MANILA, Philippines - From the movies to dance halls, ballroom dancing has been popular in the country over the years.
One major Filipino film that touched on ballroom dancing as backdrop to human drama was Lorna Tolentino and Aga Muhlach’s starrer Bayarang Puso.
In real life, many young and veteran stars are getting hooked on ballroom dance like character actress Vangie Labalan, veteran star Delia Razon, Sampaguita Pictures’ pride Liberty Ilagan, among others. Lawmaker and TV host Lucy Torres-Gomez, aside from having hosted a dance show on TV in the past, is a ballroom dance fan off-cam.
According to Vangie, ballroom dancing has been her hobby and to a certain extent, a form of therapy.
“Of course, it would be hypocritical of me if I say that I don’t get lonely anymore,” she said.
Vangie goes to the dance floor to feel free of any inhibitions and sway her blues away.
On Oct. 17 at the Alegria Lounge of the Manila Pavilion during the DUMALO (Dulaang Don Mateo Lopez) presentation of Dance the Blues Away (Ballroom Pa More),” Vangie will perform the Argentine tango with her constant dance partner Starsky Dulalas, also an actor on the new ABS-CBN soap Walang Iwanan with Jhong Hilario.
The fundraiser is for the benefit of Lopez Provincial High School Class ’71 (LPHS Class ’71) in Lopez, Quezon.
Some of the ballroom enthusiasts to lead the dance are 2014 Mrs. Asia International first runner-up Jessica Maloles, businesswoman Viring Ongkeko, mom of filmmaker Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, and many more.
LPHS Class ’71 alumna and former member of UST’s Salinggawi Dance Troupe Marivic Desembrana-Miguel will perform while businesswoman and fashion designer Goullee Gorospe and Shirley Chong will showcase ballroom moves with top dance instructor Zandro Siozan.
Nonoy Lopez and his band with Armie Zuniega — in Eric Valeña and Albert Figueras gowns — will set the ballroom beat.