Flowering into Drag: Iconic Gay Film and Musical to Get a Sequel

Jamila Rivera takes ont= the role of Maxie Oliveros, who transforms into a drag queen (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

After twenty years, the beloved gay film, Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros), is getting a sequel but it is going to be a stage musical.

Presented by J+ Productions and line-produced by PETA Plus of the Philippine Education Theater Association (PETA), Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros: A Drag Musical Extravaganza will be staged from June 13 to 22, 2025,  at the Illumination Studio in Makati City, in time for the celebration of LGBTIQ+ Pride Month. 

Directed by Auraeus Solito (Kanakan Balintagos) and written by Michiko Yamamoto, the original 2005 film is about the  coming-of-age story of twelve-year-old boy from a family of petty thieves who love him, who falls in love with an idealistic, handsome police officer. When it premiered at the first Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, the movie broke grounds for presenting a very truthful and poignant LGBTQ+ story during a time when there are very few LGBTQ+ representations and narratives, and immediately became a landmark film, beloved by the LGBTQ+ community as well as the general public.  

In 2013, a stage version, Maxie the Musicale, was created by Bit by Bit Company with book and lyrics by Nicolas B. Pichay, and direction and choreography by Dexter M. Santos, and it also became a hit. 

“Bihira naman talaga ang mga material to begin with, specifically talking about the experience of an LGBTQ and a representative of the community. Parang importante siya na material kasi to represent also the development of the community, the drag culture. Itong production na ito, it can contribute to that narrative na ‘yon, ‘yung sa canon na ‘yon,” said Melvin Lee, a PETA actor who is directing for the first time for Dalaga na….

The reference point of Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros is Maxie the Musicale, especially in terms of the character’s timeline. Dalaga na… follows Maxie as a 1seventeen-year-old transgender girl, who would turn eighteen within the span of the play, which is set in 2018, during the height of the infamous and bloody “war on drugs” of the administration of then President Rodrigo Duterte. Maxie suffers from the trauma of witnessing her father being killed by a police officer, and finds her way into drag. 

Lee revealed that Maxie has been joining beauty contest but is set on leaving the beauty contest world because of a bad experience. A drag queen would bring her to a drag bar and introduce her to the drag community.

“In her journey in the drag community she will find a new kind of family and a support system,” Lee said.

Dalaga na… is also an exploration into and, for some, an introduction to what drag is about. 

“Parang sa akin…lagyan natin ng kaluluwa at persona at pagsilipin natin ng tunay na buhay ng mga drag queens. Hindi lang sila all about lip-sync and bigness and all that. There is a reason for that. It's their way of asserting their role in the community, and Maxie is just a representation, it's a ploy actually, to look into the drag culture,” Lee explained.  

“Ako personally as a director na parang when you look at drag now, you don't just look at the facade of it and the fabulosity of it but also, there's a dimension already,” he added.

“I want the audience to see the human side of drag performers. Let us go beyond the facade, the fabulosity, but there is a person behind it, and there is in every performance that they do is actually their expression and their statement to whatever context that they are in,” the director emphasized.

            Drag, a queer creative expression that was once considered  “underground,” has become popular and seeped into mainstream culture in recent years. It has also found its way to theatrical productions, the latest of which is the ongoing Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City. For Lee, it is also an element to “update” the queer landscape in the Maxie Oliveros story.

            He shared that he met the people behind the public relations and events company, J+Productions, in February 2025 and they were planning to restage Maxie the Musical for their fifteenth anniversary on June 23. 

“Sabi ko, alam mo, luma na ‘yun kasi 2013 ‘yung context doon. Nag-iba na ang context ng LGBTQ. Sabi ko, gawin na lang natin take-off point si Maxie, Ang Pagdadalaga, tapos ngayon, gawin nating dalaga na siya, tapos dahil hitik na hitik din naman ang drag culture nowadays, why not situate her na pumasok siya sa mundo ng drag. Kaya nabuo ‘yung Dalaga na si Maximo Oliveros,” Lee related.

“So, I conceptualized it and proposed it to J+Productions and then I collaborated with the new writers from PETA, Julia Icawat Enriquez and Mikaundre Gozum Santos,” he said.

