Philippine Ballet Theatre’s ” The Nutcracker “ will open on November 30, 2024 at Samsung Performing Arts Theatre

Early Christmas Present

The Philippine Ballet Theatre received an early holiday gift that will keep the celebrations alive: PBT has been named the first National Performing Arts Company for ballet and contemporary dance for the years 2024-2029. This designation is in accordance with The National Performing Arts Companies Act (NPAC), which was enacted as Republic Act No. 11392 on August 22, 2018. This incredible honor was confirmed after a thorough series of deliberations and screenings. Ultimately, the company emerged victorious, thanks to its wealth of Filipino repertoire and a proven mark of excellence. PBT is approaching the challenge of maintaining national status with passion and unwavering focus. This milestone also brings a stronger support system for their artistic vision.

Stepping into the Holiday Season

One of PBT’s first decisions as NPAC for dance took shape on September 16, 2024. The indefatigable Anatoly Panasyukov from Russia returns as PBT’s ballet master. Born and trained in Russia, Anatoly graduated cum laude from the Bolshoi Ballet School. He has performed as a dancer with the Bolshoi Theatre of Moscow and as a principal dancer for the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Theatre, as well as the Moscow Ballet Theatre of Classical Dance. While the younger generation of dancers may not be familiar with him, Anatoly is a household name in the dance community. He held the position of Ballet Master at Philippine Ballet Theatre from 1995 to 2020, a tenure briefly interrupted by the pandemic. With his stellar career and extensive teaching experience both locally and abroad, Anatoly’s return is anticipated to revitalize the company. He will also take the stage as PBT’s resident character dancer as needed. As Artistic Director Ronilo Jaynario succinctly stated, “Anatoly is finally home. Our family is now complete, and we are ready for the holiday season.” He is truly regarded as the best Christmas gift the PBT dancers could receive this year.

Well-Seasoned Feast

Anatoly will join a brand-new cast debuting in *The Nutcracker*, where he will portray the mysterious Drosselmeyer. Sarah-Filippa Belgica will debut as Clara, alongside Sophia Martina Marie Lourdes Tiangco. Interestingly, Belgica and Martina are both PBT “babies,” having first danced on stage as party kids in the Philippine Ballet Theatre. Joanna Galeste, a homegrown talent, will debut as the Sugar Plum Fairy, alternating with Eloisa Jessa Tangalin. The role of the Nutcracker Prince will be played by Jimmy Lumba, alternating with Matthew Davo. Despite being a holiday staple, Philippine Ballet Theatre’s *The Nutcracker* is always infused with something new. This version, based on Gelsey Kirkland’s 1995 staging, features updated choreography by Ronilo Jaynario to the classical music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Adding even more flavor is Anatoly’s unique brand of storytelling. Seasoned to perfection, it promises to be a feast for the senses.

Closing the season with a magical tale about Clara’s journey to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets, PBT’s *The Nutcracker* promises to be a vibrant spectacle. With generous support from Philippine Airlines as their primary partner, *The Nutcracker* will open on November 30, 2024, and run through December 1, 2024, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre. Tickets can be purchased via Ticketworld or through the PBT Secretariat.For reservations and inquiries you may contact the following, (02) 8671 1697 | (0968) 870 8887 | (0912) 945 5151 | secretariat@pbt.org.ph

NUTCRACKER

Brief Synopsis

On Christmas Eve, Clara receives a magical nutcracker doll from her godfather, Drosselmeyer. As night falls, Clara is swept away into a fantastical dream when her toys suddenly come alive.She witnesses a battle between her Nutcracker Prince and the Rat king and by stroke of look she saves the Price. In gratitude the Prince brought Clara to a journey to the Land of Snow and Kingdom of the Sweets. A nightmare turns into a beautiful dream. But was it really a dream?

As I end the day and wrap up my tasks, I can’t help but reflect: Why me? Why this life? Why this situation?

But as the beloved St. Padre Pio always reminds us, Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry. Easier said than done, right?

Today is his Feast Day, too. Spent the entire morning cooking, meal prepping, and washing loads of dishes. Pretty much sums up my every day for the past months. Had to take the daughter for a check up, do some errands after which, and heard Mass with dear friends. I had a great day, as a matter of fact.

I have had a lot of worse days, especially in the past 365 days. Some days I am just feeling so overwhelmed, excited, accomplished, deadlines, etc.

It was a good day. And I pray for many many more in the next 365 and beyond.

Time to eat that sugar-free cake tomorrow!


~ Touringkitty

Or maybe… Hi? Whoa long time no blog!

Yes, I’m still here. And in the past few months…

– I turned 40
– I turned into a caregiver
– I am still alive, and for that alone, I am grateful.

What’s up this year? Who knows! Cos I don’t. I just let life go on, from now on, making sure to always have time to reflect and thank the Lord for whatever has been happening, and be as close to the people who truly matter. It’s enough for me, at least for now. Hope you are happy and well, dear reader!

Until the next! I am not posting as much on my socmed accounts, but you know where to find me!

~ Touringkitty

By: Ariadne M. Alcantara

Christmas is not just about the decorations and the presents we get each year. There is something much more important than all of those, and it is celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. He came into our world to save us from our sins and lead us to everlasting life. This season is a great way to make ourselves better people and to help others do so as well, and we can by spreading hope, peace, joy, and love — the virtues of the four Advent Candles.

The first candle is hope. Many of us have been affected by fear of a dangerous virus for almost two whole years. In order to help the world rise once more, we all must spread hope and continue to pray and stop the spread of COVID 19. Following health and safety protocols, getting a vaccine, and staying at home can make a small but vital contribution.

