Arts and Crafts


Calling all Filipina Artists! Sining FIlipina Art Competition is On! Sining Filipina, is the Philippines’ first nationwide, all-women art competition, and is back again for the hunt of the next grand winner! “Her Earth, Her Future,” is the theme for this years competition. Inviting all Pinay artists to showcase their own interpretations of women leading the way in sustainability. 


Sining Filipina 2025 Art Competition is Now Open for Entries 


Presented by SM Supermalls and Chinabank, with the support of Airspeed for the benefit of the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs, Sining Filipina empowers women artists by providing them with a platform to express their creativity and spotlight their art as catalysts for social change.



In its second year, Sining Filipina is pushing for women artists to interpret what it means to be a woman at the forefront of sustainability through its theme “Her Earth, Her Future.”

ZCME President Joanne Zapanta-Andrada
SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Marketing Grace Magno

(L-R): Rico Hizon, Zonta Club of Makati and Environs Committee Chairperson of Sining Filipina (SF) Stella Cabalatungan, Airspeed President Rosemarie Rafael, and SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Marketing Grace Magno


https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfPn9FWFkmf7q3qRJama4yahap24_pnAbssMOpbfRbqbvypCO10a7lqEaxxWHdEsb5I-kvNOXk64KOnRJk9Tq2HKXid4zF9TGZYzeTXcNt9TGPctjrjQ8sU4VDV-s3fVhoR_Ed86ivlGXMFJG1T4A?key=-hpYNHt6Mi9cl0VA2m_EFu8I

(L-R, back): Emcee Rico Hizon, Airspeed President Rosemarie Rafael, Zonta Club of Makati and Environs (ZCME) Past President Armita Rufino, ZCME Committee Chairperson of Sining Filipina (SF) Stella Cabalatungan, Art Association of the Philippines President Fidel Sarmiento, ZCME’s Melissa Romualdez, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Marketing Grace Magno, Past President Carol Llanillo, and SF Judging Committee Chair Ada Mabilangan. (L-R, front): ZCME Past International President Olivia Ferry, , and ZCME Past President Maritess Pineda.





Starting January 3, interested artists may email siningfilipina.secretariat@gmail.com or follow the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs on social media to receive the official entry form and further details regarding the competition. The deadline for all entries is February 13, 2025


Artists may opt to submit their original paintings in oil, acrylic, or mixed media, and in sizes 2ft by 3ft or 3ft by 3ft.



Prospective artists have until February 13, 2025, to submit their entries to Sining Filipina: Her Earth, Her Future.


Sining Filipina highlights SM Supermalls’ commitment to advocating for women’s empowerment and championing local artistry. To know more about SM Supermalls’ activities, follow @SMSupermalls on all social media. 




Sining Filipina 2025 Art Competition is On


Calling all Filipina Artists! Sining FIlipina Art Competition is On! Sining Filipina, is the Philippines’ first nationwide, all-women art competition, and is back again for the hunt of the next grand winner! “Her Earth, Her Future,” is the theme for this years competition. Inviting all Pinay artists to showcase their own interpretations of women leading the way in sustainability. 


Sining Filipina 2025 Art Competition is Now Open for Entries 


Presented by SM Supermalls and Chinabank, with the support of Airspeed for the benefit of the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs, Sining Filipina empowers women artists by providing them with a platform to express their creativity and spotlight their art as catalysts for social change.



In its second year, Sining Filipina is pushing for women artists to interpret what it means to be a woman at the forefront of sustainability through its theme “Her Earth, Her Future.”

