I’m so thrilled to finally have written for Rappler! For my first piece, I chose to share the story of ballerina Candice Adea‘s historic win at the Helsinki International Ballet Competition. Helsinki is one of the four major ballet tilts in the world, and Candice is the first Filipino ballet dancer, male or female, to ever place FIRST in a major ballet competition. In 2010, she also placed second in another major ballet competition, the USA International Ballet Competition, the “Olympics” of ballet.

She bests the record of even Lisa Macuja and some of her “idols” who have come before her.

I first met Candice while doing a story for the April-May issue of VAULT Magazine. She came across as light and quite “perky”, although she didn’t seem flighty in thought. She spoke about her mission to uplift Philippine ballet and the arts so that the world will come to know the Philippines not just for Manny Pacquiao. She has placed a large mission upon her shoulders, and her achievements show that she is very capable of achieving this lofty mission.

PERFECTION. Candice Adea and Jean Marc Cordero in stunning form, performing Esméralda’s Grand Pas De Deux, choreographed by their mentor, Victor Ursabia. Photo by Sakari Viika / Helsinki International Ballet Competition

HIGH UP. The duo show their strength, power and grace. Photo by Sakari Viika / Helsinki International Ballet Competition

This story is truly inspiring, and it shows us all that there is so much more that Philippine arts and culture can produce and achieve with the proper support. How can we let talent like this go to waste?

Read the full post on Rappler.com by clicking HERE.

To learn more about how you can support Ballet Philippines, visit their website HERE.