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.

Sa younger kids, if you really want it then go for it kasi wala namang mawawala. For ‘yung mga my age  -- may mga teenagers na nagba-balance --  always know your priority kasi doon mo maba-base lahat kung ano ang gusto mong gawin, doon sa ayaw mong gawin.

For the parents, if gusto talaga nu’ng kid, eh di go for it kasi minsan, ‘yun ‘yung matagal na hinahanap ng bata. Kasi meron din po akong kilala na they don’t know what they want. So they’re really fortunate na alam na po nu’ng anak nila na heto ‘yung gusto nilang gawin.

Ang every day goal is to be better than yesterday. ‘Yun naman talaga ‘yung goal. For now, it’s to be stronger, to be actually more independent.

(For the younger kids, if you really want it then go for it because you won’t lose anything. For those who are my age – because there are teenagers who are trying to strike a balance – always know your priority because that will be the basis for what you want to do, and what you don’t want to do.

For the parents, if the kid really wants it, then go for it because that may be what the child is longing for. Because I also know of others who don’t know what they want. So they’re really fortunate that their child knows that this is what they want to do.

The daily goal is to be better than yesterday. That’s really the goal. For now, it’s to be stronger, to be actually more independent.)

Top photo by Mark Sumaylo