ZCME President Joanne Zapanta-Andrada
SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Marketing Grace Magno

(L-R): Rico Hizon, Zonta Club of Makati and Environs Committee Chairperson of Sining Filipina (SF) Stella Cabalatungan, Airspeed President Rosemarie Rafael, and SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Marketing Grace Magno


https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfPn9FWFkmf7q3qRJama4yahap24_pnAbssMOpbfRbqbvypCO10a7lqEaxxWHdEsb5I-kvNOXk64KOnRJk9Tq2HKXid4zF9TGZYzeTXcNt9TGPctjrjQ8sU4VDV-s3fVhoR_Ed86ivlGXMFJG1T4A?key=-hpYNHt6Mi9cl0VA2m_EFu8I

(L-R, back): Emcee Rico Hizon, Airspeed President Rosemarie Rafael, Zonta Club of Makati and Environs (ZCME) Past President Armita Rufino, ZCME Committee Chairperson of Sining Filipina (SF) Stella Cabalatungan, Art Association of the Philippines President Fidel Sarmiento, ZCME’s Melissa Romualdez, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Marketing Grace Magno, Past President Carol Llanillo, and SF Judging Committee Chair Ada Mabilangan. (L-R, front): ZCME Past International President Olivia Ferry, , and ZCME Past President Maritess Pineda.





Starting January 3, interested artists may email siningfilipina.secretariat@gmail.com or follow the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs on social media to receive the official entry form and further details regarding the competition. The deadline for all entries is February 13, 2025


Artists may opt to submit their original paintings in oil, acrylic, or mixed media, and in sizes 2ft by 3ft or 3ft by 3ft.



Prospective artists have until February 13, 2025, to submit their entries to Sining Filipina: Her Earth, Her Future.


Sining Filipina highlights SM Supermalls’ commitment to advocating for women’s empowerment and championing local artistry. To know more about SM Supermalls’ activities, follow @SMSupermalls on all social media. 





Romance, adventure and comedy in Ballet Manila’s Le Corsaire 

Audiences can look forward to a swashbuckling adventure that highlights the excellent skills of its male and female dancers in this colorful, dynamic and entertaining opening salvo for the company’s 26th performance season.

Principal dancers Abigail Oliveiro as Medora, Mark Sumaylo as Conrad, Joshua Enciso as Ali, in Ballet Manila’s Le Corsaire
 

Principal dancers Abigail Oliveiro as Medora, Mark Sumaylo as Conrad, Joshua Enciso as Ali, in Ballet Manila’s Le Corsaire

An exciting tale that takes audiences on a journey to the Mediterranean coast, a colorful bazaar, a mysterious pirate’s cave,  and a magnificent pasha’s palace -- narrated through excellent ballet dancing.  These and more await theater goers who will come and watch Ballet Manila’s production of Le Corsaire (The Pirate) at the Aliw Theater on February 24, 2024 at 8pm and February 25, 2024 at 5pm.

Le Corsaire centers on the story of Conrad who captains a pirate ship with his faithful crew, sailing across the high seas on a mission to rescue his love, Medora, from the hands of Lankendem, a slave trader who is selling girls in a busy market place.

While the story is a ballet classic, Ballet Manilaartistic director and chief executive officer Lisa MacujaElizalde,who has portrayed the role of Medora countless times, confessed she has always wanted to re-work Le Corsaire. This is because from her own experience in dancing the role of Medora, she always found her character to be a damsel in distress. She shared, “I always thought her character to be a bit weak, waiting for Conrad to save her; even getting captured twice!”


In Ballet Manila’s re-telling the story, MacujaElizalde puts forward an empowered Medora, putting the spotlighton the character’s inner courage to endure challenges, all in the name of love.

More importantly, for MacujaElizalde, the main draw and importance of re-telling the story was giving all the main characters their moments to shine.

Principal dancers Mark Sumaylo as Conrad, Joshua Enciso as Ali, and Romeo Peralta as Birbanto, in Ballet Manila’s Le Corsaire

“There are many principal characters that will get to show off their technical and virtuosic feats as the ballet unfolds. The ballet doesn't just depend on Medora and Conrad or on one principal couple, unlike Don Quixote or Swan Lake for example. Le Corsaire features Medora, Conrad, Gulnara, Lankadem, Ali and Birbanto - five principal roles.”

Although the story centers on these five important roles, she also puts the focus on the supporting characters who make the story just as impactful and memorable. For one, a wealthy pasha (high-ranking officer), whom Lankendem sold Medora to, adds comedic moments to the story.