            The creative team also includes JJ Pimpinio, who handles the musical direction and arrangement, and wrote three original songs for the play; Meann Espinosa as assistant director; J-mee Katanyag as script consultant; Gio Gahol as choreographer; Charles See as set designer; Tata Tuviera as costume designer; Jana Jimenez as video projection designer; David Esguerra as lighting designer; Loren Rivera as technical director; Happy Constantino and Arvy Dimaculangan as sound designers; and Ghie Bernardo as sound engineer.

            The production employs real drag queens—Zymba Ding, Corazon, Mrs. Tan, and Winter Sheason Nicole—acting alongside actors playing drag queens, Jem Manicad, Gerhard Krystoppher, and Gabriel Villaruel. The rest of the cast is composed Ado Villanueva, Air Paz, Gerald Magallanes, Honey Bravo, Jay Cortez, Marit Samson, Misha Fabian, and Robert Macaraeg.

            Taking the role of Maxie is a relative theater newbie—Jamila Rivera, a queer college student from Naga City. 

            Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros is the first original production of J+ Productions, which usually mounts shows and events for their clients. 

“This whole project is a true passion project for our team. It's our way of creating a safe, welcoming space for the LGBTQIA community and shining a spotlight on the incredible impact of the drag community, which has always been bold, brave, and beautifully unapologetic. A community whose impact continues to shape culture and spark conversations that truly matter,” said Precious Cruz-Bautista, J+ Productions chief operating officer and marketing director.

            Aside from being their way of celebrating their anniversary, the musical is made more special as their offering in the celebration of LGBTIQ+ Pride Month. 

“Pride Month is always a special time, but for us, it's more than just a celebration. It's a powerful tribute to courage, love, and authenticity. And it's a hopeful reminder of the future we believe in. A future where everyone, no matter who they are or who they love, is seen, valued, and free to live with dignity and equal rights,” Cruz-Bautista said.

            She added: “Pride began as a protest. Today, it's a celebration and a call to action, and we are so proud to be part of that movement.”

            Not just capitalizing on the occasion, J+ Productions also finds a way of contributing to the LGBTIQ+ cause and giving back to the community.

“We're incredibly proud to be partnering with PANTAY, a powerful youth-led movement championing equality and human rights,” Cruz-Bautista shared. “As our beneficiary, a portion of our proceeds will support their vital work in pushing for gender transformative legislation and creating safe, inclusive spaces for all. Together, we're helping build a future grounded in respect, dignity, and justice for every SOGIESC identity.”

 

Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros: A Drag Musical Extravaganza will run on June 13 at 8 p.m.; June 14 and 15 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; June 17 to 20 at 8 p.m.; and June 21 and 22 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are now available for purchase through https://ticket2me.net/dalaga-na-si-Maxie at P2,500 each. For further information, follow https://web.facebook.com/dalaganasimaxie, https://www.instagram.com/dalaganasimaxie/.

The original film, 'Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros' (2005), has become a beloved classic (Photo from Cinemalaya Foundation)

Corazon, known for her stint in 'Drag race Philippines,' with Jamila Rivera as Maxie Oliveros (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

Drag queen Mrs. Tan in a major drag number in the play (Photo by Roel Hoang) Manipon)

The cast of 'Dalaga na si Maxie' includes real drag queens--ba Ding, Corazon, Mrs. Tan, and Winter Sheason Nicole (Photo from PETA)

Province of Salt Selects its Sweet Queens

Limgas na Pangasinan 2025 winners: (from left) first runner-up Alannis Sophia Melarne F. Hodge of Sual; Limgas na Pangasinan Grand Angelica Joy B. Flores of Santa Barbara; Limgas na Pangasinan World Felicity C. Mamplata of Lingayen; Limgas na Pangasinan Mutya Clare Arwen V. Cacal of Calasiao; and second runner-up Liannah Jermayne L. Mangosong of Asingan.

As the 2025 Pista’y Dayat, the annual provincial festival of Pangasinan, neared its culmination, the province in northwestern Luzon crowned its beauty queens during the Limgas na Pangasinan Pageant and Coronation Night 2025 held on 25 April at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center in the capital town, Lingayen. 

The Electrical Engineering student from Lingayen, Felicity C. Mamplata, was crowned Limgas na Pangasinan World 2025. She will be representing the province at the Miss World Philippines pageant in 2026. 

Mamplata is a veteran at beauty pageants, joining them since the age of five. Her latest title was Limgas na Baley ed Lingayen 2025 before becoming the province’s queen. She is currently on her third year at the University of Luzon, where she is president of the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. chapter in her university. Her advocacy is energy conservation through education.

