Cesar Macuja: Ballet Manila’s father for all seasons
Happy to just be behind the scenes, Tito Ces is almost hidden in the back row of this group photo taken on a stopover of a Ballet Manila provincial tour in 2016. Photo by Jimmy Villanueva
By Susan A. De Guzman
He may be “Dad” to prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, but for the extended family that is Ballet Manila, Cesar Macuja is also looked up to as a second father. Indeed, “Tito Ces” – as everyone calls him – has been an abiding presence in the lives of several generations of dancers and staff since the company was established in 1995.
In 2012, when prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde was named Entertainer of the Year by the Aliw Awards – a rare feat for a classical artist – parents Cesar and Susan Macuja were around, along with members of the Ballet Manila family. Photo by Jimmy Villanueva
As principal dancer Gerardo “Geri” Francisco states in no uncertain terms: “He is a father to me and to all of us. Alam niya ang mga pangangailangan ng bawat dancer, at hindi siya nagdadalawang-isip na tulungan ka basta sa tama lang ito. He’s a strict father but a kind-hearted person.” (He knows the needs of each dancer, and he doesn’t hesitate to help as long as it is justified.)
When Joan Emery Sia and Romeo Peralta (now both principal dancers) won the bronze in Pas de Deux at the 2015 Asian Grand Prix, Tito Ces and Tita Su were there to offer their support and congratulations. Photo from Geri Francisco’s Facebook page
Principal dancer Joan Emery Sia says Tito Ces reminds her very much of her own grandfather back in Cagayan de Oro. “I have always appreciated Tito Ces' quiet but strong demeanor. His presence is enough to command respect, but at the same time give comfort. It’s that perfect sweet blend I've always looked forward to when seeing him. I would spot him after shows or special gatherings with his warm smile and welcoming aura. Saying hello would be a treat because he would then give these little anecdotes and stories just like that! I've been with the company for more than 10 years and he is still as quick and witty as ever.”
For Angela “Anjie” Blardony Ureta, best friends with Lisa Macuja for some 30 years now and BM’s volunteer publicist when it was founded, Cesar Macuja has been “Dad” ever since she can remember. Having interacted with him extensively and observed him closely for that long a time, Anjie says, “I've always admired him for being a man of principle and integrity. He would always do what is right and make choices for the higher good. He is also quite astute and disciplined, but I wouldn't describe him as rigid. He knows how to have a good time – except that his idea of a good time isn't for everyone.”
For Anjie Ureta (leftmost), Cesar Macuja has always been “Dad” and Susan Macuja “Mom,” having been best friends with Lisa Macuja-Elizalde for 30 years. Photo was taken during the 2015 Asian Grand Prix in Hong Kong. Photo by Susan A. De Guzman
Anjie then reveals a little nugget about Tito Ces that few would probably be aware of. “He is the only person I know who could spend hours in the garden arranging and rearranging rocks because it helps him relax,” she laughingly shares.
Tito Ces is known for always “being there.” He is a fixture at the theater for any Ballet Manila performance, half of a familiar pair with his wife Susan Macuja (the beloved “Tita Su”), together showing their unwavering support for the group that was formed right in their own home. At the lobby, silver-haired Tito Ces would stand out, whether by himself watching people arrive or while going around mingling with guests.
Ballet Manila pioneer Eileen Lopez helps Tito Ces host the Christmas party of Belen’s Cast B at Star Theater in the early 2000s.
“He was always present in all our shows,” attests rehearsal mistress Eileen Lopez who, along with artistic directors Lisa Macuja-Elizalde and Osias Barroso, is a Ballet Manila pioneer. What struck Eileen the most during the early years was how the elder Macujas and Lisa graciously opened their home to 11 dancers, along with then artistic director Eric V. Cruz, who were struggling to make it together as Ballet Manila. “We had our daily classes there in their porch. Tito Ces would always welcome us when we arrived. He would always take time to ask us how we were, make small talk, share a little trivia here and there, and even joke around with us. He would always offer food, water and coffee to everyone. Basically, he was our father in BM.”