The master choreographer in Macuja-Elizalde has also given beautiful soloist roles for three ballerinas in The Odalisques as well as build up strong male dancers as the pirates, and a beautiful corps de ballet in The Living Garden Naila Waltz.

The fresh take on Le Corsaire also includes changing the order of the main dances to build up the story further. “I felt that there should be a building up of the main dances – The Odalisques coming in the third act for me was a bit anti-climactic.”

Her version will have heroes flying through the air in their first entrance instead of the original version where they are seen lying on the ground post shipwreck.

A romantic moment between Conrad (Mark Sumaylo) and Medora (Abigail Oliveiro, in Ballet Manila’s Le Corsaire

“This is why I am very excited to be able to do exactly this – create my own version of Le Corsaire,” she added. “It’s a ballet that has everything. A journey to the Mediterranean coast, a bazaar, a pirate’s cave, a pasha’s palace. It has something for everyone!”

One of the strengths of Ballet Manila has always been its male and female corps – and she feels that they have once again highlighted this in Le Corsaire.

“Although it’s a very physically demanding ballet, it is also very exciting, dynamic and entertaining. It’s a ballet for the whole family to enjoy!” she promised. 

For tickets, visit Ticketworld (https://bit.ly/BuyTicketsBMLeCorsaire2024)  or call 8891 9999. To know more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph


To get the latest update, follow me on my social media accounts.

Romance, adventure and comedy in Ballet Manila’s Le Corsaire


Romance, adventure and comedy in Ballet Manila’s Le Corsaire 

Audiences can look forward to a swashbuckling adventure that highlights the excellent skills of its male and female dancers in this colorful, dynamic and entertaining opening salvo for the company’s 26th performance season.

Principal dancers Abigail Oliveiro as Medora, Mark Sumaylo as Conrad, Joshua Enciso as Ali, in Ballet Manila’s Le Corsaire
 

Principal dancers Abigail Oliveiro as Medora, Mark Sumaylo as Conrad, Joshua Enciso as Ali, in Ballet Manila’s Le Corsaire

An exciting tale that takes audiences on a journey to the Mediterranean coast, a colorful bazaar, a mysterious pirate’s cave,  and a magnificent pasha’s palace -- narrated through excellent ballet dancing.  These and more await theater goers who will come and watch Ballet Manila’s production of Le Corsaire (The Pirate) at the Aliw Theater on February 24, 2024 at 8pm and February 25, 2024 at 5pm.

Le Corsaire centers on the story of Conrad who captains a pirate ship with his faithful crew, sailing across the high seas on a mission to rescue his love, Medora, from the hands of Lankendem, a slave trader who is selling girls in a busy market place.

While the story is a ballet classic, Ballet Manilaartistic director and chief executive officer Lisa MacujaElizalde,who has portrayed the role of Medora countless times, confessed she has always wanted to re-work Le Corsaire. This is because from her own experience in dancing the role of Medora, she always found her character to be a damsel in distress. She shared, “I always thought her character to be a bit weak, waiting for Conrad to save her; even getting captured twice!”


In Ballet Manila’s re-telling the story, MacujaElizalde puts forward an empowered Medora, putting the spotlighton the character’s inner courage to endure challenges, all in the name of love.

More importantly, for MacujaElizalde, the main draw and importance of re-telling the story was giving all the main characters their moments to shine.

Principal dancers Mark Sumaylo as Conrad, Joshua Enciso as Ali, and Romeo Peralta as Birbanto, in Ballet Manila’s Le Corsaire

“There are many principal characters that will get to show off their technical and virtuosic feats as the ballet unfolds. The ballet doesn't just depend on Medora and Conrad or on one principal couple, unlike Don Quixote or Swan Lake for example. Le Corsaire features Medora, Conrad, Gulnara, Lankadem, Ali and Birbanto - five principal roles.”

