After wrapping up a particularly packed last-quarter calendar in 2024, Ballet Manila took a well-deserved breather. By this time, the company has already gone back to the studio for daily classes and rehearsals, with everyone eager for a coming milestone – the 30th performance season dubbed “The Pearl Year” opening in March. We caught up with some of BM’s finest to ask where they went and what they did to refresh and recharge during their recent break – and what they’re looking forward to in 2025.

JASMINE PIA DAMES, principal dancer

Travel destination: We went to Siquijor with Robert (Osorio), Pearl (Dames) and Sean (Pelegrin).

Trip highlights: It was such an unforgettable trip and so far the best beach we have been to since the island itself was breathtaking and the water is so blue and clear. The highlight was definitely us conquering our fear of freediving. It was our first time doing freedive and I enjoyed the experience. Scared at first but felt accomplished after. I will surely do more dives in the future.

Toast to 2025: Looking forward to healthy dancing this year and for more tours as well.

STEPHANIE SANTIAGO, soloist

Travel destination: I went to Toronto, Canada to visit family.

Trip highlights: Spending time with my family, seeing Niagara Falls in the winter, SNOW! And I got to see the facilities of the National Ballet of Canada.

Toast to 2025: Our first production is already jampacked! I’m very grateful for the dances that I will be doing. The line-up of our season is going to be awesome, and hopefully, there will be more exciting tours to countries I haven’t been to in a while or maybe I have never visited yet!

JOSHUA ENCISO AND SHAIRA COMEROS, principal dancers

Travel destinations: Staycation in Pampanga; Buscalan in Kalinga and Sagada in Mountain Province. We stayed in an Airbnb in Pampanga then we visited the Air Force Park and roamed around Clark City. In Buscalan, we visited the Butbut tribe hoping to meet (master tattoo artist) Apo Whang-Od but unfortunately when we got there, they said she went to the hospital for her check-up. We got the signature three dots by her granddaughter Grace Palicas. In Sagada, we visited Sagada Weaving, Sagada Pottery, The Blue Soil, Sumaguing Cave, Kiltepan sea of clouds and the hanging coffins.

Trip highlights (for Joshua): Buscalan (Apo Whang-Od), Rice Terraces and the hanging coffins. I was only able to see those places in books and on the Internet so seeing it in person was a one-of-a-kind experience.

Trip highlights (for Shaira): Getting my first tattoo. Not only because I got it in Buscalan but it's a batok tattoo. Another highlight is the Sumaguing Cave; the descent was terrifying but the view inside was so worth it. It was a fascinating experience. And the last highlight for me was the sea of clouds in Kiltepan. I love watching the clouds… being so near them was nothing short of magical. 

Toast to 2025: To get stronger and better as always.