During the final question-and-answer portion, the top five  were asked the common question, “In an era where digital innovation is rapidly transforming societies, how can we leverage technology to preserve and promote the Pangasinense language and its rich cultural traditions?”

Mamplata’s winning answer was “Social media is a powerful tool when we can deliver message to other people. Through social media, we can promote our tourism heritage sites, resilience community; and through leadership in agriculture, we can excel in our fields. This is where beauty becomes identity.”

During the coronation night, she won two special awards—Miss Friendship and Best in Swimsuit.

On the other hand, Angelica Joy B. Flores, Accountancy student at Universidad de Dagupan and Mutya ng Santa Barbara 2024, bagged the Limgas na Pangasinan Grand 2025 title and the chance to compete at the Miss Grand Philippines pageant. She also won the Best in Advocacy Video special award.

An only child in the family, she was elected as a Sangguniang Kabataan kagawad in her barangay and has volunteered at the Santa Barbara Community Pantry during the pandemic lockdowns in 2021.

            The Limgas na Pangasinan Mutya 2025 title went Clare Arwen Cacal, pharmacy student and Calasiao’s representative, who will compete at the Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant. She won the Miss Photogenic special award. Cacal loves running marathons and advocates for better healthcare access and raising awareness in health.

Meanwhile, Alannis Sophia Melarne F. Hodge of Sual finished as first runner-up, and Liannah Jermayne L. Mangosong of Asingan as second runner-up. 

            Other special award winners were Rosemarie O. Erang from Urdaneta (Darling of the Press); Freda V. Rosario from Labrador (Miss Talent); Grace Jinneah C. Lumague from Pozzorubio (Best Artist’s Video); Leinahtan L. Samiento from San Carlos City (Best in Evening Gown); and Ma. Julianne Vernice F. Nandin from Rosales (Best in Creative Costume).

            Designers were also recognized that evening. Michael Miguel was awarded Best in Evening Gown Design for the gown of Limgas na Bayambang, while Simeon Cayetano won the Best Creative Costume Design for his  costume for Limgas na Santa Barbara. 

            This year’s Limgas na Pangasinan drew 21 contestants, who competed at five segments during the pre-pageant activities— up close and personal interview, creative costume, talent, artist’s video, and Beauty and Brain Segment. During the coronation night, they underwent the swimsuit, advocacy video, question-and-answer and evening gown competitions. With scores reset, the top five competed at the final common question.

            A beauty pageant encompassing the whole province, the Limgas na Pangasinan began in 1973 as Limgas na Dayat (Maiden of Sea). It has been held annually except in 1986, a transition period after the EDSA People’s Power Revolution, and 2020, 2021 and 2022, when lockdowns were imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic. When it returned in 2023, it was revamped under the leadership of Maan Tuazon-Guico, wife of Pangasinan governor Ramon “Mon-Mon” V. Guico III.

            She included a beauty camp, with assistance from Aces and Queens, to provide training and coaching to the candidates, who also receive financial support from the provincial government. The provincial government also collaborated with the Miss World Philippines Organization, leading for two Limgas winners to compete at the Miss World Philippines and Miss Grand Philippines pageants.

“I am incredibly proud not just of the glitz and glamour but because it gives us a chance to celebrate the ganda at galing (beauty and talent) of every Pangasinense. Our Limgas candidates...21 queens, 21 dreams...represent our future. Strong, beautiful and vibrant," Guico said during the pre-pageant night.

"It is my fervent wish that Pangasinan will continue to produce more beauty queens of international stature in the future," she added.

Limgas na Pangasinan 2025 winners and other contestants (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

The Limgas na Pangasinan 2025 candidates in their  evening gowns (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

The final announcement of winners (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

A Grand Feast of Filipino Books

Although it is only three years old, the Philippine Book Festival (PBF) has emerged to be the biggest all-Filipino book fair, drawing more than 40,000 attendees in four days, according to its organizer, the National Book  Development Board (NBDB), a national government agency dedicated to book publishing.

This year, PBF was held from March 13 to 16 at the Megatrade Hall in Mandaluyong City, a smaller venue compared to last year’s World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City, but accessible to more people being inside a popular mall, SM Megamall. It was able to attract the largest crowd in a single day—17,857 people on March 15—in the fair’s short history. 

