MANILA, Philippines - Ballet Philippines (BP) received a standing ovation during their inaugural performance of their month-long United States (US) tour at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
The 90-minute performance was the company's first performance in the US after a 15-year hiatus.
Some of the Filipino-Americans in the audience were Apl.de.ap, Lou Diamond Phillips, Sony Pictures Entertainment Senior Vice President of Worldwide Publicity Fritz Friedman, Nia Peeples, Ms. Susan Ruttan, and Ms. Universe 2012 1st runner-up Janine Tugonon.
On its 45th season, the all-Filipino ballet company will tour the US and Canada to showcase the world-class talent of the oldest surviving ballet company in Southeast Asia.
The ballet company's President, Margie Moran-Floirendo, is known for winning the Ms. Universe crown for the Philippines in 1973. The youngest member in the group, Jemima Reyes, received an award at the USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson Mississippi.
Another member, Monica Gana, represented the country in the 26th International Ballet Competition in Varna, Bulgaria while Carissa Adea was awarded a six-month fellowship in New York.