Barbie in Pink on tiptoe

When it comes to Barbie Dolls and the history of the world’s best-loved “baby that doesn’t grow old,” you have to consult Funfare’s “other beauty expert” Celso de Guzman Caparas who is hands-down a know-it-all specialist.

Don’t look now but Celso has dozens of Barbie Dolls in his prize collection that also includes vintage photos (etc.) of showbiz stars tightly-guarded in a big bayong. Yes, Celso was Funfare’s source of the few Barbie stories that have been featured in this corner — from Barbie Dolls that look like Hollywood stars and royalties to Barbie Dolls garbed in holiday fineries.

Two Saturdays ago, Celso rushed to the SM Aura Premier at The Fort, Taguig City, for the launch of the Barbie Doll in Pink Shoes toy collection.

Inspired by the movie of the same title released earlier this year, the collection includes Barbie as the lead character Kristyn Farraday who embarks on a magical journey and learns that when you dance, dreams do come true.

“When she tries on a pair of sparkling pink shoes, she’s whisked away to a fantastic ballet world,” reported Celso. â€œThe doll captures her transformation with a fashion ensemble that changes from an elegant purple and blue to a stunning pink and red.”

Also in the collection are Prince Siegfried, Kristyn’s handsome dancing partner in a dashing purple jacket and gray tights royally accessorized with a red sash and black boots; Giselle and Odette dressed in the color themes and icons from the classical ballets Giselle and Swan Lake, “with articulated legs which girls can make them dance” and three graceful princess ballerinas “with realistic arm poses recreating a key dance from the movie, wearing a sparkling gem-encrusted bodice, sweet tutu and princess tiara.”

The crowd was treated to excerpts from Giselle, Swan Lake and Barbie in the Pink Shoes: Keep on Dancing, gracefully interpreted by Ballet Philippines dancers. Young girls had a blast at the Barbie make-over session and showed their artistic prowess in painting and drawing.

Besides Celso, also spotted at the affair was Gladys Reyes with her kids, seven-year-old Christophe, four-year-old Aquisha and two-year-old Grant.

Added Celso, “The guests and members of the media were warmly welcomed by Liann P. Eugenio, Media/PR Supervisor, and Pamela VC. Garcia, brand manager of Richprime Global, Inc., local distributor of Mattel products.”

(E-mail reactions at entphilstar@yahoo.com. You may also send your questions to askrickylo@gmail.com. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.)