Belly Dancer in Manila

Alf Leila Wa Leila Choreography

2010-12-16T23:19:00.000-08:00

I've always wanted to choreograph classic Egyptian music. I've always veered toward Turkish or Egyptian pop for my classes, mainly because it's easier to choreograph and easier for students to memorize. Pop is, well, predictable: 32 counts here, 32 counts there, chorus, rinse and repeat.

Classic Egyptian music is unpredictable. You don't know when the beat will change, when the instruments will come in, when it's going to speed up or slow down.

And that's exactly what makes it beautiful.

It might be difficult for my memory, but seeing it all come together makes it worth it.

Anyway, it's been a crazy month. With all the shows for Christmas parties, I am glad to have the time to update. I'll update more when I have a chance to grab pics. Until then :)

Waka Waka Choreography

2010-09-19T21:36:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. The World Cup fever has died down like a month ago. But still, this is one fun dance. Shakira does another "dance-able-can't-stop-moving-to-the-beat" hit again.

Canon Pixma Launch - September 2, 2010 - Establishment, The Fort

2010-09-19T21:28:00.000-07:00

4 bellydancers plus 6 printers. We thought we were all that...until the Ms. Earth pageant titlists showed up. Hmp. :p

Bellydance Superstar Visits Manila!

2010-08-10T20:48:00.000-07:00

I got so excited the first time I heard that someone was bringing in the Bellydance Superstars in Manila. World famous bellydancers don't usually come to Manila. This is precisely why a lot of us Manila-based dancers travel to Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and China to attend workshops. So when That's D Pointe announced that Moria and Petite Jamilla were coming over, I immediately thought of all the money I will save -- no more airplane rides to enjoy a workshop.

So on August 6, we booked Moria for a private workshop (my first time to book someone for a private workshop. I usually attend the public classes). Petite Jamilla wasn't able to make it because of a family emergency. That's ok though, one teacher is better than none at all!

Moria taught us a tribal fusion choreography. The muscle work was difficult, but it's learn-able with a lot of patience and strength training.

On August 8, we attended a hafla with the workshop participants, with of course, Moria as the special guest.

Habibi Ya Eini and Tabel Ya Issam - Choreography

2010-08-03T19:22:00.000-07:00

Another choreography completed by my lovely students. Two songs this time!

Bellydancing with KC Concepcion - July 1, 2010

2010-07-04T17:30:00.000-07:00

So during my birthday, I got the rare treat to do a shoot with KC Concepcion for her morning show "Simply KC". The guest for the day was Vina Morales, and the topic was motherhood. So you ask me, what the hell does motherhood have to do with belly dancing?

Well, easy! Fitness is something moms forget because they get too caught up in daily errands. So a fun way to keep fit is by engaging in sports and other activities. In this case, belly dancing was the activity of choice. Yay!

Drama Queen, Veil Dance - Complete Choreography

2010-06-06T19:09:00.000-07:00

We've finally completed the Drama Queen choreography! A big round of applause to my students, who executed the choreography well. Those eight sessions of sweat, body pain, and sore muscles were worth it after seeing this. Until the next choreography!

Turkce Yer Belly Dance Night - May 20 '10

2010-06-06T18:58:00.000-07:00

Another show at Turkce Yer, this time with another enigmatic dancer - Kim Kong. We decided to do a spontaneous number together, using Tabel Ya Issam, a song we've both used for previous performances. Oh, we had so much fun! Here is the outcome:

It was my lucky night -- a talented photographer, Bert Aricheta, was taking pictures that night.

Drama Queen, Veil Dance Choreography

2010-05-20T17:47:00.000-07:00

Here we are again with our dance class videos! My students are starting to hate me for posting videos publicly. But ladies, there is nothing to be ashamed of, I mean, look at your progress!

For this workshop, we're doing a veil choreography, by special request. The students wanted to use props, and I think the veil is perfect for their first exposure to belly dance props. This is us at the 5th lesson for this workshop, the choreography is about 2/3 done. Stay tuned for the complete dance, I should be posting that within 2 weeks.

Turkce Yer Belly Dance Night - April 30 '10

2010-05-20T17:39:00.000-07:00

This was a special show, as there were 3 soloists performing - all with different styles. Aside from myself, there was Jill and Rosanna. Here's hoping we all dance together again soon.