Anjie has many fond memories of Tito Ces (too many to mention, she exclaims), but among her favorites are the ones that connect to food – and his love of it. “We were working on Lisa's Ballerina of the People book. The Macuja residence was the center of all things Lisa and Dad was the chief archivist at the time. He had everything by, of, and about Lisa from the year she started dancing as a student, neatly clipped and filed in boxes – some three decades’ worth! He gamely turned their lanai into a ‘command center’ where Susan de Guzman and I spent several weeks poring over photos, articles, letters and what-nots as part of our research for the book. Tito Ces seemed quite happy to have us there.
“Aside from the always-scrumptious home-cooked lunches, he would whip out several delivery menus from various restaurants and say nonchalantly: ‘Masarap ang chicken (or pork or fish or whatever the specialty is)... Order tayo?’ And he would just order anyway. On top of that, he would also bring out baskets of chips, chocolates and other snacks – ‘O, sinong may gusto ng chocolate? Bawal sa 'kin eh... ‘which is quickly followed by ‘’Wag n’yo kunin ‘yung (chocolate brand) – akin ‘yan...’ He's just really funny and lovable that way,” Anjie relates.
When Ballet Manila’s Jonathan Janolo and Tiffany Chiang got married in 2014, the newlyweds had a picture taken with guests, from left: Gem Villanueva, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Jimmy Villanueva, Cesar Macuja, Sasha Elizalde, Icet Barroso, Trixie Reyes, and (seated) Bugs Mohnaniand Osias Barroso. Photo by Gerardo Francisco
Jonathan “Jay” Janolo, Ballet Manila’s former rehearsal master, has similar memories of meals partaken in Quezon City through the many years he was with the company. “Minsan kapag malapit ‘yung show sa kanila, nagpapakain ng North Park. ‘Yung mga ganu’n. Masarap ang food!” Jay says enthusiastically. (Sometimes, when we have a show near their place, we would go to their house and he would have food delivered from North Park. Or if he wants to celebrate something. Instances like those. The food was always yummy!)
Jay, who is now based in Australia with wife and former Ballet Manila dancer Tiffany Chiang, recalls the generosity of Tito Ces and the tokens he would spring on them from time to time. “He loves giving maroon shirts to us in the office, parang kapag nakakita siya ng BM color na may collar, he would buy a lot and ipamimigay niya sa amin.” (When he sees shirts in the BM color with a collar, he would buy a lot and give these to us.)
Tito Ces (leftmost) joined Ballet Manila tours whenever he could, including one to Dumaguete in 2009 where the company staged Pinocchio. In photo with him are, from left, Kate Gelvoria, Jenny Olayvar, Eileen Lopez, Yanti Marduli and Lisa Macuja-Elizalde.
Eileen describes similar “surprise gifts” like when they were performing in Star City, the Elizalde-owned amusement park where all sorts of merchandise were sold in tiangge-style booths. “When he goes around and sees a nice pair of jogging pants that we can use in class and rehearsals, he would buy it in all sizes and hand it out to us during breaks. Nu’ng Circus de Ballet, since hapon hanggang late night ang mga shows, andu’n siya lagi. Tapos maglilibot sa Star City. Mamaya, kasama na si Tita Su sa backstage nagdi-distribute na ng mga napamili niya.” (Circus de Ballet shows would run from afternoon to evening, and he would always be there. Then he would go around Star City. Later, he’d be backstage together with Tita Su, distributing whatever it was that he had bought.)
But more than the material stuff, Tito Ces is also unselfish with his time – something particularly cherished by those who have been in his company and been regaled by his trove of anecdotes. Principal dancer Abigail “Abi” Oliveiro likes his knack for being a storyteller. “Tito Ces is such insightful person, with just the best stories! On top of that, he is filled with so much love and care for us all.”
Jay recalls how much he enjoyed listening to the tidbits of information Tito Ces always seems to have plenty of. “He loves to tell stories from the past,” Jay describes, before adding with a chuckle, “Ang daming tsismis!” (There was so much gossip!)
