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.

Iniisip ko lang ‘yung mga ginawa kong pagpa-practice. Sayang naman kung kakabahan lang ako all the time. So kailangan kahit papaano lumaban ako. Kabahan man ako, kahit ano mang mangyari, kailangan gawin ko para sulit ang practice ko.

Do your best; huwag kabahan; isipin n’yo ‘yung mga pina-practice n’yo, sayang! ‘Yun po ‘yung usually na sinasabi sa akin nila Sir Shaz (Ballet Manila co-artistic director Osias Barroso).

(I just think about the hours of practice I’ve put in. It would be a waste if I just get nervous all the time. So somehow, I have to fight it. I may get nervous but no matter what happens, I need to get this done so that the hours of practice will not go to waste.

Do your best; don’t get nervous; think of everything you’ve practiced, or else it will all be for nothing! That’s what Sir Shaz (Ballet Manila co-artistic director Osias Barroso) would always tell me.)

Top photo by Mark Sumaylo