Rajiv's 25th Birthday, March 20, Manila Yacht Club

2010-04-11T19:14:00.000-07:00

This guy knows how to celebrate "quarter life" with a "splash". His secretary called me to ask about my availability, then passed the phone to Rajiv. We talked for a few minutes, he promised to call back soonest, and after 5 minutes, the phone rings -- and voila! I'm booked! Efficient, decisive and as he calls himself -- "obsessive compulsive".

I met him over coffee a few days before the party to discuss the event. He briefed on what will be happening (party at a yacht with a Mediterranean theme, catering by Persia grill, he hired a DJ, fireworks, etc.), something that a lot of clients don't immediately discuss with me unless I ask. Like I said, this guy is efficient, and I'm liking it.

Fun party overall. My show finished before the yacht sailed around the bay, so I wasn't able to witness how much fun they had. Happy Birthday Rajiv!

Tabi Tabi Choreography - Complete choreography

2010-04-05T20:11:00.000-07:00

Here it is finally! After one cycle of the workshop (8 sessions), we have finally completed the choreography. However, the minute the students found out that I was filming this, they conveniently moved away from the camera ;P. Doesn't matter if you're camera shy or not, but bravo to my students for having enough storage in their memory banks to execute a 5-minute dance. :)

By request, I will be teaching a veil dance for the next workshop. Till then!

Tabi Tabi Choreography - the first half

2010-03-17T19:27:00.000-07:00

My New Year's resolution was to keep a video archive of my choreographies. It's such a shame not to record them, because I completely forget each choreography after a month or so. I wish I had done this sooner! It would've been great to see how sucky my previous choreographies were. :p

This is especially useful if I want to re-use or re-hash these for future use. It's also great for students, because they're able to see and monitor their progress (this works for my technique for the same reason too!).

So here's the first half of Tabi-Tabi. Watch out for the complete choreography in the coming weeks.

*Note: This class is a mixed level class. Some have been taking my class for years, and some have been taking my class for 4 sessions. So you might notice that some are more comfortable with the movements than others. But like I always say, we'll all get there!

Erica Honrado Debut - February 27 - Blue Leaf, Taguig

2010-03-05T02:40:00.000-08:00

Oh Erica. How do I begin to describe her?
Vibrant. Not quite.
Enigmatic. Hmmm.
Explosive. Tsk.

It's difficult to describe her, you have to EXPERIENCE her. I was lucky enough to be given a chance to teach her a choreography for her 18th coming out party. Erica and I got along the first time we met. She immediately got the choreography after 1 session (because she has dance experience, hence the quick pick-up), and we continued on with 3 more sessions for polishing and memory work.

And she did wonderfully during her big day. I'm so proud!

University Week at DLSU - February 19 - Taft Ave, Manila

2010-03-05T02:32:00.000-08:00

The student council of DLSU invited me to dance for an afternoon show during their University Week. It was an outdoor show, the stage was set up in the middle of the field. There were rides, booths, and a bazaar happening that day.

The outdoor stage killed me though. Summer in Manila is blazing hot. And the stage absorbed the heat. Ouch, my toes. My feet. I was getting crossed-eyed. I felt the blisters forming. It hurt, but alas, the show must go on. It was fun nevertheless, but next time, I will bring dance sandals!

Maya Kitchen Mediterranean Party

2010-02-21T19:34:00.000-08:00

The Maya Kitchen at Pasay Road, Makati, introduced their Mediterranean cuisine cooking classes to the press and some VIPs. Overall good show with a very appreciative (but shy) audience. Only the men were persuaded to dance!

This costume has been sitting in my closet for 3 years now. I bought it during my trip to Bali, but I hadn't had the chance to alter it. I'm glad I finally did, and it finally makes its debut.

Ringga Ringga Choreography

2010-02-10T15:52:00.000-08:00

From the movie soundtrack of "Slum Dog Millionaire". The students loved the music!

2010-02-02T17:07:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth Gilbert, author of "Eat, Pray, Love", speaks about the creative process. I'm pretty much sure that everybody who has created anything in his life has felt this anxiety. That feeling of being squeezed dry from trying to give birth to an idea that desperately needed to be translated to reality.

