
1. I got the love for all things vintage from when my parents bought the 20th anniversary VHS and the soundtrack of Grease. I watched it everyday when I was in the first grade.
Ms. Lisa Macuja has had an amazing on-going career living out her passion as a dynamic ballerina. She has become the Philippine’s first prima ballerina and the first foreign soloist to join Kirov Ballet (the Imperial Russian Ballet). It is easy to say that she is an icon to Philippine culture and the arts.
My one-on-one with Ms. Lisa was a dream. I have always been a fan of the ballet. Being a ballerina myself, way back when, it was such an honor in having the opportunity to talk about her hopes for the future of ballet in the Philippines. Listening to her about not just celebrating the twenty years of devotion , but her ambitions to pass on the interest to future generations was truly inspiring.
She has traveled all across the world, performing and meeting many influential people. But, when I asked her what she is most proud of, her answer was simple. Ballet Manila.
Along with ballet master Osias Barroso, the concept of Ms. Lisa for Ballet Manila began in 1995 with just twelve dancers. Focusing on the rigid Russian method of classical ballet. Today, the company has expanded to now 50 professional dancers, performing in international tours more than 140 times, and recently becoming international; bringing in guest coreographers from around the world. I can see why Ms. Lisa would be so proud of her creation.
As for the future, Ms. Lisa states that she hopes to keep expanding Ballet Manila by looking for dancers not just around the metro but from all across the country. She intends to open more branches of the Lisa Macuja ballet school, and to continue advocating the art towards the next generation. Keeping the passion high and alive. Ms. Lisa agrees with me that with social media younger generations can discover the excellence of ballet, but there is nothing better then discovering through a live performance. That is why Ballet Manila has partnered with Star City, upong purchasing an admission ticket, giving a free pass to Aliw Theatre for children to see live performances. With partnerships like this and much more opportunities to tackle Ballet Manila has many more years of accommplishments.
BM 2.0 will showcase the vision of Ms. Lisa with performances such as “Paquita“, one of Ballet Manila’s staple in shows during the early years. “Ecole” a choreography of co-artistic director Osias Barroso, which has become a rite of passage for Ballet Manila dancers. “Bloom” with special guest coreographer Annabelle Lopez ochoa, and “Tara Let’s” a clash of modern music with classical ballet. The concert will take you through the jorney of twenty years of hardwork, dedication and passion for the art of ballet. There is nothing better than celebrating one of the Philippine’s proudest achievements with one of Philippine’s icons.
So come out to the gala event! This Feburary 28 at 7.30pm to celebrate twenty proud years. (Matinee show on March 1, 3pm) Contact Ticket World at 891.9999 or visit ticketworld.com.ph for more information.
I was recently invited to a preview of Ballet Manila’s 20th anniversary concert. Alllowing me the opportunity to have a sneak peak on the upcoming event as well as talks with the dancers, coreographers and Philippine’s own prima ballerina Ms. Lisa Macuja-Elizalde.
Dedicated. Passionate. Disciplined. Creative.
These are the words that came to my mind after speaking with the dancers, choreographers,and Ms. Lisa Macuja-Elzialde. BM 2.0 will celebrate the 20th anniversary of prima ballerina Ms. Lisa Macuja-Elzialde’s pride and joy, Ballet Manila. The concert will showcase the 20 years of the burning passion of ballet dancers all across the Philippines.
Built from the ground up, the company started with just 12 dancers back in 1995 and with limited resources of studio space. The company has greatly evolved to now 50 professional dancers, three rehersal studios along with a music library and Ballet Manila’s own facilities.
While speakig to the dancers, my first question: how do you stay so fit? The answer: 6 days a week of rigirous rehersals, 5 minute breaks and quick meals. Which eventually burn off again through rehersals. These dancers were the most dedicated people I have ever talked to. Many of them started as early as 4 years old and coming from families of dancers. These young dynamic performers take ballet as a lifestyle. Even after physical and mental exhaustion, their passion reaps through and fuels them to express their creativity through the form of dance.
Multi-awarded coreographer Annabelle Lope Ochoa, from Belgium, was a guest coreographer for the 20th anniversary. Her number, “Bloom”, was one of my favorite previews. It will make it’s premiere at the concert this Feburary 28. She was such a lovely person to talk to. I got to know her story as a ballerina herself, to now a coreographer. Annabelle is one of many international coreographers Ballet Manila now invites for performances. Making Ballet Manila, international!
