In their own words, the artists of Ballet Manila share their thoughts and experiences on not merely surviving but flourishing in the very challenging world of dance. This series is a collection of personal anecdotes, as well as words of wisdom that can be heartwarming, funny or dramatic, but always inspiring regardless of what field one is pursuing.

Di ba parang ang pangit na iko-compare ka sa iba? Pero gusto ko! Kasi doon ko na overcome ‘yung kaba; ‘yung dapat stable ka pa rin. Kasi iba po pag performance, hindi ka naman i-ju-judge masyado. Eh dito, parang ikaw lang talaga ang papanoorin. Malalaman mo na pag pumasa ka, then you’re doing a good job. Then you’ll continue. Pag di ka pumasa eh di may mali. Ganoon na rin po ang tingin ko sa competitions – kung maganda na ba ‘yung nagagawa mo. Pero mas na-e-enjoy ko pa rin ang performances.

Isn’t it awful to be compared to others? But I like it! Because that’s how I overcome my nerves; that I stay stable no matter what. In a performance, people aren’t really judging you as much. But here (in a competition), you’re the only one that they’re watching. You will find out when you pass that you’re doing a good job. Then you’ll continue. If you don’t pass, there’s something wrong. That’s how I view competitions – if what I did was good enough. But I still enjoy performances more.

Top photo by Mark Sumaylo