I am reminded of all those moments when I dreaded going to class or to a show, because I felt the choreography I prepared wasn't good enough. But yet, I promise that I will keep showing up.

"This is hard. This is one of the most painful reconciliations to make in a creative life. But maybe it doesn't have to be quite so full of anguish. If you never happened to believe in the first place that the most extraordinary aspects of your being came from you -- maybe if you just believed that they were on loan to you, from some unimaginable source for some exquisite portion of your life, to be passed along when you're finished with somebody else. If we think about it this way, it starts to change everything."

"Don't be afraid. Don't be daunted. Just do your job. Continue to show up for your piece of it, whatever that might be. If your job is to dance, do your dance. If the divine, cockeyed genius assigned to your case decides to let some sort of wonderment be glimpsed for just one moment through your efforts, then ole. And if not, do your dance anyhow. And ole to you nonetheless. I believe this and I feel we must teach it. Ole to you nonetheless, just for having the sheer human love and stuborness to keep showing up."

Turkce Yer Bar and Restaurant Opening, December 10 '09, Timog Q.C.

2010-01-03T19:35:00.000-08:00

Leigh and Zeyne Tatli manage and own the newest Turkish restaurant at 35 Timog Avenue, QC -- Turkce Yer Bar and Restaurant.

The grand opening was graced by the presence of the Ambassador to Turkey, among other special guests. Try it out, the food is good and the prices are reasonable. I danced three sets, which was good fun, because the crowd was very appreciative. There might be regular bellydance nights there in the near future, so watch out for further announcements.

Tamminy Aleek Choreography - Before and After

2009-12-10T21:57:00.000-08:00

Hakim is always fun to dance to. Here is a Hakim hit - Tamminy Aleek - I choreographed for my belly dance class.

Before: This is me giving out instructions.

After: Finished product. My students are awesome.

Aaja Nachle Choreography

2009-12-10T21:18:00.000-08:00

As a teacher, there is no greater joy than seeing your students do something they never thought they can do. This is a beginner's class, and these ladies have taken the belly dance class for about a month. Some started as awkward dancers, very unsure of how capable they are or insecure of how to move their bodies. The end result is something I, and most especially they, can be proud of.

The music is from the Bollywood hit, Aaja Nachle.

Here is another version I choreographed for the ADB Dance Guild:

Alo Youth Drink Launch - Manila Polo Club, November 10 '09

2009-11-11T21:15:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, another big event, where, for a change, us bellydancers weren't the ones with the least amount of clothing on. :)

Hosted by Tim Yap and Tessa Prieto Valdes. 10 gorgeous models. 2 Russian pole dancers. 3 Yogis. And a lot of society people.

With the Japanese-Brazilian model we all love.

Me and Ros.

Group pic where I insisted to pose differently. Bleh.

With Angel, who works the pole effortlessly!

Yes, I got married! - Caleruega, Sonya's Garden, September 26 '09

2009-10-11T21:38:00.000-07:00

Daniel and I got married during one of the angriest typhoons that hit the Philippines. But that didn't stop us from saying "I do". And guess what I choreographed for our first dance?

We are grateful for all the love we felt that day. Much love to our family and friends.

Mourning for Cory and the Arts Community

2009-08-01T21:52:00.000-07:00

I never thought I'd be this much affected. It has been a tough week for the Philippines, as a friend said "Nag-quota na si God sa Philippines this week". The biggest tragedy perhaps is that Cory Aquino, the icon for freedom and respect for the constitution, died on August 1. The Philippines just felt a little unsafer for me and many others at this point.

This feeling stems from a culmination of events. The arts community has been hit this week by the proclamation of the new National Artists. To give you a background, the arts community in this country has been struggling to be taken seriously. Now there has been talk that Carlo J. Caparas, a filmmaker, and Cecile Guidote Alvarez, a theater stalwart, have been proclaimed as National Artists. I am not here to lambast these two and say they don't deserve it. I am in no position and have no right to say that. They create art in their own way, as all artists are wont to do.

What affects me immensely is the disrepect for the protocol. The process is this: Selection committee names candidates > deliberation happens > awards are announced.

Now the two are named National artists without going through the process. Someone from up there just said, hey, I think these two are cool, let's just give them the award. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a great disservice to the community.

