LOCSIN DANCE WORKSHOP'S 32ND SUMMER SHOWCASE

(Photos courtesy of Locsin Dance Workshop)

Ballet is one of the many art forms that are close to my heart. This love runs in our blood as my mom and my grandparents were also passionate about the performing arts and studied ballet, tap and jazz when they were young. I started dancing at the age of 6 under the tutelage of my mom’s friend and former dance teacher, Agnes Locsin. I put so much value in that experience as one Agnes Locsin is one country’s of the most progressive and celebrated choreographers. Despite the rigorous training and muscle pains, the dancing helped me develop a sense of discipline and greater appreciation for different art genres and media. 



 It’s heartwarming that my own daughter has inherited our family’s love for dancing. While her previous ballet schools have served their purpose in teaching her the basics of dancing, now I feel she’s ready and mature enough for in-depth training and new techniques. Her entry in Locsin Dance Workshop was just timely as this gave her a glimpse of a dancer’s life. Some of the principal dancers of Ballet Philippines were in town to train under teacher Agnes, and, in between their own sessions, the little ones were able to witness these master classes day in and day out.

 

The recently concluded Locsin Dance Workshop is probably one of the best this season has seen. The summer showcase this year not only featured new choreography and original storyline, it also gave the little ones an opportunity to dance side by side Ballet Philippines.

The matinee show featured Engkanto, Atbp., an all- ballet performance by students and professional dancers. The story depicted the importance of caring for our forests and respecting all spirits and creatures that inhabit them --- a theme that follows Agnes Locsin’s ecological advocacy. The audience was brought into trance wherein mythological creatures such as the manananggal, tikbalang, nuno sa punso, kapre, and the likes danced and pranced throughout the narrative. This was followed by Ballet Filipiniana which gave life to Filipino folk songs through classical ballet movements.

 

 

Pulso ng Dabaw performed by students of tap, hip-hop, jazz and modern ballet, encapsulated the many aspects that make Davao unique --- from music, lifestyle, politics and policies. One memorable parody from the show is the artistic approach to the buduts tunes.

Next to the dance concert came the most awaited part of the show which was performed solely by guest dancers from Ballet Philippines. It opened with the premiere of Biag Gaongen’s new choreography entitled Sukat na Sukat, followed by Agnes Locsin’s notable dance pieces Moriones, Salome and Igorot.

Typical of an Agnes Locsin choreography, which usually takes inspiration from the Philippine history and tribal culture, the buoyant movements exude poetic texture, precision, linear purity and fluidity. It was obvious that through the stringent traning given to them by teacher Agnes, the dancers have developed breathtaking dexterity and resilient energy.

 

 

Locsin Dance Workshop resumes classes in June 2014. Visit www.facebook.com/locsindanceworkshop for their list of classes and other updates.
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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A1 and A4, INdulge, Edge Davao, Vol. 7 Issue no. 52, 28 May 2014.

IT'S A PIECE OF CAKE

Who doesn't love cheesecakes? Every bite of this decadent, creamy, dreamy dessert always brings joy and satisfaction to any sweet tooth. It sweetens up any occasion, meal, and, in some cases, relationships and even career.

"Desserts brought me and my husband closer. We both love sweets and we'd always share a slice or two," reveals Aimee Go-Bonguyan, a proud homemaker and owner of Chloe's Cheesecake (a dessert factory offering bite sized cheesecakes).



Aimee Go-Bonguyan and her daughter, Chloe.

"Of all the pastries invented, cheesecake is my all-time favorite," shares Aimee. "Baking has always been my passion since I was in high school. I used to enjoy the no-bake recipe for cheesecake, but I eventually learned how to bake one. This love of cheesecakes followed me throughout my years in school and even during my travels. It was in one of those travels that I took time to immerse myself in the world of cheesecakes. I went around New York City to check out various shops known for their cheesecakes. If others splurged on shopping, museum visits, and watching plays in NYC, I was on a hunt for the perfect and unique cheesecake recipe and went on numerous food tastings. It was a delicious experience and research is always a good excuse to try different restaurants, especially when you're out of town. Everything I learned came in handy when I opened Chloe's Cheesecake in 2012."

 

Sweet beginnings
 

"My husband, Brian, and I have been together for many years before we decided to take the big leap. He was very supportive of my need for fulfillment in terms of career. I have a degree in Medical Technology and I worked in hospitals after graduating college. And then there was that short stint in a telecommunications company. Over time, I realized that what I really wanted was to work abroad. Soon, I landed a job with Qatar Airways. I worked as cabin crew for 4 years before residing back in Davao City."

Aimee and family

"Brian and I got married in 2010. Life after the wedding has been nothing but beautiful. We've been blessed with a daughter, Chloe, who is now 2 years old. I focused life around my family and thought of turning a hobby into a business (so it would never have to feel like work)."

 

"I opened Chloe's Cheesecake just in time for the Christmas season. Since then, business has been doing well. My main products are the baked cheesecakes which come in different flavors and toppings such as strawberry, blueberry, dulce de leche, mocha, chocolate, durian, chocolate chip and ube."

 

"Aside from my signature products, I also sell oatmeal fudge bars, choco moist and yema cupcakes, rainbow blondies, soft and chewy cookies and cake in jars. Other specialties include 3 oz cheesecakes in different variations --- Snickers, Oreo, KitKat and Black Forest. To this day, I have clients who order and ship boxes of our cakes to Cebu and Manila. There are even some who order in bulk for weddings and special occasions."

