Ballet Manila ushers in holiday season with Nutcracker

From Lisa Macuja’s Ballet Manila. Ballet Manila ushers in the holiday season with its production of the most popular Christmas ballet of all time, The Nutcracker. The family must-see about a little girl named Masha — whose generous spirit on Christmas Eve transports her to a magical land of giant dolls and nutcrackers, dancing snowflakes, and the Sugar Plum Fairy — is now on stage until Dec. 10, 11 and 12 at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City.

For the first time, prima ballerina Lisa Macuja will be sharing the center stage in a full-length ballet with her 12-year-old daughter Michelle Elizabeth “Missy” Elizalde as the latter makes her debut in the role of Little Masha. The metamorphosis of the little girl into an adult is one of the many highlights in the spectacular showcase that is The Nutcracker.

“As a mother, I think I am going to be in tears as I dance the adagio following our transformation scene… but as a ballerina, I know I have to hold it together. This is going to be tough!” admits Lisa, who first danced as Masha in the Leningrad Choreographic School’s production of The Nutcracker 26 Christmases ago.

This year’s show is made even more unique by Ballet Manila’s collaboration with Korea’s multi-awarded Choi So Bin Ballet Company for the special, final performance on Dec. 12 at 3 p.m.

“It’s truly a sign that the The Nutcracker not just brings together families and links generations during Christmastime, but countries and cultures as well!” enthuses Lisa.

The Nutcracker is sponsored by the Manila Broadcasting Company, Island Rose, Ralph’s Wines and Spirits, SEAIR, Maynilad, Bank of Singapore and Calciumade. For inquiries, please contact Ballet Manila at 400-0292 or 525-5967, or e-mail [email protected]. Tickets are also available through Ticketworld at www.ticketworld.com.ph or 891-9999.

No plans yet for another marriage

With her marriage to Martin Jickain annulled recently, Aiko Melendez (photo) opened up regarding her past loves, her children Andre and Marthena, and her future plans.

Aiko was given the sole custody of four years old Marthena, her child by Martin, with Martin having visitation rights. She said that she and Martin have not had the opportunity to be friends at this point. She admitted that it had reached nasty levels. In the interview, she apologized to the family of Martin for all the troubles that she and Martin have caused. She looks forward to being friends again with Martin someday. This is understandable because there is a child between them that they both have to raise and love. But right now, Martin uses a third person to get through Marthena.

“Kapag may kailangan siya kay Marthena, hindi pa niya ma-direct sa akin. What happened to us was very traumatic. People saw on national TV ’yung may nakawan, etc. There were too many things that I would say were nightmarish,” said Aiko who is now dating Bulacan Mayor Patrick Meneses. “I’m lucky Marthena has not asked me questions about her dad. Napakabait po ng Diyos sa akin.”

Aiko has no plans yet for another marriage. Yes, she and Patrick sometimes talk about it casually. “Baka naman isipin ng tao na I have just been annulled at magpapakasal na ako, na ginagawang ko ng hobby ang pagpapakasal. Hindi yata maganda ’yun. When I enter into a relationship I am serious about it. I think of it in the long term kaya ako nagpapakasal. Baka isipin ng tao na ‘ah si Aiko nagpapakasal for the heck of it.’”

Aiko felt she was burned after two marriages. “Napaso na po ako. I will take my time. I don’t want my children to say, Mom, the first annulment was okay, the second time, you better think about it. At pag umabot pa sa third time, wala na akong mukhang ihaharap sa mga anak ko.”

She also said that Jomari Yllana the father of her first-born Andre has seen his son some three weeks ago. But before that, he has not visited Andre for a long time. “Jom, whenever you make promises to your son, sana tuparin mo. I don’t want Andre to think that I am a liar. Ayokong magmukha akong kontrabida sa anak ko. Sa totoo lang sinasalo ko rin naman si Jom,” Aiko explained.