In Their Own Words: Soloist Rafael Perez on being competitive
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.
May pagka-competitive ako. Hindi naman siya bad competition. Lagi kong sinasabi sa mga friends ko na gusto ko laging meron akong kasabay na magaling kasi siyempre makikita mo sa sarili mo sa kanya ’yung mga bagay na puwede mo pang ma-improve.
So, kunwari sa center sa class may isang mataas tumalon. Sasabayan ko siya para makita ko kung gaano siya kataas sa akin. So mas mag-i-improve ako doon. May fighting spirit naman ako na kakayanin ko ’yan! Hindi mahina ang loob ko sa mga ganyan.
I can get competitive. It’s not bad competition. I always tell my friends that I always want to perform alongside people who are talented because, of course, I get to see myself through them the things I can still improve on.
So, for example, at the center in class there’s someone who jumps high. I will dance alongside him so that I can see how much higher he can jump than me. So that way, I can improve. I have fighting spirit and I know that I can do it! I’m not faint-hearted when it comes to these things.
Top photo: Soloist Rafael Perez takes class on stage at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre in Malaysia for Ballet Manila’s performance recent shows there of Sleeping Beauty. Photo by Missy Macuja Elizalde
Rafael Perez debuts as the Golden Idol in La Bayadere in August 2026. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag
