Sabarre and Dance Students: A Big Hit in Tacloban Festivities

Odon Sabarre, the first artist in residence of Region 8, together with his dance students gave outstanding performances in Tacloban City’s Sto. Niño Fiesta celebration.

Their first performance was last June 22 at the Kasadya Park which featured the 75 Summer Dance Students (ages from 3 to 17) of the People’s Center School of Dance last April and May 2008, where he is the artistic director.

Their repertoire included Swan Lake Act II, Hawaiian and Tahitian dances choreographed by Baby Dario, modern and ballroom dances choreographed by Pearly Dawn Sabarre and an interpretative number called The Group which Sabarre danced as the Leader.

Special guest stars were Ednah Ledesma, world’s Latin ballroom champion who gave a flawless performance together with her excellent and dashing partner Miguel dela Cerna.

The place was jam packed especially since it was given free to the public through the sponsorship of Leyte Governor Jericho “Icot” Petilla and PAGCOR vice president Remedios “Matin” Petilla.

Other sponsors were PCSO Directors Gabriel Claudio and Victor Domingo, Congresswoman Carmen Cari, PNU President Lutgardo Barbo, Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia, Congressman Emil Ong, KASALE’s President Aurelio Menzon, Asia Stars Hotel through Jack and Nelia Uy and Sabarre’s Friends of the Arts. Sabarre was so thrilled that the over-all chairman of the Pintados Kasadyaan Festival Matin Petilla congratulated him a lot of times for a very successful performance.

Their second outstanding performance was last June 28 in the Amphitheater in Balyuan Park upon the invitation of the Hermano Mayor Family of God’s Little Children Foundation Center through Fr. Bart Pastor and Annie Corpin, and Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez and wife Cristina. Most applauded in that performance was Sabarre’s choreography of Ballroom Medley and the Makati Bugle Corps, courtesy of Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.

Their third performance was last July 2 for the birthday of former first lady of the Philippines Madame Imelda R. Marcos at the Sto. Niño Shrine.

In attendance were the celebrator’s daughter Irene Araneta, son Congressman Bongbong Marcos, close kin, Congressman and Mrs. Martin and Yedda Romualdez, Mayor and Mrs. Alfred and Christina Romualdez, former Leyte Governor and Mrs. Kokoy and Juliette Romualdez with Philip and Marian, some of her former Blue Ladies and former high school classmates in Tacloban City.

Sabarre was overwhelmed with the praises he received from all of them after their splendid performance. Irene Araneta and Bongbong Ramos hugged Sabarre for they have not seen him for more than 20 years and were delighted to see him still up and kicking with his craft. “You look young and wonderful. Ako matanda na, tingnan mo ang mga putting buhok ko,” said Bongbong. “Ano ang sikreto mo? Bakit di ka tumatanda? Kumain ka ng ‘lawot-lawot’ ano?” teased Irene.

At present, together with his daughter Pearly Dawn, he handles the dance classes every Saturday at the People’s Center in Tacloban City.

He also teaches the Physical Fitness Program of DPWH through Asec Jaime Pacanan, PNP though General Abner Cabalquinto and DEPED though Director Sol Matugas. He also teaches the Fitness Program every Tuesday and Thursday (5-6pm) at the SMED and Saturday and Sunday (6-7pm) at the Family Park. This is for free through the sponsorship of Leyte Governor Jericho Icot Petilla and PAGCOR vice president Remedios Petilla.