I've seen talented friends give up their would-be careers in art, because they lost faith in the system. Simply put, they weren't taken seriously. I've seen the exodus of Philippine talent go to Hong Kong and work in Disneyland because it was a job that paid well. These are people who are well respected in the theater and dance community, who can change lives in our country, but couldn't -- well, because they needed to survive.

The National Artist slate isn't just a trophy to massage egos. It is a validation that indeed, there is hope that artists will be appreciated and taken seriously. A validation that disproves how some people see art as frivolous and unnecessary. With total disrespect for something as simple as a process...what message does that send? I feel as if little by little, my freedom and rights are taken away from me.

Cory fought for freedom and democracy. Democracy is something we enjoy unconsciously in our daily lives. You like watching the teleseryes on ABS-CBN? Well, guess what, you're watching that right now because of Cory. You like walking around without a curfew in the evening? Yup, democracy. You like the fact that your government is accountable to you? That is freedom.

One of the most touching speeches I've heard was when Cory claimed that "this is my contract with the people". Her contract of accountability to the nation. If something as "little" as the process of giving out an award is disrespected, then I'm afraid for the bigger things that can happen/is happening. We need to keep being angry. Once you stop being angry, then it is hope you're giving up. Or worse, it would mean that you're accepting this as a way of life.

I still have hope for this nation, and I promise to keep fighting the good fight in my own little way. Because if not, then I might as well give up my rights as a Filipino.

Circo De Baila - June 14, 2009

2009-07-01T22:08:00.001-07:00

At Baila Dance Studio's circus-themed recital last June 14 at the Insular Theater Alabang.

Everyone's faces were painted, the kids danced hiphop in animal costumes (cute!), there were dancing magicians, mimes, the excellent gymnasts. I could go on and on. And of course, the superb choreography. One of Baila's best productions, I must say.

I danced Flamenco Oriental by Dalida. Will post a video once it's uploaded :)

Orientalia Festival at Hong Kong

2009-05-28T21:56:00.000-07:00

I realized that I haven't written about one of the most important dance experiences I've had thus far. I need to share this, for the sake of dancers who want to go professional, and for those who are too afraid/embarrassed/shy to start taking up formal dance lessons.

I've spent most of my life onstage -- starting with annual piano recitals (for 13 years), then moving onto theater (6 years), then finally dance (13 years and counting). I stuck with dance, because this is the medium where I can express myself most.

Don't get me wrong -- I loved playing music (I even experimented with the violin for a year) and I loved acting. But to dance! To dance is a combination of all this: of music, of acting, of being yourself.

I've had my share of inspiring (and scary) dance mentors. Discipline-wise, I think I learned a lot from Powerdance, where the mantra was "bawal magmukhang tanga" and where some teachers resort to mild physical and verbal abuse just for you to get it right. I didn't mind, because learning the technique was well worth the pain and the injury. :) If you want to go pro, Powerdance is one of the best dance companies in Manila to train with. But if you want to have fun dance lessons without the stress, this isn't probably the place for you.

But the most inspiring teacher to note was Tamalyn Dallal. Her humility and ability to inspire astound me. Learning from her changed a lot about my perspective of myself as a dancer...so much that it altered my dance style and technique.

Ok warning, cliche coming up. I've been guilty of throwing around the term "dancing from the heart", thinking that I fully understood what this meant. Yes, I feel the music pulsating when I dance. And my body reacts, moving along with the rhythm. I probably understood it on a somewhat superficial level. Tamalyn opened my eyes, and not only made me understand, but actually made me feel what it was like to dance from the heart. I cannot fully explain how this happened, but I guess her love for dance just overflows and is so sincere that it rubs off on the dancers she mentors.

On my way back to Manila, there was just one thing going on in my mind: What the heck am I doing?

My favorite thing about traveling is that it shatters you, both in a good and bad way. You thought you knew things, huh. Try meeting with 20+ dancers from different countries and you'll realize that YOU DON'T EFFING KNOW A THING.

