Basil Valdez joins Lisa Macuja in 'Ballet & Ballads'

MANILA, Philippines - In what promises to be one of the most romantic post-Valentine treats, premier balladeer Basil Valdez takes centerstage as guest performer in the latest edition of Ballet Manila’s “Ballet & Ballads.” The series of shows will be seen on Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 20 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., and Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. at the Aliw Theater, Star City, CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.

“It will definitely be a show to swoon to,” gushes Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Ballet Manila artistic director and principal ballerina and an admitted Basil Valdez fan, who is set to interpret signature Basil hits such as Kastilyong Buhangin (partnered by Nazer Salgado), Ngayon at Kailanman and Corner of the Sky (the latter two with the BM ensemble).

Valdez himself was so excited about doing this series that he suggested Salamin ng Buhay to be included in the repertoire. Aside from being a personal favorite of his that reflects his life’s journey, Basil notes, “It’s a perfect song to dance to.”

Four Ballet Manila danseurs will be dancing to Valdez’s Nais Ko, in a choreography by the late Tony Fabella. Additional choreographies were done by BM artistic associate Osias Barroso and senior soloist Gerardo Francisco.

The balladeer will also have solo numbers of his popular tunes Mahiwaga and You.

“Ballet & Ballads” also features: Dancing to Czerny, a BM staple also choreographed by the late Tony Fabella; Dulce, which is described as “ballroom dancing Ballet Manila style”; Reconfigured, the five-minute piece which won first prize in the first Neo-Classical Ballet Choreography competition of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts last December; and Rebel, the first ballet of Augustus Damian III to be specifically choreographed for Macuja-Elizalde and junior principal dancer Rudy De Dios.

Majuca-Elizalde says “Ballet & Ballads” is a must-watch because its format allows a unique presentation that combines a full-fledged ballet in the classical, neo-classical and contemporary styles and a singer performing either solo or with the ballet dancers performing to live singing onstage together.

“Ballet & Ballads” is a pet project of Manila Broadcasting Company chairman Fred J. Elizalde, Macuja-Elizalde’s husband. Combining the resources of MBC and Ballet Manila, it is aimed at popularizing ballet all over the country. Launched in 1998, the series has been presented in major venues in Metro Manila and has been taken on tour to key areas in the provinces such as Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Dagupan, Baguio, Davao, General Santos, Naga, Legazpi City, La Union and Cagayan De Oro.

Previous editions of the series have featured such pop stars as Ariel Rivera, Janno Gibbs, Jaya, Nyoy Volante, Lani Misalucha, Toni Gonzaga, Kyla and Freestyle.

Macuja-Elizalde points out that this upcoming “Ballet & Ballads” presentation is very special. “It’s the first time we are performing with Basil Valdez, the ultimate ballad icon, and we will be dancing to his hit songs! It is so exciting because it’s not just a ballet gala, and not just a concert — it’s both!”

Roxanne Lapus directs the show. “Ballet & Ballads” is presented by the Manila Broadcasting Company. For ticket inquiries, call Ballet Manila at 400-0292 or 525-5967, e-mail info@balletmanila.ph or visit www.balletmanila.ph..