Here I am rambling on about the company, when most of you are a little indifferent to the idea of ballet. The new generation still has a lot to understand when it comes to one of the most traditional art forms of dance. Our generation is blinded by the latest trends, reality television, and celebrity gossip. The 20th anniversary marks the time to reach out to the new generations and get them to appreciate the dynamic form of classical ballet. One of the number’s titled “Tara Let’s” actually combines the latest OPM music to classical coreography. It’s a great way for the next generation to understand and have an interest in ballet. A tie-up with Star City, those who purchase a ticket allows them to view performances free of charge. Children and parents can walk through to Aliw Theatre and experience the gliterring costumes, graceful movements, and fascinating dances.
I invite you to see the spectacular yourself. Even if you have never seen a ballet, or even been a fan of. This concert will let you experience a feeling of passion, art and pride.
Date of Performances:
Febuary 28 at 7.30pm (Gala night)
March 1 at 3pm
Venue:
Aliw Theatre, CCP Complex, Pasay City
For more details contact Ticket World at 891.9999 or visit their website at ticketworld.com.ph
Keep it posted for part 2 with my one-on-one with prima ballerina Ms. Lisa Macuja-Elizalde.
Diego and I decided to go towards the south this Valentines. We figured since everyone would be in the city to celebrate, we opted for a more relaxed way to celebrate. We drove through the serene Laguna (deeper Laguna, since yes I am from Laguna.) Driving through Los Banos, Pila and arriving to our destination Liliw and Diego’s province of Victoria.
Once we arrived at Liliw we visited St. John Baptist church and took around the beautiful preserved architecture. Made out of bricks the church had a special peaceful aura. A perfect way to spend with someone special. Afterwards, we took a stroll the small community. Liliw is known for many bargain shoe stores, and of course I had to buy myself a pair…or two. The locals are absolutley friendly. Just by asking directions, or buying pasalubong they were keen on having a conversation. We had lunch at the known resturaunt Arabela’s. It’s such a cute place to eat, literally. The cieling is no more than 5’11. So if you’re every going to eat here be entertained. The food was deliscious, and because of the close space it gave a very cozy vibe.
Afterwards, we headed to Victoria to visit Diego’s grandmama. Her house is full of luscious greenery, and some of her orchids that she tends to. We had a little snack and talk and headed home.
I had a wonderful Valentine’s day with Diego and I hope everyone had a great one as well!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Last nights celebration went to Apags at Route 196! Not only was it his birthday, but his new tshirt launch. Poetees is a line that features local poets and their works. It’s a great take on fashion and art. The night was a lot of fun, with many bands that performed just for Apags. (spoiled much? hehehe) Bands such as Tanya Markova and Mayonaise. I brought along my friend Trish, who many of you may know now as the pusblished poet. It was a great event being able to meet many new people and have a few beers. Happy Birthday Apags!
The look for the night was a r
ockabilly look. Victory rolls in play! (Sadly, humidity took over and I had to take them out before leaving the house. ugh.)
Top: Uniqlo (Php 750)
Skirt: Westfield (Australia) (Php 1,200)
Little Sunday adventure with a group of long boarders. An easy two hour drive to a secluded area with the most beautiful scenery. The skate and sunset made a perfect Sunday.
Having a pin-up style in a very active environment can be hard. No circle skirts, petticoats, or tea-length dresses. Instead I opted for a kitsch top with graphic watermelons, along with a pair of high-waisted shorts. Oh, and a hoodie borrowed from a best friend.
Top: H&M (Php 455)
Shorts: Forever 21 (Php 800)
Flats: Payless Shoe Source (Php 750)
Hoodie: Uniqlo (borrowed)
Most photos (c) Trish Shishikura
One of my best friends has recently been published in a new collection of poetry and short stories. She is one of many well-established Filipino writers. I am so proud of her! Ever since high school, we were the bookworms. We even took the English elective together! So seeing how far she’s come at such a young age makes me so teary eyed.
I attended the book launch at PowerBooks Greenbelt 4. Many of the writers were in attendance as well as the two editors Noelle De Jesus and Mookie Katigbak-Lacuesta. The book is titled ‘Fast Food Fiction Delivery’ which you can grab a copy at your nearest major bookstore (Php 220)
My outfit for the day was just a simple black on black with a teal peplum skirt. Bettie-bangs were styles today and a casual winged liner.
Go go and order that fast food fiction!
The Pin-up Girl Manila 