Stepping Out: Vacation vibes (First of three parts)
After wrapping up a particularly packed last-quarter calendar in 2024, Ballet Manila took a well-deserved breather. By this time, the company has already gone back to the studio for daily classes and rehearsals, with everyone eager for a coming milestone – the 30th performance season dubbed “The Pearl Year” opening in March. We caught up with some of BM’s finest to ask where they went and what they did to refresh and recharge during their recent break – and what they’re looking forward to in 2025.
LISA MACUJA ELIZALDE, artistic director
Travel destination: We went to LA to visit with the kids (Missy and Manuel). While there, we were actually able to visit the Getty Center and the Getty Villa before the fires started.
Trip highlights: Being able to greet the new year with both our children with us. The wildfires cut our trip shorter by two days but at the same time enabled our children to evacuate to our hotel with their pets. So we actually were able to spend quality time together in the hotel while anxiously watching the news on TV. I got very nervous when I got the evacuation warning on my phones twice which turned out to be a glitch. But nevertheless, it was still a wonderful way to begin the new year with our kids.
Toast to 2025: One more great year! I always believe that the best is always yet to come!
ROMEO PERALTA, principal dancer
Travel destination: Pico de Loro, Batangas.
Trip highlights: Quality family time and enjoying the breathtaking natural scenery.
Toast to 2025: For this year, it will be another busy year not just for the performing company, but also for the school (Lisa Macuja School of Ballet) – international shows, competitions, season shows, recitals, collaborations and Ballet Manila’s 30th anniversary! The company is blessed to have these opportunities. So many things to look forward to!
SEAN PELEGRIN, soloist
Travel destination: We went to Siquijor.
Trip highlights: Sobrang ganda po sa Siquijor, sobrang ganda ng mga beach doon. Sobrang linis, blue na blue at clear. We also went freediving. And it’s my first time trying to swim ng malalim sa dagat without a life vest.
Toast to 2025: Na mas magiging busy po kami this year sa BM. Excited na rin po ako sa lahat ng mga mangyayari with BM at sa mga dance na ibibigay sa akin this year. I’m also working hard para po mas mapabilis maging in shape after two weeks na break.
ABIGAIL OLIVEIRO, principal dancer
Travel destination: We went home to Melbourne, Australia!
Trip highlights: Spending quality time with my husband, friends and family, also my godmother – just enjoying being present with everyone. I also did a photoshoot with Energetiks (as brand ambassador) at a breathtaking beach in Sorrento! It was a really gorgeous summer. We hardly took any (vacation) photos, totally unintentional. We were just really living a normal life.
Toast to 2025: I always look forward to growing, learning and fueling the passion. To keep developing. I look forward to opportunities to share the art form whether it be performing, teaching or just even having a nice conversation. An absolute “Cheers!” to new discoveries!
