Ballet Manila dancers perform graceful pirouettes, powerful jumps, stunning lifts and other amazing movements. But apart from what we see of them onstage, we hardly hear from these storytellers-on-toes. In 20 Questions, we offer glimpses into their personal stories. We get to know these artists better as they share tidbits about themselves – their favorite food, the best lesson they learned from their parents, their alternative career had they not become dancers and more – in their own words.

In this edition of 20 Questions, company artist John Ralp Balagot talks about his favorite food that he cooks himself. He also reveals what item has come to be a most precious bargain find, and the traits that he values the most in a friend.