Let's dance

Inspired by the rising moon as I get into my driveway, I ponder on the good times I had growing up in Bacolod. Dancing on stage was one of them. I got to meet a lot of people during the rehearsals of these dance recitals of various schools.

From my first appearance onstage in Silay's first movie theatre with Chloe Romulo's school, to Pancho Uytiepo and Elsie Torrejon's Broadway-style numbers and Al Quinn's social dancing classes ending in Lydia Gaston's epic dances, the community interaction had so much fun involved. It also enriched my career that when I was working for the Club Med resorts worldwide, I ended up dancing my way to the Casino de Vittel (where the famous French Vittel bottled water comes from) to the desert of Marrakech and the carnival of Brazil, ending up as the Entertainment Director in Malaysia.

Those memorable moments rushed back into the movie of my mind as Lydia Gaston presented her latest ballet recital of La Bayadere. Among the students of her school who have carved a name in dance and musical theatre are Cecile Sicangco-former Artistic Director of Ballet Philippines, Lydlyd Gaston - former principal dancer of Baltimore Ballet and Dennis Wayne's "Dancer" Ballet Co., Katrina Silverio of Swiss Dance Theatre, Kaye Tabisaura of National Ballet of Canada faculty, Anna Gabriela Locsin of Ballet Philippines, Nicole Marie Gaston-principal dancer of Connecticut Ballet and Ballet New York (now in town for a much-needed break). A plus to this school of dance is the growing population of male dancers in the corps de ballet. Former student Rene Hinojales is now director of Jean Baptiste Dance Co.

I also cut the ribbon to inaugurate the new dance school of Mayen Lizares that showcases flamenco and jazz lessons, belly-dancing with Irene Caram and de-stress sessions of yoga. Flamenco has always been the choice of dance for Philippine High Society and Mayen's father is the iconic Maestro Gomez. Looking at Irene Caram shaking her firm tummy, I am more than convinced that I would make a fortune bringing her to my Saudi Prince friend's party bashes in his palace. I still have to go back doing yoga to rid myself of daily stress, but, I must finish my South Beach Diet first!

SHOWTIME

More memorable memories with the world famous Cascades this June 23 at 8 p.m. at USLS Coliseum.

MY PRAYER

I turn to You when I need strength. All for Your glory, Lord.*