Tag: culture
Ballet Manila: Cinderella!
It was perfection! The costumes, the choreography, the dancers, the MUSIC. Filled my hear with ultimate joy. My previous post on Cinderella (2015) AND this year’s performance by Ballet Manila, has made Cinderella my ultimate favorite princess. This was Ballet Manila’s first take on the production, with original choreography from no other than Lisa Macuja-Elizade (she also played the Fairy Godmother!) Click here for behind the scenes!
I brought along my mom and dad for the first time, and they LOVED it! My brother also enjoyed the detailed set designs, pointing out the moving hand on the clock about to stroke midnight! This production is by far my favorite, and I am so proud of Ballet Manila. They bring the best of ballet to Filipinos!
I had a Cinderella inspired outfit. Basically, I realized I had a dress that matched the Cinderella shade. Added pearls and a black ribbon and my favorite black coat.
Have a look at my video of the show:
xxKelsey
BenCab Museum: Abby Jocson bag, and a vintage belt
The BenCab Museum near Baguio City was so much fun. Aside from the vast collection of Ben, our guide Ryan gave us a unique experience through the museum. He himself is very artistic, taking our smart phones and incorporate the art into our photos.
My photos are taken in the erotica section, where there are interesting works of art on the…well art of sex. It’s a very popular feature in this museum.
Obsessed with mermaids, finding this bag was a dream. Abby Jocson has numerous quirky designs from pineapples to hearts. My belt is from Pattye’s Closet, a vintage boutique in Glendale. It was a score (at just $10). The swallows are classic. Something from Sailor Jerry, or any flash tattoo design.
Taken at the BenCab Museum,Benguet
The Pin-Up Girl Manila Project: Emily from Indonesia
My first pin-up of my project. I introduce to you Emily!
I met 26 year old Emily through Instagram about a year ago. She hails from Indonesia and is a certified makeup artist. Oh, and she happens to be a badass MMA fighter too. I can describe her beauty as pinup with a dark twist. With her dark hair, eclectic tattoos and off beat posing, she is a true definition of the alternative pinup model. I asked Emily a few questions on her inspirations, struggles and her tips on being pinup
First off, where has your love for the vintage/pin-up fashion come from?
It all started from the first time I watch the movie called Pin Up Girl with Betty Grable. For the first time, I loved to dress in this vintage classic style. But as time went on, my style evolved into my own signature pinup look.
How long have you been involved in the pin-up community?
I’ve known of the pin up culture since 2007, but decided to become a daily pin-up girl since around 2008-2009. By January 2015 I found my own style which is the alternative dark pinup look.
Has becoming a pin-up changed you in any ways?
Absolutely! I’ve learned how to appreciate myself a lot more, and find who I really am. However, being a pinup girl in this whole new modern world is such a huge challenge. I find people look at me in very distracting ways, talk bad about my style. But I’ve learned to be proud to be different, and take all the stare with pride because at least I know I am being myself.
Who are your inspirations?
My biggest inspirations are Bettie Page, Amber Rose, and Ms. Tess Munster.
By being a pin-up , do you see yourself influencing other women and girls?
Sometimes. Not with the way I dress and my passion in pinup culture, but my confidence. We should always be our kind of beautiful.
What are your favorite pieces to wear that make you feel confident and sexy?
I’m proud of my body, and love accentuating my curves and my figure. I love wearing wiggle dresses, skinny jeans and maybe pair it with a crop top.
What is your routine for staying fit?
I do squats, sit ups, jogging and some weight lifting every day. I also do boxing and MMA training 4 times a week also swimming every Saturday.
Being a pin-up girl in the modern day can be difficult, have you ever experienced backlash or negativity from your community?
Of Course. I’m tattooed and decided to go bald just last week. I get a lot of negativity behind my back, but rise up to the seeing myself as a unique human being, I ignore the negativity and continue to believe in myself. I hold my chin up and be proud. I know that there are those people who are just trying to pull me down and I will prove to them that I’m being real, respect my mind and I love myself for who I am.
I want everyone to know that you should try to find your true self. Try to combine the classic pinup style to the style that perfectly suits you. Also to not be scared to be different because being different is actually beautiful. Be as unique as possible because that is the most valuable thing in life.
Strong words from a strong woman. Thanks Emily for being part of this project. Your words and confidence will be inspiring so many others out there! I hope all of you follow this pin-up on Instagram and take it from her– you can be anyone you want to be.
xxKelsey
The Pin-Up Girl Manila Project: Getting to know the women of modern day pinup and other bloggers!
What’s a better way to understand the pin-up community than from the pin-ups themselves!? I have been able to contact a few of my favorite girls for an online interview. I will be conducting write-ups on the women and men who are interested in all things mid-century. I’ll also be doing a few local bloggers!
This project is all about getting to know the faces behind the fashion, and those who love the vintage lifestyle. I’ll be tackling down issues such as body confidence, social judgement, and the importance of fashion. I’ll be posting twice a month so watch out for the upcoming features! If you are interested, or have any suggestions please feel free to contact me! I’m open to anyone who would like to join, pin-up or not.