            But more importantly, PBF was able to invigorate the love for reading among Filipinos, making books and the printed word hip again, with an effort to spotlight different literary genres and printed forms, ninety-four exhibitors, more than 110 book signing sessions, and more than a hundred events, all in one venue made vibrant with eye-catching designs and a festive atmosphere.  

While last year’s festival was intent on addressing concerns about the dismal reading habits of the Filipinos, as  revealed by a survey commissioned by NBDB, this year’s mood was more celebratory, as NBDB anticipates the participation of the Philippines as Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025, which will take place from October 15 to 19 at Messe Frankfurt in Germany.

            Also, the design theme of PBF 2025 was inspired by the modern-day, touristic festivals around the Philippines—Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City, Iloilo; Tuna Festival of General Santos City in southern Mindanao; Panagbenga: The Baguio Flower Festival in northern Luzon; and the Pahiyas Festival of Lucban, Quezon. The whole venue was decorated with colorful banderitas or buntings, evoking the traditional patronal town fiestas, fitting for a celebration of Filipino authors and Philippine-published books.

Additionally, NBDB tapped renowned children’s book illustrators Juno Abreu, Pepot Atienza, Danielle Florendo, and Paul Eric Roca to create images and designs for the four sections of PBF, which they call “realms”—Booktopia (trade books), Kid Lit (children's literature), Aral Aklat (educational books), and Komiks (comics and graphic novels).

The center of the festival was the Pakyawan Plaza, where people could meet and gather, read, and marvel at the centerpiece installation—a large hut, inspired by the traditional bahay kubo, complete with baskets of real farm produce. Constructed of bamboo and nipa fronds, the hut was embellished in the practice of pagpapahiyas during the Feast of San Isidro Labrador of Lucban, a community and church tradition that is incorporated also into the local government-organized Pahiyas Festival, featuring the kiping and Abreu’s artworks. 

            PBF 2025 also focused on education, welcoming more than 650 public school and teachers and Department of Education workers and scopers, who were given opportunities to choose books that would be used in classrooms and libraries. 

“Our third year is all about the opportunity to be more intentional with our programming by getting to the heart of the matter and asking the very basic question: What do our teachers and our students need?" said NBDB executive director Charisse Aquino-Tugade, who founded the festival in 2023.

To make the scoping process more efficient, NBDB placed several “book counselors” to provide guidance.

“With the help of NBDB’s book counselors, the scoping process of our partners from DepEd was more seamless and insightful than ever before,” explained Aquino-Tugade. “They were able to select books that will truly enrich the learning experience of students across the country.”

The festival was able to facilitate ₱3 billion worth of books procured for distribution to public schools and libraries nationwide, 

            Aside from textbook publishers, the festival was able to give space to both established and small, independent publishers. There were also dedicated booths for popular screenwriter Ricky Lee, National Artist for film and broadcast arts, and comics creator Kevin Raymundo, popularly known as Tarantadong Kalbo.

            PBF 2025 was brimming with different activities both at its main stage, in many of the booths and specialized sections including performances, live mural painting, talks and fora, workshops, book launches, etc.  

            Notable was one of the first activities in the centenary celebration of the creation of Lola Basyang, a beloved character created by writer and playwright Severino Reyes.  Lola Basyang is a grandmother who tells stories, who made her debut in Reyes’ “Ang Plautin ni Periking” in the Filipino-language magazine Liwayway in 1925. 

The activities included a panel discussion, “The Timeless Legacy of Lola Basyang,” led by children’s book author, and Lola Basyang scholar Christine Bellen-Ang, along with a descendant of Reyes, Ani R. Reyes; a poetry performance by another descendant, Leandro Reyes; and a screening of Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang, an animated film produced by the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Other Filipino fictional characters came alive in the cosplay contest, Filipiniana Cosplay Fiesta, in the last day of PBF. The duo depicting the komiks superhero Darna and villain Valentina, created by Mars Ravelo, won the top prize. 

            Among the book launches, one of the largest was the Vibal Group’s, which unveiled thirteen  new titles, as well as five new imprints. 

