About Me

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Manila
Born in the Philippines and raised in several countries, Maritina--Maria Cristina M.Romulo--finds that it 'fits' to live a life in the arts that echo the words of Mark Twain: " Dance like nobody's watching, Love like you've never been hurt, Sing like nobody's listening, Live like it's heaven on earth." She was last seen at the Philippine Consulate and United Nations' stage in New York City in a charming and highly entertaining song and dance number; and prior to that she played the lead role in a film portraying a hardened political prisoner who earns her freedom at the expense of her soul. The journey from light to heavy, and through all the 'gray' colors in between that spectrum,is a driving passion for her. As she strives to embody every character, she stays true and helpless to the music of her own unique humanity.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

"The Men and Women of Ballet Philippines."




I just saw my first run-through rehearsal of BP's MEN & WOMEN. No words can describe how much these dancers moved me. The last time I saw Alden Lugnasin's piece for this show the hair stood on my arms. This time I was left speechless, emotional, on the brink of tears after the show.
The dancers poured their hearts and souls into this rehearsal. Choreography by Augustus Damian III, Enrico Labayen , and Alden Lugnasin, was beautiful, riveting, exciting, and sexy. What struck me the most were the dancers’ commitment to their craft. Movements were flawless and all steps executed with the utmost precision and raw emotion.
This is not your typical ballet. Both the music and choreography, contemporary. Naked emotions and bodies (to a certain degree). Women dancing in stilettos and determined to persevere. Men strong willed and physically fit . Men & Women is about the battle of the sexes. You tell me who is actually stronger?
At this point, I am not just here to tell you to catch a great show. You will learn, you will be proud to be a Filipino, because what I saw tonight was a group of bright and selfless Filipinos who worked so hard to keep their act together to create even a better production. We did not loose any dancers to Hong Kong Disney. They are here... Bolder, sexier, edgier and strong as always! When you forget yourself and work toward a common goal, things will be accomplished.
It would be redundant of me to go on and on about the excellence of Ballet Philippines. I just wish all of you really knew this. Nor can I find the words to describe the experience of watching Men & Women. Foreigners from the USA and Europe watched the rehearsal stunned w mouths agape. One American said, "I never expected to see something like this in the Philippines!"
We open on Aug 5 to 7 at CCP main theater. Please call 551 1003 for tickets or more info. I really hope to see you all there.

Ballet Philippines - the leading Asian dance company brimming with national pride and universal appeal. Dance is our tool and language for social transformation.
Maritina Romulo- Trustee Ballet Philippines
August 2005- March 2009


Photo of Carissa Adea & Angel Gabriel by Amanda Luym
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