Let’s do this!
xxKelsey
Ballet Manila Goes to Hong Kong! Join the exclusive preview
Almost every little girl was put into some kind of activity by their mother’s. Ballet, gymnastics, ice skating. Mine was ballet, yet despite most little girls who were forced to join such an activity hated it as they grew up, I ended up loving it. These two photos are from my first ever ballet recital and I was four years old. My mom had a thing for curls because she was so inspired by Shirley Temple. It wasn’t just ballet it was also tap. I did this until I was 14 (the age I moved to the Philippines). I was on pointe by that time for two years and my feet were at it’s breaking point. *pun intended*
Sadly, from the pain I could not bare (I have so much respect for those ballerinas who continue), and moving to a new country I had to stop my dancing career. If you can call it that.
But having to stop dancing doesn’t mean I can’t stop loving it. I am so lucky to be invited once again by Ballet Manila to their preview of “Flight”. This concert showcases the company’s entry to the Asia Grand Prix International Ballet Competition to be hosted in Hong Kong. Performances such as “Don Quixote”, “Sleeping Beauty” and “Swan Lake” will be performed.
“Two nights, two completely different programs.The back-to-back concert will showcase the best of Ballet Manila and highlight the skill and artistry of all the dancers-competitors. I am truly proud of the year’s competitors; keeping my fingers cross that we will do well this year.” says Liza Macjua-Elizalde, Artistic Director and CEO of Ballet Manila. (Check out my one-on-one with Philippine’s Prima ballerina!)
Having met many of Ballet Manila’s dancers, choreographers and crew I can surely say that we have a fighting chance at this years competition. They will make our country proud with their passion, hardwork and love of performance.
The concert is divided into two nights “Flight 1″ (July 31) and Fight 2” (August 1) both at 8PM. The venue is at Ballet Manila’s home theatre Star Theatre alongside CCP.
Buy your tickets now and bring your girlfriends, mother, grandmother, little sister/brother, or even drag along your boyfriend for a wonderful date night. I brought my boyfriend last time and he surprisingly enjoyed himeself. You just never know.
I’ll be at this Saturday’s performance with my best friend Sasja followed by dinner and drinks, so if you do decide to come (which you will) say hi to me!
i
Watch This: Gilda (1946) Starring Rita Hayworth
I have been obsessing over this movie for a month now. It’s on constant replay. Rita Hayworth is amazing and so stunning in this film. She is the definition of femme fatale, or a scheming bitch in today’s terms. “Gilda” is all about, well Gilda.
She brings life, chaos, seduction, and the needed drama to the plot. Her love/hate relationship with her ex-lover Johnny will give you those feelings of passion and intrigue. But, she has a new husband who is much older….and very rich (yes Gilda is a gold digger) who happens to be Johnny’s boss who owns an illegal cassino. Need anymore drama?
Well while all this is going on, Gilda seeks revenge and does everything possible that any broken hearted crazy ex-girlfriend would do.
Gilda knows she’s beautiful, charming, and manipulative and she definietly takes advantage. You will love this movie if you love characters who despise one another, yet somehow find the path that leads to their love.
Now, let’s talk about Rita’s wardrobe. Each scene, each piece, each ensemble was GLAMOROUS. Since Gilda is presented as a seductress her outfits consists of fabrics like silk and fur. The structure is tight fitting showing her curves.
Rita Hayworth was best known for her hair. The fluffy, flirtatious ‘S’ wave that she flaunts. Rita Hayworth’s hair was actually one of the old Hollywood actresses that would model for the iconic Jessica Rabbit. It is very 1940s and genuinely captivating.
Watch the trailer below and an added scene from her bona fide enterance.
Watch This: Nowhere Boy (2009)
Nowhere Boy is a biopic of John Lennon (Aaron Johnson). Now it’s not The Beatles centric, it’s more of his early years and influences. His beginnings with music and his personal life involving his estranged mother, and his aunt who brought him up. This movie is great not only because of the story of one of music’s greatest icons, but the highlight of rock and roll.
Watch this film for a grasp of rockabilly and pinup influence. John Lennon started the group The Quarrymen, soon later meeting Paul McCartney. Their ultimate influence was Elvis Presley. They actually had a greaser look prior to their known 60’s bowl haircuts and suits, so you can see a lot of the style. The film features a great deal of music. Jerry Lee Lewis, Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly, Wanda Jackson, and a whole lot more.
The fashion is pretty spot on. I love his mother Julia’s (Anne-Marie Duff) wardrobe. She is personafied as very liberal and creative. She wears many halter-top dresses and full circle skirts, accessorized with fitted trench coats and boxed hand bags. Her make up and hair is the ultimate pinup look, with pincurls and a red lip.
I love watching this movie, not just beause of the great storyline, but the detail to the period and culture. It’s a great movie to look for inspiration.
Check out the trailer below and tell me what you think!
Isn’t Aaron Johnson a dream?
Exclusive: Preview of Ballet Manila’s 20th Anniversary Part 2; a one-on-one with Ms. Lisa Macuja-Elizalde
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.
Exclusive: Preview of Ballet Manila’s 20th Anniversary Concert Part 1
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.
The Pin-up Girl Manila 