Local Billy Elliots wow Japanese audience
November 11, 2002 | 12:00am
Francis de la Cruz beams with pride as he steps off Japan Airlines Flight 741 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport with 15 other kids from the Quezon City Performing Arts Development Foundation, Inc. They are still reeling from the thunderous applause showered upon them by the Japanese public at a cultural festival marking 30 years of sister-city relations between Quezon City and Chiba City. They are still visibly tickled at having appeared on the Japanese evening news. They are still high on a trip to Tokyo Disneyland with which they were generously rewarded by Chiba city officials for a job well done. They are still sleepless from the excitement of visiting a foreign country, eating exotic food, learning unfamiliar words and meeting new friends.
For Francis, performing for an international audience in behalf of Quezon City’s 2.2 million citizens, together with several cultural groups from Japan, and with no less than the mayors and top officials of both Quezon City and Chiba City in attendance, is more than a dream come true. It represents a victory for all disadvantaged children who strive to spread their wings and rise above material and emotional deprivation in order to achieve dignity and self-respect.
Indeed, Francis was only 12 when he left home, if you could call it that. For the young boy, there was no love in the rural hovel he lived in with his parents and two younger siblings. There was only fear, anger and pain. Everyday was a struggle to find meaning in the harsh words and callous actions that had become a customary part of the drudgery he called life.
Feeling hopeless and confused, the young boy fled to the city where he hoped to seek refuge from the weight of his burden. He had no friends or relatives in the vast metropolis. He had no money or a source of income. Yet wandering the streets and scavenging for food with other young boys and girls like him seemed a far better option than hearing the sound of banging fists, breaking plates and raised voices at every waking moment.
Five years later, as a ward of the Tulay ng Kabataan Foundation and a student at the Quezon City High School, he chanced upon a rather curious soft-spoken man with an infectious laugh and smiling eyes. The man asked Francis to stretch his legs and arms, and bend his back. He was asked to dance like he never danced before. This man was Tony Fabella, multi-awarded choreographer, dance professional, and father of the Quezon City Performing Arts Development Foundation, Inc.
Tony, together with dance giants Eddie Elejar and Luther Perez, were so impressed by Francis’ talent that he, together with a few other children from his school, were offered scholarships in the performing arts on the condition that they exhibit a real commitment to their craft while maintaining the academic requirements of their school at the same time.
Today, three years and some 50 public performances later, Francis is still dancing. With every performance, he leaps higher into the air and holds his chin up longer. He still thinks of his mother, whom, he was told, has moved to another province and has since remarried. He still yearns to be reunited with his two siblings, whom he hasn’t seen since he packed his bags and boarded a Manila-bound bus.
But he no longer feels empty, desolate and worthless. Together with the Foundation’s 150 other scholars, all with similar stories to tell, the young man knows he has a gift he is meant to share with all who open their hearts to it. He also knows that dreams can come true, even for those to whom less is given in life. The Foundation’s highly praised performance at the Chiba City Art Hall is proof enough.
Those who wish to donate the Foundation may call 410-52-78 or send an e-mail to qcpadfi@yahoo.com.
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