Eye on Niño Matillano

For a dreamer who aspires to be at the top of his chosen profession in the near future, Niño Matillano thrives to bring out the best in every dance choreography and performance. Persistence and perseverance, for him, comprise the time-honored formula for reaping success. Niño, as most of his colleagues call him, is now a full time faculty member of the Mandaue City School for the Arts and the resident choreographer of the MCSFA Dance Company and Choir. His stint as a dancer started in high school, having been a member of the Bantawang Kabataan Dance Co. under the tutelage of Mr. Paul Delgado in the University of Cebu. Literally and figuratively, he danced his way to a Bachelor''s Degree in Physical Education, in the same institution, through its academic scholarship program.

The Freeman: How has growing up with a passion for dance influenced you today?

Niño Matillano: I started performing since 2nd year high school at U.C., when I joined the Bantawang Kabataan Dance Troupe. I realized that dance is my passion, that''s the reason why until now I''m still performing because it is already a part of my life. This influence made me into what and who I am today.

TF: Dating back to your ''Bantawan" days, what were your aspirations then?

NM: To perform outside the country. To be recognized as an outstanding Filipino performer to perform together with the Bayanihan Dance Company and Ballet Phils.

TF: What were the past experiences that contributed much to your growth as a dance artist?

NM: I was able to perform in Yuso City, Korea. That was an experience to die for. The experience was my most memorable. The scholarship opened up a window of opportunities such as performances here and abroad.

TF: We all have our fortes, what is/are your favorite dance discipline/s?

NM: I love Ballet and Contemporary Jazz more than anything else.

TF: Did you ever dream of landing a job as a dance trainer in Mandaue School for the Arts?

NM: No, in the first place I haven''t heard about "School for the Arts" until Mrs. Lobitania, former school consultant, recommended me to teach and handle the folk dance course. Now, I believe, it was the hand of God that worked!

TF: Tell us of your latest achievements.

NM: I led in the championship for Dancesports CVRAA 2007 -Latin Category, secondary level and also won Girl Scouts of the Philippines Folkdance Competition in both elementary and secondary levels this year. Last year''s Mantawi U.S. Concert Tour was my defining moment.

TF: What do you believe in?

NM: I believe that time is gold. One should do what one can do today because one can never put back the hands of time. Let the day seem like one''s last existence. Always give the best in all the things one does.

TF: Tell us about Mandaue School for the Arts Dance Troupe.

NM: To tell you the truth, although students come from low-income families and this institution caters to those who cannot afford to study in high end schools who develop such skills, my students have big hearts and are big on talent that they deserve the scholarships and this opportunity. Their affiliation is the perfect venue to harness their craft and skill. Today, as they master various dance disciplines from ballet to cultural dancing, jazz and dancesports, they are perennial performers representing the city of Mandaue in all its socio-cultural and tourism invitations. The group has already traveled to Colorado, Utah, and California, USA.

TF: Have you encountered any obstacles in handling the troupe?

NM: Nothing serious, so far; only difficulty in mastering dance routines posed by short notice and time constraint.

TF: How do you create special routine dances for the group?

NM: I listen to the music and create some ideas in mind. After that, everything else follows.

TF: What is your present dream?

NM: I really want to produce a very known dance company and to perform around the world. Right now, surrounded with colleagues from the school with the likes of choir master Dennis Sugarol, rondalla conductor Reyden Bathan, Ballet consultant Katrina Cortes, elementary principal Mrs. Maria Alao and high school principal Mrs. Mercedita Demoral, I feel so blessed, happy and contented. This environment is my home. And I would not want to leave that.