Although the story centers on these five important roles, she also puts the focus on the supporting characters who make the story just as impactful and memorable. For one, a wealthy pasha (high-ranking officer), whom Lankendem sold Medora to, adds comedic moments to the story.

The master choreographer in Macuja-Elizalde has also given beautiful soloist roles for three ballerinas in The Odalisques as well as build up strong male dancers as the pirates, and a beautiful corps de ballet in The Living Garden Naila Waltz.

The fresh take on Le Corsaire also includes changing the order of the main dances to build up the story further. “I felt that there should be a building up of the main dances – The Odalisques coming in the third act for me was a bit anti-climactic.”

Her version will have heroes flying through the air in their first entrance instead of the original version where they are seen lying on the ground post shipwreck.

A romantic moment between Conrad (Mark Sumaylo) and Medora (Abigail Oliveiro, in Ballet Manila’s Le Corsaire

“This is why I am very excited to be able to do exactly this – create my own version of Le Corsaire,” she added. “It’s a ballet that has everything. A journey to the Mediterranean coast, a bazaar, a pirate’s cave, a pasha’s palace. It has something for everyone!”

One of the strengths of Ballet Manila has always been its male and female corps – and she feels that they have once again highlighted this in Le Corsaire.

“Although it’s a very physically demanding ballet, it is also very exciting, dynamic and entertaining. It’s a ballet for the whole family to enjoy!” she promised. 

For tickets, visit Ticketworld (https://bit.ly/BuyTicketsBMLeCorsaire2024)  or call 8891 9999. To know more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph


To get the latest update, follow me on my social media accounts.




Well-loved masterpieces and magical Filipino stories come to life in Ballet Manila’s 26th Performance Season


“A showcase of technical and virtuosic feats’ is how world-renowned prima ballerina and Ballet Manila artistic director and chief executive officer Lisa Macuja Elizalde describes the opening salvo of  the company’s 26th performance season, billed as “Ballet Masterpieces,” owing to the excellent lineup of shows that feature two classical ballet productions, along with the enchanting and timeless appeal of Filipino literary classics.





The season is set to open with the propitious staging of Le Corsaire (The Pirate) as rechoreographed by Macuja Elizalde herself. It will be staged on February 24, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. and February 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. at Ballet Manila’s home, the Aliw Theater in Pasay City.

Snaps from Le Corsaire



For Macuja Elizalde, creating her version Le Corsaire has always been a dream: “I have always wanted to re-work Le Corsaire. When I was dancing the role of Medora, I found her character to be a damsel in distress waiting for Conrad to save her; getting captured twice. I wanted to change the order of the main dances in Le Corsaire as well, because I always felt that there should be a build-up to the main dances.”

She also notes that part of the charm of Le Corsaire is that all main characters are given the chance to shine: “For me, the main draw and importance of staging a Le Corsaire is the fact that there are many principal characters that all have their respective times to shine and show off technical and virtuosic feats as the ballet unfolds.”

From the swashbuckling tale of romantic adventure, Ballet Manila brings well-loved Filipino tales to life  with Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang on May 11, 2024 at 8:00 p.m., and May 12 & 18, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. For this special production,  Ballet Manila has partnered with Anvil Publishing with an aim to keep the legacy of renowned Filipino writer Severino Reyes,  alive.   The ballet versions are based on multi-awarded children’s book writer Christine Bellen Ang’s retelling of Severino Reyes’ stories.

The idea to create a ballet from the Anvil Publishing books of Mga Kuwento Ni Lola Basyang came about during my children's book fair,” she recalls.  “I saw the entire collection of children's books displayed in their school library, and I bought all 12. Then I called a meeting with my artistic team. I put all 12 books on the table and told them to choose one to make into a ballet.”

Finding all stories to be worth sharing to a wider audience, the artistic team had a difficult time selecting only three stories but eventually ended up with those whose themes centered on romance, adventure and comedy. Thus, Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang was born.



Anvil Publishing president Xandra Ramos Padilla considers Ballet Manila’s staging of the Lola Basyang series as an excellent opportunity to instill pride among local theatergoers. “We hope it reaches and inspires more people to appreciate and support different forms of local art and culture. An original Filipino story performed through dance is something that the Philippines can be proud of,” she says, adding that Lola Basyang's stories are “well and widely-loved by generations because they teach values and help instill a child's love for reading.

“The whimsical illustrations in the picture books transport you to magical worlds—a visual spectacle successfully translated onstage by Ballet Manila,” added Padilla.


Adding even more buzz to the show is celebrated performing artist Mitch Valdes who will be taking on the role of Lola Basyang. Having been active in the local theater and entertainment scene for over 50 years, the seasoned comic-singer-actress has played highly-acclaimed roles in such well-publicized productions as Lunes, Martes, Miyerkules, Huwebes, Biyernes, Sabado, Linggo where she won a Gawad Urian Award for Best Supporting Actress, and in the musicale Katy! for which she is remembered for her  outstanding performance as Katy dela Cruz.  She has also starred in highly-acclaimed movies such as Oro, Plata, Mata; Manila by Night; and Bulaklak sa City Jail.


This time, audiences will see her perform her version of Lola Basyang with her signature wit and humor. Asked how she will make her character different, Mitch gleefully replies: “I will ask Lisa (Macuja) if Lola Basyang can get up from her rocking chair for some choreography. Maybe up on pointe for five seconds!”


On a more serious note, the multi-awarded comedienne and actress extolls the concept of having local classics featured along world-renowned masterpieces. “We’re familiar with all the international classics but this one is a rare chance to see one of our beloved folklores come to life in classical ballet. It will be beautiful because the story is one of our own.”

Completing the 26th Performance Season is Giselle, an ethereal, romantic ballet that tackles love, tragedy and loss, and will be performed on August 31, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. until September 1, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.



“I think calling our 2024 performance season “Ballet Masterpieces” is spot on because of the ballets that are featured. Le Corsaire and Giselle are both full-length classical ballet masterpieces, while Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang will feature three stories in one show. I love how our season will have two major classics!” she shared.

For the rest of the year, Ballet Manila is set to continue to showcase its unwavering artistry and excellence with the world premiere of Gerardo Francisco’s and Martin Lawrance’s  cutting-edge version of Florante at Laura  on October 12, 2024 at 8:00 p.m., October 13 & 19, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

Through its continuing partnership with Aréte Ateneo, audiences will get to enjoy Gerardo Francisco’s iteration of the Filipino classical tale Ang Ibong Adarna, at the Areté Theater in November 2024.

Finally, the ballet company continues to celebrate its tradition of bringing the spirit of Christmas spirit alive through its Holiday Cheer Series. This year, the young and young at heart will get to enjoy Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s take on Snow White and will be staged on December 25 to 30, 2024.

“We hope that by the end of our 26th Performance Season, the Filipino audience will re-discover and have a newfound appreciation for classical ballet as well as our vibrant Filipino culture through the shows that we have worked very hard to prepare,” said Lisa Macuja-Elizalde.


All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. Direct link to buy tickets here : https://bit.ly/BuyTicketsBMLeCorsaire2024


To know more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph



Thanks for reading my blog and feel free to leave comments.
To get the latest update, follow me on my social media accounts.

Ballet Manila in 2024 | Ballet Manila 26th Performance Season




Well-loved masterpieces and magical Filipino stories come to life in Ballet Manila’s 26th Performance Season


“A showcase of technical and virtuosic feats’ is how world-renowned prima ballerina and Ballet Manila artistic director and chief executive officer Lisa Macuja Elizalde describes the opening salvo of  the company’s 26th performance season, billed as “Ballet Masterpieces,” owing to the excellent lineup of shows that feature two classical ballet productions, along with the enchanting and timeless appeal of Filipino literary classics.





The season is set to open with the propitious staging of Le Corsaire (The Pirate) as rechoreographed by Macuja Elizalde herself. It will be staged on February 24, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. and February 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. at Ballet Manila’s home, the Aliw Theater in Pasay City.