Traveling has a way of shattering your perceptions and validates that you know nothing about the world. In this case, it validated that I don't know jack about dance. Years of learning, and I suddenly realize that well... I know nothing. Being exposed to people who have actually lived with the people, intensively studied the culture, interacted and danced with real people from the middle east, is an eye opener. Tamalyn Dallal is a true artist at heart. It is humbling to meet someone who is a superstar in my eyes, but is kind, warm and says that she herself is still learning about the craft. 30+ years of dancing, and she is still discovering new things.

I have a long way to go.

Here's hoping that all dancers, even once on their lives, meet someone like her.

Videos, finally!

2009-04-17T01:55:00.001-07:00

So whenever we get inquiries about our performances, potential clients always ask us if we have any videos of our performances. In this day and age of the internet, it's not very difficult to Youtube our performances, right? Right?

Well, uh, sadly, for the past 4 years or so, I've always directed clients to this blog to check out the pictures, and to see where we've performed and who we've performed for. I shamefully admitted that we didn't have videos, and hoped that the pictures would suffice. I guess that kinda worked because we've gotten enough clients who see us "perform" through photos. Thank you for trusting us!

But now, voila! We have a total of 2 videos available for online viewing. It's a good start. And hopefully, people record more of our performances and post it online. Ch-ch-ch-check us out:

Baila Dance Studio Recital, June 2008 at the RCBC Theater in Makati
Aryn, Ros, Monica and me are joined by Tonette (another teacher at Baila) and Inka, a student at Baila

Ayala Land Premiere Sales Kick-Off Event, January 2009 at The Embassy in Taguig
A short clip of me, Ros, Aryn, Mons and Carmelle at a super energetic party. This performance was fun, because you can just feel the electricity in the air.

So that's that, we are now high-tech. Hooray for us.

Updates, updates!

2009-03-02T17:41:00.000-08:00

I'm such a terrible updater, but here are the going-ons for the past few months. I don't have photos of all the events I've performed at (like the Zonta Christmas Party, DAP Anniversary), but this'll have to do for now :)

San Miguel Oktoberfest 2008
September 5, 2008 at San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas

This was the opening party for Oktoberfest (I know Oktoberfest in September, confusing right?). San Miguel decided to have a 120-day party, that starts in September and ends in December. Highlight of the event is 3rd Eye Blind performing. We don't have photos of us performing, but we have photos of us backstage hanging out.

Anthony Genuino's 27th Birthday
November 29, 2008 at Los Banos Laguna

Ok, so this guy knows how to throw a party. It was a middle eastern themed event. Aside from bellydancers, he also had fire dancers (hello PlanetZips!), 40 (yes, this isn't a typo) party ambassadors (a.k.a. pretty girls hired to mingle with guests), an all-girl show band, and live drummers.

Two Ayala Land Premier Events

We performed at their Christmas Party at Shangri-La Makati last December, and I guess they liked us, because they invited us again for their year-opener celebration in January at Embassy.

JWT Christmas Party
December 19, 2009 at Hierarchy Bar, Fort Bonifacio

At the JWT Boho-themed Christmas Party. A good friend, Janlo Cui, invited me to open the show.

Lomibao-Coloma Wedding
January 3, 2009 at 1 Esplanade

Middle-eastern themed wedding that was super cool because we performed with live music, played by the Philharmonic Orchestra.

Bohemian Party Teaser at JWT

2008-11-27T19:27:00.000-08:00

So the creative folks at JWT will be having a bohemian/gypsy inspired theme for their Christmas party on Dec. 19. As part of their party teaser, they decided to have a belly dancer strut around the office (with live bongo drumming c/o Iking and tambourines smashing and girls cheering) during a normal office day. What a fun office! Read more about it here.

Orientalia 2008

2008-10-23T23:18:00.000-07:00

Hello kids,

If by any chance any of you (or anyone you know) would be interested to see a whole UN assembly (hehe) of belly dancers perform onstage, then please join me (reprezent!), and a whole lot of talented dancers from the the US, Indonesia, Egypt, India, Canada, Hong Kong, Shanghai, etc, etc. I could go on and on.

ORIENTALIA 2008
Hong Kong City Hall Theatre
November 9, 2008
3:00 pm

A showcase of the dances of the Orient, including Ethnic Dance, Belly Dance, and other Middle Eastern Dance & Music

You can find more information at:
www.christian-action.org.hk/orientalia

Proceeds will go to Christian Action - Domestic Helpers and Migrant Workers Programme. And we all know how many dear Filipino domestic helpers are in Hong Kong, so this is for a good cause for our OFWs. :)

Dance workshops will also be held throughout the week. Check out www.christian-action.org.hk/orientalia/workshops.html for rates and schedule.

