The day the dancers came to Palawan

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano and Undersecretary Cynthia Carrion truly know how to impress foreigners in great style. Last year, they hosted the international ballroom dancers of Michaela “Pinky” Puno’s StarBall in El Nido in Palawan. This year, they will bring the stars and the foreign judges once again to the same paradisiacal place.

Last year, Shirley Ballas, former world Latin champion from the UK who came as a judge, raved about El Nido and the successful staging of the First Philippine StarBall. She was quoted in the US Dance Beat newspaper saying, “The trip was, for me, one of the most memorable experiences of my life... The Filipino hospitality is the best in the world!”

Because of the grand hospitality shown by the Department of Tourism (DOT) last year (it also gave the foreign dancers a tour of Metro Manila including a trip to Greenhills tiangge), all the foreign dance competitors are eager to come back and join the Second Philippine StarBall.

It will be a highly anticipated event where a total of P7 million in prize money is at stake for the winners in the different dance categories. Competitors will show their mastery of the 10 international dances: (Standard) Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, QuickStep and (Latin) Cha Cha, Rhumba, Samba, Paso Doble and Jive.

Judges include Espen Salsberg from Norway, Ralph Lepehne from Italy, Serge Millijica from Slovenia, Didio Barrera and Irina Suvorov from the USA, Aleena Tan from Singapore, Akihiro Yokomichi from Japan and Lawrence Chan from Hong Kong.

The Philippine StarBall is being organized by Jojo Carino and the Council of United Professional Dance Teachers of the Philippines in cooperation with the DOT and the First Gentleman’s Foundation. The event, recognized by the Games and Amusement Board, is for the benefit of Kythe, a foundation that helps children with cancer.

(For information/tickets, call Marisa Manese at 812-8464.)

Defining the look of 2009

Manila got a preview of the upcoming trends and hits that will dominate the style scene in the coming year at the Samsung Metrowear Gala.

The fashion gala at the Isla Ballroom of the Edsa Shangri-La presented the latest batch of fashion-forward creations from 20 of the best Filipino designers from Manila and Cebu such as Francis Libiran, Patty Eustaquio, Jan Garcia, Louis Claparols, Ronaldo Arnaldo, Puey Quiñones, OJ Hoffer, Marichu Tan, Edwin Ao, Ren Manabat, Ray Kuan, Salvador Malto, Arcy Gayatin, Jun Escario and Cary Santiago. Other participating designers were Raymond Kuan, Protacio Empaces Jr., Philip Rodriguez, Mich Dulce, Kate Torralba and Rhett Eala.

As the platform for the country’s best designers to showcase their collections, Metrowear has consistently supported and upheld the Filipino creativity since its first show in 2002.

Others seen were Juddah Paolo, ABS-CBN’s Ernie and Jeena Lopez, Divine Lee, Andrea del Rosario, Happy David, Katrina Goulbourn-Feist and Chris Feist.

With the Samsung Metrowear Gala bringing together the best of the country’s creative talents, the future of Philippine fashion simply looks promising and fashionable for this year. 

The event was sponsored by Samsung, Edsa Shangri-La, Manila Great Taste, L’Oreal, Make Up For Ever and Lifestyle Network.

Fall Out Boy live in Manila

ETC Entertainment Central, Jack TV and www.friendsorenemies.com are set to bring Grammy-nominated pop punk band Fall Out Boy to Manila to perform in one-night-only concert at the Araneta Coliseum on Feb. 13, 8 p.m. 

Lead Vocalist Patrick Stump, guitarist Joe Trohman, drummer Andy Hurley and bassist Pete Wentz are no strangers to Manila though it has been quite awhile since they last visited the country. 

The group, which received critical acclaim and praise for its previous releases like From Under The Cork Tree and Infinity On High, will be performing hits from its fifth studio album Folie A Deux released under MCA Music, Inc. Expect the band to play hits like I Don’t Care, Headfirst Slide into Cooperstown on a Bad Bet, What a Catch, Donnie and America’s Suitehearts. Serving as opening act will be alternative rock band Hey Monday.

(Tickets are now available at Ticketnet at 911-5555.)

Up, up and away

It’s time once again for the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta at the Clark Freeport Zone from Feb. 12 to 15. Now on its 14th year, over 25 hot air balloon teams from across the globe will be joining the festivities. Teams are flying in from Hungary, Germany, Switzerland, France, USA, United Kingdom, Japan, New Zealand, Thailand, The Netherlands and Malaysia. 

Activities include the spectacular display of 25 hot air balloons (seven of which are specially shaped), airplane and helicopter exhibitions, paragliders, skydivers, remote control planes, kite flying and much more. Small private airplanes will be flying in from Japan, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia.

There will also be an assortment of food and drinks available in the event and let’s not forget about the bazaar for all those who love to shop! Also on display at the event are the giant lanterns from Pampanga, the Higantes from Angono and special fireworks display.

(For more information, visit www.philballoonfest.net)