Ballet Manila receives standing ovation in Ireland

Ballet Manila, one of the Philippines’ classical ballet companies, had a successful maiden tour in Ireland, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said over the weekend. The troupe earned praise from the Philippine Embassy in Dublin for its show dubbed “Philippine Ballet Gala Concert-East Meets West," according to a DFA statement. Performing for Ballet Manila was Liza Macuja-Elizalde, the first Philippine ballerina and the artistic director of the troupe, the DFA said. “You are a great ambassador for Philippine culture and the arts," Philippine Ambassador Ariel Abadilla told Elizalde after the Dublin finale, according to the DFA. Abadilla was “very pleased" with the media reviews and the reaction of the predominantly Irish audience, the DFA said, noting that members of the audience gave the finale a standing ovation. In the audience were two Irish cabinet ministers and several Irish government and business personalities, according to the DFA. Producing the shows in Ireland were Dublin-based Filipina trader Teresa Adaya-Meaney and her Detail Design Production. The DFA said, “[The shows] aimed to raise the profile of the Filipino community in Ireland by showcasing the talent and world-class artistry of Filipinos." On the other hand, it said Filipinos in the audience were “visibly touched" by the nationalistic elements in the repertoire. “The show made us so proud to be Filipinos," the DFA quoted a long-time Filipino resident in Ireland as saying. — JE, GMA News