Fil-Canadian performs in Cirque du Soleil Manila show 'Saltimbanco'

Filipino-Canadian Adrian Andres is one of the stars in the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil show “Saltimbanco,” which is showing at the Mall of Asia in Pasay from August 9 to 19.  

Andres, 40, was born in Canada to Filipino parents. A guitarist for the Cirque, he is one of some 50 other members from more than 20 countries.  

In an interview with GMA News reporter Dano Tingcungco for the news program “Saksi,”  Andres shared his excitement over visiting the birthplace of his parents.  

“That show is incredible. It’s still really cool to me after three and a half years and you know, coming to a place, visiting the Philippines, seeing all these places around the world it’s amazing especially here where my parents are from,” Andres said.  

According to an entry from the blog site Recycle Bin of a Middle Child, Andres became a member of the "Saltimbanco" three-and-a-half years ago.  

He came from a band in the US and auditioned for the job in the hopes of honing his musical skills.  

When asked what he feels about "Saltimbanco" being in the Philippines, he replied: “It’s a big thing, it’s a really big thing. I’m very happy to be here.”

 

Saltimbanco  

According to the official website of the show, the term Saltimbanco is taken from the Italian phrase "saltare in banco” meaning "to jump on a bench."  The show "Saltimbanco" is described as “an abundance of joyful and colorful acrobatics in a metropolis.”

The show is said to be a visual and musical masterpiece that explores an urban experience in the heart of a city in ways that will pique the senses.

In an interview with “Saksi,” Maxime Charbonneau, Saltimbanco publicist, said the show is one-of-a-kind.

“It’s been pretty much everywhere around the world. It’s the only show from Cirque which played in 6 different continents and it’s a classic Cirque du Soleil show,” he said. - VVP, GMA News