In Their Own Words: Company artist Raymond Salcedo on being committed to ballet
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.
Maraming beses na parang ayoko na. Pero binabalikan ko ’yung pinangako ko sa sarili ko nu’ng una na heto na’ng gagawin ko. Mag-stay ka na diyan. Dito ka na lumakas. Dito ka na gumaling. This is it! Desedido na.
There were many times when I wanted to give up. But I always recall my promise to myself from the beginning that this is what I want to do. I have to stay here. I became strong here. I became better here. This is it! I am determined.
Raymond Salcedo performs in the technical rehearsal of La Traviata in 2022 (above) and joins studio rehearsals for Don Quixote in May 2023 (top photo). Photos by Giselle P. Kasilag