Snaps from Le Corsaire



For Macuja Elizalde, creating her version Le Corsaire has always been a dream: “I have always wanted to re-work Le Corsaire. When I was dancing the role of Medora, I found her character to be a damsel in distress waiting for Conrad to save her; getting captured twice. I wanted to change the order of the main dances in Le Corsaire as well, because I always felt that there should be a build-up to the main dances.”

She also notes that part of the charm of Le Corsaire is that all main characters are given the chance to shine: “For me, the main draw and importance of staging a Le Corsaire is the fact that there are many principal characters that all have their respective times to shine and show off technical and virtuosic feats as the ballet unfolds.”

From the swashbuckling tale of romantic adventure, Ballet Manila brings well-loved Filipino tales to life  with Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang on May 11, 2024 at 8:00 p.m., and May 12 & 18, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. For this special production,  Ballet Manila has partnered with Anvil Publishing with an aim to keep the legacy of renowned Filipino writer Severino Reyes,  alive.   The ballet versions are based on multi-awarded children’s book writer Christine Bellen Ang’s retelling of Severino Reyes’ stories.

The idea to create a ballet from the Anvil Publishing books of Mga Kuwento Ni Lola Basyang came about during my children's book fair,” she recalls.  “I saw the entire collection of children's books displayed in their school library, and I bought all 12. Then I called a meeting with my artistic team. I put all 12 books on the table and told them to choose one to make into a ballet.”

Finding all stories to be worth sharing to a wider audience, the artistic team had a difficult time selecting only three stories but eventually ended up with those whose themes centered on romance, adventure and comedy. Thus, Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang was born.



Anvil Publishing president Xandra Ramos Padilla considers Ballet Manila’s staging of the Lola Basyang series as an excellent opportunity to instill pride among local theatergoers. “We hope it reaches and inspires more people to appreciate and support different forms of local art and culture. An original Filipino story performed through dance is something that the Philippines can be proud of,” she says, adding that Lola Basyang's stories are “well and widely-loved by generations because they teach values and help instill a child's love for reading.

“The whimsical illustrations in the picture books transport you to magical worlds—a visual spectacle successfully translated onstage by Ballet Manila,” added Padilla.


Adding even more buzz to the show is celebrated performing artist Mitch Valdes who will be taking on the role of Lola Basyang. Having been active in the local theater and entertainment scene for over 50 years, the seasoned comic-singer-actress has played highly-acclaimed roles in such well-publicized productions as Lunes, Martes, Miyerkules, Huwebes, Biyernes, Sabado, Linggo where she won a Gawad Urian Award for Best Supporting Actress, and in the musicale Katy! for which she is remembered for her  outstanding performance as Katy dela Cruz.  She has also starred in highly-acclaimed movies such as Oro, Plata, Mata; Manila by Night; and Bulaklak sa City Jail.


This time, audiences will see her perform her version of Lola Basyang with her signature wit and humor. Asked how she will make her character different, Mitch gleefully replies: “I will ask Lisa (Macuja) if Lola Basyang can get up from her rocking chair for some choreography. Maybe up on pointe for five seconds!”


On a more serious note, the multi-awarded comedienne and actress extolls the concept of having local classics featured along world-renowned masterpieces. “We’re familiar with all the international classics but this one is a rare chance to see one of our beloved folklores come to life in classical ballet. It will be beautiful because the story is one of our own.”

Completing the 26th Performance Season is Giselle, an ethereal, romantic ballet that tackles love, tragedy and loss, and will be performed on August 31, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. until September 1, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.



“I think calling our 2024 performance season “Ballet Masterpieces” is spot on because of the ballets that are featured. Le Corsaire and Giselle are both full-length classical ballet masterpieces, while Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang will feature three stories in one show. I love how our season will have two major classics!” she shared.