            On the other hand, the National Library of the Philippines (NLP) mounted a pocket exhibit, showcasing its collection of rare books— facsimile copies of José Rizal’s novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, and Doctrina Christiana en lengua española y tagala (Christian Doctrine in Spanish and Tagalog Languages), considered as the first book published  in the Philippines, printed in Manila in 1593. Additionally, NLP also displayed old souvenir programs of town fiestas and a collection of photos of fiestas, in keeping with the festival theme, as well as old komiks such as Kenkoy, Darna and Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang.

            The exhibit underscored the immortal power of books in an affair that is helping bolster the future of books, bridging the past and the future and making PBF a more meaningful experience. 

Bright and colorful LED walls welcomed vistors to the wornderful world of books (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

PBF's centerpiece is a large hut embellished according to the practice of pagpapahiyas  (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

A chandelier-like decoration made with kiping (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

The hut featured the work of artist Juno Abreu (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

The festive atmosphere (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

A mini exhibit by the National Library of the Philippines (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

Cultural agencies such as the National Museum of the Philippines also participated (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

A dedicated booth for National Artist Ricke Lee (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

Authors and illustrators of a children's book on the life of celebrated Tboli textile weaver Lang Dulay (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

Twenty-One Belles Present Pangasinan’s Pulchritude

  

The 21 Limgas na Pangasinan 2025 candidates representing different towns and cities with the three reigning queens (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

 

            The provincial government of Pangasinan formally unveiled the 21 candidates for its province-wide 2025 beauty contest, Limgas na Pangasinan (meaning “beauty of Pangasinan” in the Pangasinan language) during the Press Presentation on 16 March at the Sison Auditorium, the Capitol Complex in the capital town of Lingayen. Each candidate represents their own town or city in the province in northwestern Luzon. 

            Formerly called Limgas na Dayat, the beauty pageant is one of the highlights of the Pista'y Dayat, the local government-organized, touristic festival, inspired by and promoting the sea (dayat) and its products and held every April.  

            The Press Presentation signaled the start of this year’s tilt. Contestants sashayed and performed onstage, introduced themselves and answered questions from members of the press, who voted for the Darling of the Press and Most Photogenic awards, the winners of which will be revealed during the grand coronation night on 25 April. The contestants will also undergo a preliminary competition on 13 April.

“Each candidate has shown us that beauty is not merely skin deep. It is a reflection, and reflected in their poise, their commitment in their communities, their aspirations for a brighter future. They remind us that true beauty of Pangasinan lies within its people,” said Maan Tuazon Guico, wife of Pangasinan governor Ramon V. Guico III and the pageant’s executive chairperson. “I believe we have spoken about this several times…that the greatest assets of the Pangasinan are its people. We believe that our strength, resilience, and unwavering spirits are shown in each and every one of us. As someone who has always been passionate about empowering women, Limgas holds a special place in my heart. We have continued to provide Pangasinense women with the opportunities to empower themselves in the government units and in our province.”

            The roster of candidates include Bayambang’s Reign Joy C. Lim, who dreams to become a medical technologist and to promote reading and literary among the youth; Nursing student Kayzee Chasta P. Brillo from Umingan; Leinahtan L. Sarmiento, whose interests are making videos, photography and makeup, San Carlos City; Kyla S. De Leon, who dreams to become a flight attendant, from Basista; a student who has established her own clothing line, Xyza Nicole S. Aguilar, from Mangaldan; Louise Anne A. Vergara, a Tourism Management student from San Manuel; Cheska T. Donato, an Architecture student from Bugallon; Grace Jineah C. Lumague, who has joined Miss Universe Philippines in 2024, from Pozorrubio; Clarisse C. Borbe, a worship leader and children’s minister, Alcala; and Liannah Jermayne L. Mangosong, who is into painting and digital art, from Asingan.

            Also competing are Felicity C. Mamplata, who advocates for the environment, from Lingayen; a graphic design and marketing freelancer, Krysha R. Villanues, from Binalonan;  Marianne Jinnah F. Nandin, who describes herself as an “adrenaline junkie,” from Balungao; Chelsea Mae M. Oranza, who loves to eat and watch television, from Malasiqui; Alannis Sophia Melarne F. Hodge, whose advocacies are women empowerment and sports education, from Sual; student leader and farmers’ rights advocate Maria Julianne Vernice F. Nandin from Rosales; Venus B. Sawaysaway, a teacher from Dasol; Freda V. Rosario, a tutor and youth leader from Labrador; Angelica Joy B. Flores, a Sangguniang Kabataan kagawad from Santa Barbara; Claire Arwen V. Cacal, a Pharmacy student who advocates for health awareness from Calasiao; and Rosemarie O. Ernang, who graduated with a degree in Secondary Education magna cum laude, from Urdaneta City.