 

Striking balance

Aimee juggles work with motherhood. "I work around my daughter's schedule. I still devote time and energy to breastfeed my child and it gives me that satisfaction of being able nourish her with the best milk. I'm with my child day in and day out. Baking only comes in when Chloe is taking her nap or when my husband comes home and takes my place as Chloe's playmate. I'm lucky that I get to do my work in the comfort of my home, where I can still watch over my daughter. Family is one of the reasons why I chose to be self employed. I've fully committed myself to this family, but it doesn't mean that I'm not going to work anymore. I realized that it's important to invest in your skills and interest because these experiences and learnings will all come in handy eventually. I'm more than happy and grateful with our family and the life we lead. The success of my little business is just the icing on the cake."

For inquiries and orders, please follow and message Chloe's Cheesecake on Facebook or call 09321292220.
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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A1, INdulge, Edge Davao, Vol. 7 Issue no. 47, 21 May 2014.

 

CELEBRATING MOTHERHOOD

 

It’s that time of the year once again when mothers take center stage and all families unite in giving thanks to moms across the globe. This year, I not only pay tribute to my mom (who passed away in 2005), but also everyone around the world. I feel so blessed that I was given this column which celebrates moms and all our beautiful differences and triumphs. I’ve come to know more women and learned from their own challenges and experiences. From single-moms to mompreneurs, there really is so much to share and understand about the many facets of motherhood. I, for one, consider myself a work in progress and I am happy that I get first hand tips from other experienced moms.

It’s amazing how much motherhood changes one’s life for the better. Things that used to rock your world would later on turn out to be a spec you can shrug off your shoulder. You’re able to endure all wounds and take in all the cruelties of life, as long as those are thrown only at you and not your child. Your happiness doesn’t revolve around you anymore neither does it solely depend on anything that’s temporary and tangible. A simple smile or giggle injects energy into your system, relieving you from momentary worries and troubles. You acquire the heart of a lion, braving all odds just for the safety and comfort of your child.

 

Motherhood is just as challenging as it is rewarding. As much as anyone would wish that there’s a step by step guide in being a good mother, there really is no perfect formula in becoming one. Each mom has different challenges, different abilities and skills, and certainly different children. Imagine a mom of five, managing five different personalities and temperaments. You’d never know whose needs you have to prioritize first, but moms are able to rise above the endless tantrums and whining and provide all that’s necessary. Motherhood is like a rollercoaster ride that doesn’t end after a few rounds or when fuel runs out. Your duties and responsibilities go beyond the usual routine… Sometimes, even transcending on to family’s the next generation. Day in and day out, mothers face on different surprises on the battlefield, wiping sweat and tears and nurturing the future champions and icons. While there is more to motherhood than what meets the eye, sometimes the beauty of it can get lost in all chores, sleepless nights and noise. A mother’s love goes beyond words, and no amount of sweat and tears can put an end to their giving, loving, and caring.

 

To all fellow mothers, I salute you for your hard work, great love, resilience and selflessness. It’s sad that I don’t get to spend and share Mother’s Day with my mom. I am forever grateful to have been raised by such a gracious and selfless one. I can only wish to be half the mother she was, and I am still trying and learning. Motherhood is one of the greatest gifts I’ve been privileged to have, and I am proud to be a mom to one beautiful child who continues to understand and love me immensely despite my shortcomings and flaws. When motherhood gets tough, I try to remember the day it all began, the change it brought and the new experiences and opportunities it presented.  I always take a step back and remember that moment when my daughter, Tatiana, was born --- the moment when I’ve come to know the meaning of unconditional love simply by the touch of my baby’s hand. All that I am now and hope to be, I owe it to my mom and my daughter.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms around the world!
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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A1, INdulge, Edge Davao, Vol. 7 Issue no. 42 , 14 May 2014.

KIDS GONE CRAFT

Summer time is when most kids buzz with excitement and creativity. In between family holidays and adventures, parents find different ways to kill their children’s boredom by enrolling them in either sports or creative arts workshop. 

 

 

For quite a number of school holidays now, April San Pedro of Artisan Design Studio has been offering arts and crafts workshop for small groups of kids. Each 3-hour session varies and features different techniques in paper crafts and design solutions. Her equally talented sister, Sandy, who’s a bonafide pastry chef, also opened short-courses in baking which was attended by moms and children alike. Each program offers new and original ideas and every participant gets to take home a unique creation of their own.

 

This year, with her sister’s migration to Canada, April collaborated with polymer clay artist Kay Fanlo for a 2-day workshop for a group of 5 kids. Kay is widely known for her handmade success with pretty bits and pieces she creates out of polymer clay --- a hobby which she was able to turn into a business.

 

 

Dubbed as “Kids Gone Craft,” Kay and April’s art sessions taught little children techniques in clay art and fabric painting. “Kids all love clay,” explains Kay. “It’s easy to mold and shape. This time, they got to experiment with and bake polymer clay. Clay workshops are always fun and never boring, especially for young aspiring artists. This kind of activity helps develop motor skills and creativity and promotes problem solving.”

 

“My life as a graphic designer is not only focused on work,” shares April. “I also want to promote crafting among children. I started my creative arts workshop with the goal of providing a fun and non-competitive venue for kids to express their ideas and inner vision and build confidence through art.”

 

“Whatever project children are working on, the creative process also involves experimentation and taking risks. With this, they are able to manage their focus, try other solutions and enjoy what they are doing. I make sure I provide my students with visual and perceptual tools that are easy to learn and handle.”

 

 

As a mother, Kay understands the role of parents in promoting creativity among kids. “Parents need to pay close attention to their child’s interest and skills. We need to show them support so our children can build confidence in expressing their thoughts and vision, without thinking that they’re always wrong. We should celebrate the artist in them by giving them the opportunity to create in a vibrant, inspirational and exciting environment, whether at home or in a classroom.”

Follow Artisan Design Studio on Facebook to know more about upcoming workshops and events.---

Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A1 and A4, INdulge, Edge Davao, Vol. 7 Issue 37, 7 May 2014.