Tito Ces embraces Katherine Barkman, now with The Washington Ballet, after her debut in the full-length Le Corsaire (2018) which was also her last show with Ballet Manila as a principal dancer. Also in photo is Tita Suaawaiting her turn to congratulate Katherine. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag
For many in the Ballet Manila circle over the years, Tito Ces has provided that sage wisdom which they appreciate and purposely seek. Katherine Barkman, now with The Washington Ballet, values the counsel she received through informal chats with him when she was a principal dancer with Ballet Manila from 2015 to 2018. “I always loved listening to his stories, infused with meaningful lessons. One piece of advice he gave me was to simply stay focused… Don’t become distracted by the things that don’t serve my goals.”
For her last performance with Ballet Manila, in 2018’s Le Corsaire, Katherine Barkman’s parents Peter and Darlene flew in from the US. Celebrating with them after the show were, from left, Tito Ces, artistic directors Osias Barroso and Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, and Tita Su. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag
Whenever Katherine’s family flew in from the US to watch her performances, the ballerina recalls that the elder Macujas would always give them a warm welcome and accompany them backstage afterwards. “Tito Ces was basically my honorary Filipino ‘Lolo’ (grandfather) and I couldn’t be more grateful for him.”
Tito Ces (rightmost) shares a kinship with the Oliveiros, having a daughter dance in a country far from theirs. In photo, from left, are co-artistic director Osias Barroso, principal dancers Mark Sumaylo and Abigail Oliveiro, Anjie Ureta, Susan Macuja, Angela and Cedric Oliveiro, after a performance of Rebel in 2016. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag
Abi Oliveiro can relate to this, having had to relocate to the Philippines from Australia in 2013. “Moving to a foreign country on my own was something I was really excited for as it was to pursue a dream, a passion. I honestly didn’t think twice. However, my family was definitely much more apprehensive. Tito Ces knew from the beginning how excited I was and how happy I was to be dancing, but I think he understood my parents more.”
Feeling kinship with the Oliveiros is understandable as Tito Ces, together with Tita Su, experienced having their daughter live far away from them when Lisa was in Russia in the 1980s, first as a student at the Leningrad Choreographic Institute and then as a soloist of the Kirov Ballet. “Till this day, he always asks how my family is and how they are doing with my stay here,” notes Abi. “Throughout the years, his love and care have never wavered. He always kept and gave me all of my performance or interview memorabilia so my parents could see and be with me from home. I know my parents are always so thankful and proud to have a glimpse of or even hold what I have been a part of.”
Anjie confirms that Tito Ces is always ready to give his opinion when solicited, but she cautions that anyone seeking him out should expect a frank and honest assessment. “If you need sound, level-headed advice, Dad is the person to go to. But you should be ready to hear the truth, no matter how hard it is to swallow. While he is kind and compassionate, the man has no time for beating around the bush. He shows he cares for you by telling you the truth and helping you find logical solutions to your problems. He is not easily moved by tears and sentiments. Tough love. But the emphasis is always on love.”
For Sofia “Sofie” Sangco-Peralta, former dancer and long-time faculty member at The Lisa Macuja School of Ballet, talking to Tito Ces brought clarity and focus whenever she faced challenges and dilemmas. “I would always seek his advice in all of my life decisions. If there are things that bother me or even just to consult on anything, Tito Ces always makes time whether it's a short call or for one of my random visits to their house in Quezon City,” Sofie shares.
Having joined Ballet Manila in 1997 when she was just a teenager, Sofie found a second father in Tito Ces and a second mother in Tita Su. “My dad even asked him personally to co-parent considering I was a minor at that time, 15 going on 16,” she recalls. “If there is one thing that most of the senior dancers of the company would remember in their house, it will always be the ‘round table.’ Sometimes, we would spend hours sitting in the same spot, talking on anything about life.”