            Addressing the candidates, Tuazon Guico said, “To our lovely candidates, to our Limgas na Pangasinan 2025 candidates, you have all made us proud. To us, you are already winners, and I am sure to each and every town you represent, you are their pride and you have represented them well. Your journey does not end here. It is only the beginning, and I hope and pray that everything you learn from us, from your time with us, from the trainings to our consultations, and even to the pageant, the moral lessons that you learned, the character building, I hope that you bring it with you not only in your future endeavors in the pageant industry, but throughout your life. You are the future of Pangasinan, and we are confident that you will carry forward the legacy of our province with honor and dignity.”

“I hope that everyone in Pangasinan appreciates what we have done so far, and that we truly represent Pangasinan, its culture, its arts, and its heritage. This cause of empowering women is very close to our hearts, and we will always support initiatives that uplift and celebrate the beauty and strength of Pangasinan women,” she added.

The top three winners will represent the province in national beauty contests—Miss World Philippines, Mutya ng Pilipinas and Miss Grand Philippines.

 

The candidates in their opening number during the Press Presentation (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

 

The three reigning queens who will pass on their crowns—Limgas na Pangasinan Grand 2024 Jenesse Viktoria P. Mejia from Malasiqui; Limgas na Pangasinan World 2024 Lyha Yzhienne Laylo from Pozorrubio; and Limgas na Pangasinan Mutya 2024 Pearline Joy Bayog from Lingayen.  (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

Ballet Manila Continues to Shine With Pearlescent Luster

 

Ballet Manila principal dancer Abigail Lynn Oliveiro as Paquita with principal dancer Junmark Sumalyo as Lucien d’Hervilly and Ballet Manila's corps de ballet (Photo by Ballet Manila)

This year marks a cultural milestone in the Philippines—the thirtieth anniversary of the establishment of Ballet Manila (BM), founded by its current chief executive officer and artistic director, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde.

            The prima ballerina, who is the first foreign soloist to ever join the famous Kirov Ballet of Russia, has been a leading figure in popularizing ballet in the country. With BM, she continues to nurture dancers and stage ballets with a program of international, Filipino and original ones. It is admirable how she is committed to her passion, leading BM to reach 30 years, a major feat. 

            For its Pearl anniversary, BM has prepared a special program for the year, starting with The Pearl Gala: The 30th Anniversary Show, held from 7 to 9 March at their home theater, Aliw Theater, in Pasay City.

            Unveiled during the gala was an exhibit, “Dance. Breathe. Repeat: Thirty Years of Ballet Manila,” curated and mounted by Art Project , Inc., of journalists and curators Susan de Guzman and Giselle Kasilag. The exhibit is very informative as it tells the story of BM in pictures and words.

            Aside from Macuja, BM was founded in 1995 by 11 other dancers—Osias Barroso Jr., Pamela Asprer, Kristin Dabao, Elline Damian, lanne Damian, Aileen Gallinera, Sandra Lynn Huang, Eileen Lopez, Eduardo Espejo, Jeffrey Espejo and Christopher Mohnani—with Eric V. Cruz serving as it first artistic director. Thus, their slogan is “by the dancers, of the dancers and for the dancers.” 

“The idea for Ballet Manila bloomed in the living room of Lisa's supportive parents, Cesar and Susan Macuja, who would become president and treasurer, respectively, of Ballet Manila Foundation,” the exhibit tells. “The other parents turned into the informal BM secretariat, willingly taking on tasks to help the group—from serving as ushers and ticket sellers during shows to ferrying costumes and props in their cars.”

“Everyone assumed multiple roles to get the dream going. Aside from being principal ballerina, Lisa was also artistic associate and chief of staff. Osias (Shaz) was principal danseur and ballet master while lanne Damian was rehearsal mistress. Coaxed out of retirement, the venerable Tito Eric served as artistic director, lighting designer and costume designer all rolled into one,” it further narrates.

BM’s first patron is business tycoon Fred J. Elizalde, who provided the company with headquarters and a studio, and whom Macuja married in 1997.  