For the rest of the year, Ballet Manila is set to continue to showcase its unwavering artistry and excellence with the world premiere of Gerardo Francisco’s and Martin Lawrance’s  cutting-edge version of Florante at Laura  on October 12, 2024 at 8:00 p.m., October 13 & 19, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

Through its continuing partnership with Aréte Ateneo, audiences will get to enjoy Gerardo Francisco’s iteration of the Filipino classical tale Ang Ibong Adarna, at the Areté Theater in November 2024.

Finally, the ballet company continues to celebrate its tradition of bringing the spirit of Christmas spirit alive through its Holiday Cheer Series. This year, the young and young at heart will get to enjoy Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s take on Snow White and will be staged on December 25 to 30, 2024.

“We hope that by the end of our 26th Performance Season, the Filipino audience will re-discover and have a newfound appreciation for classical ballet as well as our vibrant Filipino culture through the shows that we have worked very hard to prepare,” said Lisa Macuja-Elizalde.


All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. Direct link to buy tickets here : https://bit.ly/BuyTicketsBMLeCorsaire2024


To know more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph



Thanks for reading my blog and feel free to leave comments.
To get the latest update, follow me on my social media accounts.



A few weeks agoI felt so sad and became a bit lazy and unproductive. Dumagdag pa that I gained a lot of weight and my clothes, especially my shorts won't fit me anymore. Buti na lang my girls, Ricci and Chloe kept me busy with our newest project: Sewing. 

They asked me to make doll clothes and the kid in me was unleashed! I started hand-sewing a little piece but my hand won't cooperate. And why is that? well, the last time I tried sewing was way back in my elementary days. So, I asked my younger sis who sews occasionally for help and she sent us her mini sewing machine. My girls were amazed by it and used it for hours, but since it's a mini machine, It felt weird for me, it's super lightweight and seems like a toy. But hey, this machine is a bang for the buck, imagine 300 pesos lang may mini sewing machine ka na that works! Buy the Mini Sewing Machine here

Since my girls and me included shown interest in sewing,  I've finally decided to buy our own sewing machine. We chose Singer Confidence. It's a bit pricey but I know this brand is a good and reliable one. I really,  really want to take my sewing projects to the next level I want to make my own shorts soon! I got my Singer Sewing Machine here


By the way, ever wonder what are the first few things we sew? Yes, doll clothes! Next is that basahan na bilog, I am super curious how it's done and glad I was able to make one or five :P then shorts for the fam. I will kwento all about it soon! but for now, we'll be featuring Scrunchies. 

Wait, what is a scrunchie? yan din tanong ko a few years ago and learned that a scrunchie is just another  word for a hair tie pala often used to achieve a ponytail hairstyle like getting all your hair up and tying it or the likes. And in my generation, we simply call it a ponytail, puyod or panali. Ang shala pakinggan ng Scrunchie diba?

Aci Girl tries to Sew


At first, I enjoyed making scrunchies! I find it super cute and nice and easy to make so I want to create more for my girls, fam, and friends and maybe sell some next time. Want to see how super easy this scrunchie-making can be?

How to Make Scrunchies the Easy Way


  1. Ready your fabric, thread, garter, and sewing machine.  Hand sewing is also ok
  2. Cut it to your desired size.  I started with 2x8 / 2x12 / 3x20 or it's up to you.
  3. Fold and Sew the wrong side. And you'll have a tube-like piece.
  4. Turn the right side out by using a stick, pen and the likes
  5. Insert the garter, check if parts are not twisted, and sew or glue both ends of the garter.
  6. Check the scrunchie if the seams were aligned, and ok.
  7. Fold both ends of the fabric inward, one overlapping the other, and sew
  8. That's it! So, Go girl, and create one,  held your head and hair up high!

Cut the fabric to your desired size

Fold and Sew the wrong side

Turn the right side out

Insert the garter and sew the ends.

Fold both ends of the fabric inward, one overlapping the other, and sew

See, that was my youngest daughter, Chloe, making her own scrunchie. As for me, I can't stop sewing more scrunchies. It kinda brings me joy whenever I finished sewing one. Also, I experiment with a few methods, fabrics, and styles and I love it. I'm still on the trial and error stage and hopefully will be 101% confident to offer this for sale, soon! But for now, please do check the photos of my work and do let me know what you think!

