Performing artists love the immediate response shown by audiences through applause and cheers. But they appreciate it just as much when they get feedback even after the curtains have gone down. This is certainly true for Ballet Manila dancers, management and staff who have received their fair share of heartwarming comments from a grateful public over the years. In this series, the Ballet Manila Archives will feature from its collection the reactions – handwritten, typed, published in newspapers or even posted on social media – of viewers towards the company after watching its shows. 

During the Christmas season of 2008, teacher Belen Docena-Asuelo and her three children got to see Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang and the special show Pamaskong Handog in Star City. Mother and daughters thoroughly enjoyed the shows that Docena-Asuelo was moved to write a letter to the editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer as seen below. In the letter published on January 10, 2009, she expressed her gratitude not just for the shows’ affordable cost, but also for the talents who brought them happiness through their performance. 

Thanks, applause for Ms. Elizalde

I commend Ballet Manila led by world-class talent Liza (sic) Macuja-Elizalde for her relentless effort in giving joy to others through her awesome performances. I equally commend her sponsors, one of which is the Inquirer, for supporting her “Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang” by Severino Reyes.

Last Dec. 27, my three girls and I went to Star City for the children’s annual rides. It was timely too that it was the last day of “Lola Basyang” at Aliw Theater. Imagine for P75 each as entrance fee, we had the best time. Thanks again to Ms Elizalde and her generous sponsors. Indeed, we got more than our money’s worth.

Aside from “Lola Basyang,” we had on that same night “Pamaskong Handog” (held at Star Theater), a free 30-minute show also led by Ms Elizalde. My children and I couldn’t help but wonder where her energy comes from.

The rides became the children’s secondary fare. With the two shows, I couldn’t help but share in the happiness my children felt just by watching Ms Macuja and the other cat of Ballet Manila. 

How I wish other world-class Filipino talents would show their crafts at the least expense, like Ms Elizalde does. How I wish more philanthropic sponsors would support world-class shows so more people especially children would be inspired to be the best that they can be.

The conduct of shows as part of business is, after all, not just about hoarding earnings and accumulating of profit margins. In these hard times, we badly need people like Ms Elizalde, whose passion in sharing her talent goes beyond money matters. May God bless her more! May her tribe increase! 

– BELEN DOCENA-ASUELO, teacher,

Don Alejandro Roces Sr. Science Technology H.S.

Roces Avenue, Quezon City