            The exhibit details their performances around the country and abroad; tells about their mission of discovering and training new talents; and the many accolades they received. It also tells that BM dancers adhere to the Vaganova technique, “a training method that Lisa Macuja learned as a student at the Leningrad Choreographic Institute (Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet).”

            A highlight is BM’s contributions to Filipino ballet with original productions such as adaptations of Filipino literary works including Severino Reyes' tales in Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang and Tatlo Pang Kuwento ni Lola Basyang, the korido Ibong Adarna, and Francisco Balagtas' metrical romance Florante at Laura.

            The Pearl Gala, which is comprised of three pieces, afforded audiences a glimpse of the best of BM, “a collection of the best and most exquisite performance pieces from Ballet Manila,” according to Macuja-Elizalde. 

            The selections included “Paquita Divertissement”; “Bloom,” choreographed by Anabelle Lopez Ochoa; and “Pearls,” an original ballet by Macuja-Elizalde and Martin Lawrance.   

“Choosing the repertoire for this gala was difficult to do simply because our wealth of ballets to select from was formidable in itself. How does one program a pearl gala? With something classical and contemporary from the past and a world premiere for the future,” Macuja-Elizalde commented. 

With two acts and three scenes, the ballet Paquita was created by French composer Édouard Deldevez and ballet master Joseph Mazilier, and was first staged by the Paris Opera Ballet in 1846. BM performed it as finale during its debut year. The re-stager then was Tatiana Udalenkova, Macuja-Elizalde’s ballet teacher in Russia.

“The ‘Paquita Divertissement’ is a compelling example of classical ballet in its purest form. It is also the ballet that was the finale of our very first Ballet Manila Dances concert at the PCI Bank Auditorium when the company first announced its beginning in February 1995,” Macuja-Elizalde said

“Classical ballet remains the backbone of the company as we continue to train in the Russian Vaganova method and perform the full-length classics during every season,” she explained. “Paquita will present our extremely strong female corps de ballet, soloists and principal dancers in variations and group work that will astound in technical ability and artistic quality.”

            The contemporary neoclassical piece “Bloom,” inspired by a Hindu ritual that celebrates welcoming and gratitude, was most delightful and mesmerizing, performed by an almost all-male ensemble. 

“‘Bloom’ is a very contemporary piece that clearly features our male dancers, choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and then subsequently exported all over the world,” Macuja-Elizalde said. “‘Bloom’ was inspired by Annabelle's trip to Indonesia where she witnessed a flower ritual. What I love about ‘Bloom’ is that it is dynamic, energetic and even a bit sensual with tons of heart-pounding, exciting, testosterone-filled moments. A perfect folly to the very classical female-dominated Paquita.”

Closing the show was the world premiere of “Pearls,” especially created for the anniversary, featuring “all the styles that the company performs in,” with music is by Giuseppe Verdi. 

Macuja-Elizalde said that “Pearls” was created in stages.

“The first part of the ‘White Pearls’ was actually choreographed for our Malaysian dancers involved in Ballet Manila's greatest hits performed in Kuala Lumpur late last year. The ‘Pink Pearls’ is a pas de six or a dance for six while the ‘Gold Pearls’ with 10 couples was created to celebrate the partnership with Jewelmer for the pearl year and feature the national gem of the Philippines,” she related.

“‘Pearls’ is a company piece as it celebrates each and every member of the company. Like this beautiful classic gem, every dancer in the company is formed by years of training with every class, rehearsal and performance becoming a learning experience that represents the many layers of a performing artist. Just as the pearl is made by its many layers over time inside its shell,” she explained.

For BM’s Pearl Year, Swan Lake, Don Quixote Florante at Laura and Snow White are expected to be staged. 

For the years ahead, Macuja-Elizalde promises to keep on dancing, to keep giving their best, and to keep “bringing ballet to the people and people to the ballet.” 

 Ballet Manila CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon))

 An exhibit on Ballet Manila's history (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon))

'The Black Pearl' duo of Ballet Manila principal dancers Abigail Lynn Oliveiro and Junmark Sumaylo (Photo by Ballet Manila)

'White Pearls' is composed of the strong female corps of Ballet Manila (Photo by Ballet Manila)

Pas de deux performance in 'Bloom' featuring Ballet Manila soloist Stephanie Santiago and principal dancer Joshua Enciso (Photo by Ballet Manila)