Look, these are all our scrunchies on practice mode :D Abangan our Pang benta collection soon, charot!
Thank you for reading my blog! Please know that I'm so happy that you made it here and up to this point. Feel free to answer my questions, suggestions, or let me know what you think! Btw, do you see any scrunchie you like? Do let me know in the comments and join our ongoing guessing game here! 










Aci Girl Tries to Sew: Easy Scrunchie DIY Tutorial




A few weeks agoI felt so sad and became a bit lazy and unproductive. Dumagdag pa that I gained a lot of weight and my clothes, especially my shorts won't fit me anymore. Buti na lang my girls, Ricci and Chloe kept me busy with our newest project: Sewing. 

They asked me to make doll clothes and the kid in me was unleashed! I started hand-sewing a little piece but my hand won't cooperate. And why is that? well, the last time I tried sewing was way back in my elementary days. So, I asked my younger sis who sews occasionally for help and she sent us her mini sewing machine. My girls were amazed by it and used it for hours, but since it's a mini machine, It felt weird for me, it's super lightweight and seems like a toy. But hey, this machine is a bang for the buck, imagine 300 pesos lang may mini sewing machine ka na that works! Buy the Mini Sewing Machine here

Since my girls and me included shown interest in sewing,  I've finally decided to buy our own sewing machine. We chose Singer Confidence. It's a bit pricey but I know this brand is a good and reliable one. I really,  really want to take my sewing projects to the next level I want to make my own shorts soon! I got my Singer Sewing Machine here


By the way, ever wonder what are the first few things we sew? Yes, doll clothes! Next is that basahan na bilog, I am super curious how it's done and glad I was able to make one or five :P then shorts for the fam. I will kwento all about it soon! but for now, we'll be featuring Scrunchies. 

Wait, what is a scrunchie? yan din tanong ko a few years ago and learned that a scrunchie is just another  word for a hair tie pala often used to achieve a ponytail hairstyle like getting all your hair up and tying it or the likes. And in my generation, we simply call it a ponytail, puyod or panali. Ang shala pakinggan ng Scrunchie diba?

Aci Girl tries to Sew


At first, I enjoyed making scrunchies! I find it super cute and nice and easy to make so I want to create more for my girls, fam, and friends and maybe sell some next time. Want to see how super easy this scrunchie-making can be?

How to Make Scrunchies the Easy Way


  1. Ready your fabric, thread, garter, and sewing machine.  Hand sewing is also ok
  2. Cut it to your desired size.  I started with 2x8 / 2x12 / 3x20 or it's up to you.
  3. Fold and Sew the wrong side. And you'll have a tube-like piece.
  4. Turn the right side out by using a stick, pen and the likes
  5. Insert the garter, check if parts are not twisted, and sew or glue both ends of the garter.
  6. Check the scrunchie if the seams were aligned, and ok.
  7. Fold both ends of the fabric inward, one overlapping the other, and sew
  8. That's it! So, Go girl, and create one,  held your head and hair up high!

Cut the fabric to your desired size

Fold and Sew the wrong side

Turn the right side out

Insert the garter and sew the ends.

Fold both ends of the fabric inward, one overlapping the other, and sew

See, that was my youngest daughter, Chloe, making her own scrunchie. As for me, I can't stop sewing more scrunchies. It kinda brings me joy whenever I finished sewing one. Also, I experiment with a few methods, fabrics, and styles and I love it. I'm still on the trial and error stage and hopefully will be 101% confident to offer this for sale, soon! But for now, please do check the photos of my work and do let me know what you think!

Look, these are all our scrunchies on practice mode :D Abangan our Pang benta collection soon, charot!
Thank you for reading my blog! Please know that I'm so happy that you made it here and up to this point. Feel free to answer my questions, suggestions, or let me know what you think! Btw, do you see any scrunchie you like? Do let me know in the comments and join our ongoing guessing game here! 










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