The second candle is peace. Each and every one of our lives have been drastically impacted and changed, from our career, school, and everyday life. We must try not to get too overwhelmed by all the bad things happening and maintain peace in ourselves, the family, and the world.

The third candle is joy. It is true that these are very hard and trying times and the only ways we can help are by sympathizing and praying. But even through all of this we have to stay positive and help others be happy, too. Ways of doing so are by singing to our favorite songs, reading, talking to friends — anything to brighten up the day.

And finally, the greatest commandment, love. The Bible says to “love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). If we love something or someone, then it means something important to us and we will do everything to protect it. This Christmas, let us learn to be more grateful for all of the blessings God has given us, and to learn to love others, too, especially those in need.

If we continue to spread these things, then we will get through every single problem and lead a meaningful life. Merry Christmas to all and happy holidays!!!

New covid 19 variants are rising, and it turns out that these new variants can infect a lot more people at once. Because of this, we must continue to protect ourselves from getting sick, and a way of doing so is by getting a vaccine.

Whether covid vaccine or not, vaccines are essential in giving you extra protection against a sickness. They usually give you a high chance of being immune. But even if we are vaccinated, we must not be careless and still follow health protocols. It is really difficult to get sick, especially in this time of pandemic, so we must do everything we can to stay safe.

Another reason why we must get vaccinated against covid 19 is because we must protect our friends and family. The new covid variants are much more infectious than the original virus, so we must get vaccinated to keep our loved ones safe.

Whatever covid vaccine is available, we must take any opportunity to get vaccinated as soon as possible, and, of course, we must make sure it is approved by our doctors and health workers. It is also important to remember not to judge a vaccine by its brand. Having a vaccine is vital to protect ourselves, and doing this is better than having no vaccine just because you do not like the brand. And of course, we must have the freedom to make this decision and not let others force us.

Still, many people are afraid, so we have to spread truth and hope to others by sharing true news about what is happening around the world, politely reminding others to follow minimum health standards, and to get vaccinated to end the pandemic.

~ Aria

The 2022 elections are coming up here in the Philippines, and many people are planning to vote. But other than voting, we must ensure that we vote wisely and look for the right people to lead our country.

First of all, a good leader must be a good example to others. If someone has a sufficient amount of kindness, compassion, generosity, courage, and leadership, then that person will succeed in a lot of things and is someone who we should think of voting for. We, too, must learn from that person and live a dignified life as well.

Second, a good leader must make the right decisions for the country. If one of the candidates wants to improve things like sheltering homeless people, preventing crimes, or making sure people are being treated equally, then they can be trusted to lead the Philippines. On the other hand, if someone just wants to make these problems worse, then it shall greatly affect the nation.

Finally, a good leader must have proper reasons for wanting to join the elections. An example of these reasons is helping our country improve and prosper, and we should keep this in mind, too.

In conclusion, we can all make a contribution to build a better Philippines. Even if some of us are unable to vote yet, we can also help by praying for and giving guidance to others who can vote. We all have a role to play in these times, so let us not waste this opportunity to help our country, for this can affect not only us, but the whole nation and our future.

A, 11 years old

We have an eleven year old! We just blinked and suddenly Aria is 11. Where did time actually go?!

We always ask Aria what she would like to do for her birthdays, or at least make her part of the planning when she was smaller. This time, everything for her celebration she planned by herself, and we just executed and supported her decisions.

On the first of August, when the hard lockdown was once again in effect, we asked her what she wanted to do. The first thing she had in mind: a birthday concert! And that she wanted to play violin, me play piano, and daddy play guitar for her.

She also asked if she can have a party for her friends online, similar to what we did last year. We cannot do this on her actual birthday, aside from it being her concert night, it was a schoolday, so we had it done the Sunday before her birthday.

Daddy chimed in the idea of sending food to her friends, so we did, with the help of Mcdonald’s McDelivery Send to Many. And since it was our first time to do this, we did it late, with some orders being made on the day of the party, but nevertheless, all orders were sent out successfully! Everyone had food to eat while the games were ongoing!

The party was a hit, kids from our different communities got to know each other and played with each other. Each of us prepared and facilitated the games – Pictionary via Zoom whiteboard, Alphabet Soup, and Kahoot, which Aria facilitated and was a big hit, that some kids played several more rounds after the party. It was so fun!

Our theme was Japan, as Aria’s latest favourite is Rurouni Kenshin, which she and her dad watched on Netflix on weekend (sometimes weekday) evenings after dinner, while I was still attending workshops or working.

BIRTHDAY CONCERT

On the day of her birthday, we had online mass and her favourite food delivered. Mommy took a day off from the kitchen! After lunch we began setting up and preparing for the highlight of her birthday–the concert!

The repertoire consisted of violin music and songs. She chose her most loved Suzuki pieces, and songs she sung with Daddy playing guitar or singing with her. We had to perform something with the three of us, so we decided on You raise me up by Josh Groban. So proud of how she put the repertoire together, and emceed a bit as well.

To make the concert more meaningful, we put up a donation drive, where viewers may donate any amount for Aria’s chosen charities. She chose Hospicio de San Jose, Philippine General Hospital, the Trappist Monastery in Guimaras, and the Shrine of Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

She truly enjoyed performing! Far off from when I was eleven. I mean, I have played for piano recitals, even danced the Binasuan by myself at that age, but performing for me back then was more like a chore. Aria, meanwhile, enjoys performing and rehearsing for it.

I am just so proud of this little lady, how she’s thrived especially with this situation we have. Her creativity, positivity, and religiosity sparked all the more, and we, her parents, are just in awe.

Watch her concert here: https://youtu.be/DVDSX_8kMS8