When dancers Sofie Sangco and Romeo Peralta got married in civil rites on April 30, 2010, Cesar and Susan Macuja stood in for Sofie’s parents and served as principal sponsors. Photo courtesy of Sofia Sangco-Peralta
When she got married to fellow Ballet Manila dancer (now principal) Romeo Peralta in civil rites on April 30, 2010, she requested Cesar and Susan Macuja to stand in for her parents and to serve as principal sponsors. “Tito Ces and Tita Su will always be my second parents and we look forward to visiting them again, hopefully soon.”
Like Sofie, former principal dancer Rudy De Dios is no stranger to the Macuja residence as he was one of the “regulars” there. “I can't count how many times I ran to him just to have a conversation in their sala for hours seeking his advice,” admits Rudy, who now does freelance teaching and choreography, apart from running a dancewear business. “He was there to support me during those difficult times in my life. He taught me a lot of things – from saving money, the financial stuff, to love life, career, and most of all, to making wise decisions.”
Former principal dancer Rudy De Dios (third from left) celebrates Valentine’s Day 2019 with his Ballet Manila family – (from left) Osias Barroso, Susan Macuja, guest artist Hyuma Kiyosawa, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Fred Elizalde and Cesar Macuja whom he regards as a second father. Photo from Hyuma Kiyosawa’s Facebook page
Rudy also regards Tito Ces as a second father and can’t express quite adequately how much gratitude he feels towards his unofficial life coach. “I'm really grateful to have Tito Ces in my life. I don't know where I’ll be if not for him. I am thankful to him for being a friend, an adviser, and most of all, a father to me.”
Geri Francisco contends that Tito Ces has served as a father figure not only to him but also to his wife Jed, since both of their fathers are based in Iloilo. “Surprisingly, mas marami silang pinag-uusapan kesa sa akin,” claims Geri. “They would talk about anything under the sun. Kakamustahin mga kids, kami as husband and wife, upcoming plans and shows, what he likes about me and regarding my performances. He taught us how to save money, what our priorities should be and he would even share his experiences as a father and a provider. He would also keep a portion of my earnings as part of our savings before. Nu’ng lumipat ako ng BM, that’s when we started as husband and wife kasi.”
Principal dancer Gerardo Francisco (leftmost), crouching before Tita Su and Tito Ces in this Ballet Manila family photo at the 2015 Asian Grand Prix, is grateful for all the advice he and wife Jed have gotten from Tito Ces on different aspects of life. Photo from Geri Francisco’s Facebook page
Geri adds that Jed has had a number of unforgettable conversations with Tito Ces, as they would sometimes find run into each other while waiting for performances to start or during BM’s after-show gatherings. “One of those was when she asked Tito Ces regarding buying a second-hand car or a new one. He explained thoroughly daw the pros and cons of buying a second-hand car and a brand new car. Will it be beneficial for us or not, is it practical or not, ‘yung mga gano’ng usapan. It was a long convo daw and he talks to my wife as a businessman and as a father at the same time.”
Geri considers the guidance imparted by Tito Ces priceless. “He is really good with words, it’s either tagos siya sa puso or mapapaisip ka sa mga advice niya. It will melt the ice that covers your heart as he talks to you. We’ve learned a lot from him, may it be pakuwela or seryoso. With that, we are forever grateful that Tito Ces came into our lives. How I wish we can all go back to our old lives where we can easily approach each other after the show and laugh about anything and everything.”
Joan Sia is similarly thankful, especially as one who doesn’t get to see her loved ones in Cagayan de Oro that often. “I love how us dancers have parental figures like Tito Ces and Tita Su because to me, it’s like having a little piece of family away from home.”
Though he can often be reserved, Tito Ces can also be animated when it comes to topics he’s keenly interested in. Giselle “Gik” Kasilag, who handles the Ballet Manila Archives together with this author, relates that she was still an active journalist covering the arts and culture beat for a business newspaper when she first met Tito Ces. “He was this quiet and dignified figure standing patiently beside Tita Su, who seemed to be personally greeting the entire audience. From that brief first encounter, he would remember that detail about me being a writer and that came to dictate the content of our future conversations.”
