Flamenco star arrives in Manila

Spain’s famed flamenco star and her dance troupe caused a stir among their fellow passengers as well as airport personnel at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminal yesterday.

Sara Baras and the Ballet Flamenco Sara Baras, which includes eight dancers and seven musicians, arrived at the country after disembarking from Thai Airways Flight TG 620 at around 3:30 p.m.

It was learned that Baras’ group was recognized by several passengers.

Filipinos, as well as Spanish and other European expatriates, will be given a chance to watch the group perform in Manila in a scheduled performance tonight at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theater at 8 p.m., made possible by the Instituto Cervantes, the cultural arm of the Spanish Embassy .

Baras in her CCP performance tonight, will perform Suenos (Dreams), her much-acclaimed traditional flamenco show that made history with a record-breaking five-month, sold-out performances in Madrid.

The Spanish Embassy this October is spearheading the celebration on Fiesta, the month-long Spanish festival for culture and the arts, which is now on its fifth year in the country, having gained a remarkable significance in the cultural scene in Manila and Cebu.

Baras, it was learned, has been voted as the "Face of Andalusia" and even has her own postage stamp in Spain. She has modeled both on the runway and in print for Cartier.

She had twice been honored with Spain’s most prestigious dance award, the Premio Nacional de Danza.