Lessons from Mom
To celebrate Mother’s Day today, we asked seven Ballet Manila artists to talk about the most important female figure in their lives growing up. In sharing the lessons their mothers taught them and in recalling memories spent with “Mama,” “Mommy,” “Mum” or “Nanay,” they express gratitude to the woman who helped shape them into the persons that they are today.
Principal dancer Romeo Peralta Jr. on “Mama” Beverly
She is a strong, loving, quiet, and a thoughtful woman, very "matipid" (thrifty) but when it comes to family, she’s always there when we’re in need. When we go out and buy stuff, she always prays first before getting something. I know I got that from her, praying even before you need it. Ma was there during my ballet audition, recitals and big shows. She is our biggest supporter. Ma always pushes us to become the best version of ourselves.
Co-artistic associate Eileen Lopez on “Mommy” Estrella
As a parent, in a way she was strict but I was very spoiled by her. She was also very supportive and hands on. She would bring me to school and wait till I got out, then bring me to ballet, wait again till I finish, then bring me home. And this was every day. She always told me to do what I like and work hard for it. She could have pushed me to go on a different path other than ballet. But she saw how happy I was when I danced and she gave me her full support. She was my Number 1 fan and critic.
The best memory would be me seeing her in the audience in all of our shows. I would make it a point to look for her seat before the show and when I see her there, I wouldn’t be as nervous or anxious anymore. Seeing her calmed me and made me more confident. The rest of the audience disappeared when I knew she was there. I just danced for her. She made scrapbooks of our first year in Ballet Manila – news clippings, photos, souvenir programs. She would spend time and money to make them. I didn’t ask her to do this, but that made her happy and I just let her. Our bonding moments would be a lot of eating and going to the mall to watch a movie or just roam around. I especially enjoyed our late-night talks in bed, munching on grapes or junk food, taking care of our dogs. I miss all of these, though I know she is in a better place now. I am just very thankful for everything she did for me. I miss her a lot.
Soloist Jessa Balote on “Mama” Anita
She’s very attentive, caring, loving and, most of all, she taught me to be a good person. I make my son, Prince, feel the same way. She would always tell me – “Don't give up, no matter how hard life is and be happy in what you do because it will be easier.” No matter what I achieve in life, they are with me in my dreams and they are my only strength, why I love dancing. Ngayon, nakikita ko ‘yung pagiging maalaga at protective na lola niya kay Prince, kung paano rin niya ako inalagaan dati. (Now, I see how caring and protective she is as a grandmother to Prince, the same way she cared for me before.)
Company member Noah Esplana on “Mum” Kerrie
When she needs to be strict or disciplinary, she is, but most of the time she just worries about me or any other family member as she wants us to be safe and well. There are many very important life lessons my Mum has taught me through setting by example as well as just telling me outright. But a few that are always with me is how she taught me to never discriminate against anyone no matter who they are or how they look like, to always stand up for what I believe in and what I want in life and lastly to always take care of and love my friends and family, as they are the ones that are most important to us in life.
Company member Elyssabeth Apilado on “Mama” Elisa
Hindi po strikto si Mama pero si Papa, yes! Si Mama po maalalahanin kasi po nag-iisang babae po ako at bunso pa po. Ang lagi niyang bilin, maging wais at ‘wag panghinaan ng loob. May isa po akong nakitang video na sumasayaw po kami parehas nu’ng bata pa po ako, sobrang tuwang-tuwa po ako nu’ng napanood ko ‘yun. Feel ko ‘yun po ‘yung one of the best memories na nangyari po sa amin at ‘yung kasal po ng kapatid ko nu’ng 2021. (Mama is not strict, but my Papa is! Mama is very caring because I’m the only girl in the family and the youngest at that. She would always say, be wise and always be brave. I saw a video of us where we were both dancing when I was a child, I was so overjoyed when I watched that. I feel that’s one of our best memories together and also my brother’s wedding in 2021.)
Principal dancer Shaira Comeros on “Nanay” Corazon
She's the most hardworking and selfless person I know. She told us stories about how their life was so hard back then. Being the “panganay” (eldest), she had to work at the age of 13 and she had to take care of her siblings in order to help her parents all while doing her studies. Her constant reminder to us: "Panatilihing nakatapak ang mga paa sa lupa." (Always keep your feet on the ground.) This has become my guiding principle. Humility goes a long way no matter what point in life I'm in.
My Nanay is one of the greatest seamstresses I know. Her work mainly revolves around ballet costumes. I was and still am one of her official mannequins at home. She would always ask me to fit some of the costumes she made for her clients because it's her "pangpawi ng pagod" (stress-reliever). I would dance with it in front of her and give her compliments for her works. Seeing her bright and proud smile afterwards will always be one of my favorite memories with her.
Soloist John Balagot on “Mama” Georget
Strikto siya when I was in elementary school and high school. Medyo makulit ako nu’ng bata ako kaya palaging napapagalitan, haha. In college, hindi na masyadong strikto pero andu’n pa rin ang guidance pagdating ko sa college. The most important life lesson I received from her is to respect others and to be kind to people. Nitong pandemic, nandiyan siya palagi, tinatawagan niya ako, to say, Kumusta ka? Puro kuwentuhan kami sa buhay, at saka ano’ng mga show sa BM. Full support siya sa career ko, and she’s happy and proud of where I am now.