Giselle P. Kasilag and Susan A. De Guzman of the Ballet Manila Archives share a backstage moment with Tito Ces, whose collection of BM and pre-BM memorabilia relating to his daughter Lisa Macuja forms the core of the Archives. From Giselle Kasilag’s Facebook page
Recalling past chats with Tito Ces, Gik says these were always filled with discussions on the issues of the day. “‘What do you think of this headline?’ or ‘How do you feel about this statement?’ were the questions that would follow after asking me how I was. He would listen to my reply as keenly as my high school social studies teacher and raise his own arguments and viewpoints. Talks with him were never of idle gossip. Instead, we would engage in intellectual exercises – lively exchanges but with lots of laughter. So whenever I know that I would see him, I would make sure to brush up on current events lest I be caught unprepared and get a roasting from Tito Ces for being unaware of the state of the world!”
Meticulousness is a trait that Dante Perez will always associate with Tito Ces. Serving as long-time executive assistant to Lisa Macuja, Dante would sometimes dread taking calls from him. “CPM is a true-blooded Blue Eagle not only because he studied and served in the Ateneo but because he also has a sharp vision that covers almost everything. I will always remember how he would lecture me on typographical errors and omissions in the souvenir programs. When such editorial slips happened, I would feel like flying away to Batanes and staying there until the shows were finished,” Dante laughs.
Dante Perez is seen with Tito Ces and Tita Su at the Aliw Theater reception area before the staging of Ballet Manila’s Alamat: Si Sibol at si Gunaw in 2012. Photo by Jimmy Villanueva
But of course, he realized that being corrected by Tito Ces only served to improve his skills. Of the many life lessons absorbed from Tito Ces, after all, Dante cites one – the importance of facing responsibility and not eluding them. “So when he spots one or two mistakes in the playbill, he would call me or approach me in person. The conversation would start with a deep gaze (in person) or deeper sigh (on the phone) then will proceed normally with a question like ‘What happened?’ or with a recap like ‘I have been telling you to always double or triple check.’ Phone calls are usually short but intense because his words are heavy-duty reminders to ensure quality of work at all times.
“My officemates and I have learned a lot from him and we know that after a phone call, CPM would send food. In my case, he also sent me an Ateneo mug,” smiles Dante.
For principal dancer Mark Sumaylo, it’s having a new appreciation for photographs that he imbibed from Tito Ces. A photography enthusiast who has channeled his talents into a sideline called MarBi Photography (which he shares with girlfriend Abi Oliveiro), Mark recalls a memorable visit to the Macuja home where he saw rows of pictures lining the walls. Curious, he looked at the images one by one.
Tito Ces and Tita Su are a constant presence at the theater, always ready to congratulate the dancers backstage as they did with Abigail Oliveiro and Mark Sumaylo after the pair performed the lead roles in Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s Cinderella in 2016. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag
“Tito Ces started sharing the beautiful and fun memories and it was so nice that he still remembers the story behind those pictures. He told me that back in the day, he would do everything just to get a picture or any memorabilia of Ma’am Lise’s performances.
“I still remember what he told me during that visit,” Mark continues. “He said: ‘You may not appreciate a picture at the time it was taken, but as time goes by and you look back at the pictures, you start remembering the good memories and appreciate it so much more.’ That sentiment keeps me motivated to this day – to keep capturing moments that I can keep, so that I too will one day be reminded of the stories.”
Anjie says it is his big-heartedness that members of the Ballet Manila family respond to in Tito Ces. Speaking for many, she sums it up about “Dad” quite simply: “He is generous – with his time, with his stories, with his advice, with his attention, with his presence, with his earthly goods. He just gives and gives... and his goodness never runs out. Knowing him is a gift and a blessing.”
Principal dancer Joan Emery Sia (rightmost) likens having Tito Ces (back row, leftmost) in her life to “having a little piece of family away from home.” Jed Francisco (front row, leftmost), wife of principal dancer Geri Francisco agrees, as both of the couple’s parents arebased in Iloilo. Photo from Jed Francisco’s Facebook page