1st Movement Studio Recital - June 6 - Rockwell Tent, Makati

2008-07-29T19:44:00.000-07:00

Our mother hen, Lala Dinglasan, held the very first dance recital for her dance studio -- Movement Dance Studio in Greenhills (Call 7217711 for more info). There were tiny bellydancers, hip hoppers, jazz-ers, sexy pole dancers, a fire dancer, flamenco folks and just plain crazy people (us).

Qatar Airways Event - March 7, Shangri-La Makati

2008-07-29T19:34:00.000-07:00

Qatar Airways held a charming middle-eastern themed event for their beloved clients. We performed to live music c/o a cool cool percussion group (rockstars!), the Bahaghari Drum Ensemble.

Girls Got Game Camp, May 17, Blue Eagle Gym - Ateneo

2008-07-29T19:00:00.000-07:00

Aaah, nice to be back in Katipunan. After so-so number of years, I get to go back to Ateneo for another activity for the Nike "This is Love" campaign. It's a privelege to give something back to an institution that has given me so much (I actually started dancing seriously during my days in this university). Mico Halili, sportscaster and visionary extraordinaire, founded the Girls Got Game Camp (3G), a basketball camp for high school girls. You should listen to Mico talk about his effort of uplifting sports training for women. It's truly inspiring.

My job was to give these athletes a short demo on bellydancing during the camp and give them a talk about my passion for dance. I know, basketball and bellydancing do not go together. But the goal was to make them aware of other activities they can pursue. The grace of dance will be helpful for them to bring in the court.

It wasn't easy for me, because these were hardcore basketball buffs. I didn't know how to make them relate to Middle Eastern dance. I don't play basketball, and a lot of these girls don't do the dance thing. So I told them that we had a common denominator, that is passion for what we do.

The demo was a riot, because this was a bunch of rowdy girls. I had fun, and it looked like they did too (I hope!).

Nike Women Bellydance Video

2008-05-18T23:09:00.000-07:00

Nike "This is Love" Activities and Updates

2008-04-16T17:39:00.000-07:00

Seen in the Philippine Daily Inquirer: For the Love of Sport by Jenni Epperson

Heard on NU 107: University Rock hosted by Lia Cruz and George Rocha
April 7, 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm

University Rock airs Mondays at NU 107, from 9 to 10 pm. Thank you to Lia and George for making my first time on radio fun. Special shout out to Trina Alejo and Mico Halili for being very accommodating (and understanding, haha). I was actually there early in the morning on a legal Phil. Holiday, thinking that the show airs at 9 in the morning. So I was lounging around the NU office waiting for Trina, when I realized that…yes, the show airs 9 IN THE EVENING (I know, smart, right?). So I just went home and came back. It was worth it though because I had fun.

Watch out for the other Nike Women Ambassadors in the coming weeks. Check out the schedule and photos at universityrock.multiply.com.

Will be seen at: Girls Got Game Camp

The Nike Women Ambassadors will be at the Girls Got Game Camp on May 17 to talk about our love of sports. There will also be demo classes during the day.

So have you signed up for the free sports/dance classes yet? Go, go, go to www.nikewomen.com.ph/thisislove now. The more sports you sign up for, the more chances you get to claim the “I Do” card, which entitles you to discounts at Nike Women stores.

Nike Women Ambassador: This is Love Campaign

2008-02-14T18:08:00.000-08:00

I was priveleged to be part of Nike's "This is Love" campaign. It is a brand I admire with a cause I believe in: that is helping women empower themselves by maintaining a healthy body, mind and heart. So in an effort to spread the love, please support the campaign by visiting www.nikewomen.com.ph/thisislove. More details below:

Sports/dance classes for FREE! How can you go wrong? As part of Nike Women's effort to promote fitness, I'd like to invite you to visit www.nikewomen.com.ph/thisislove to find out how you can avail of classes complimentary of Nike. All you need to do is go to the site (www.nikewomen.com.ph/thisislove) to check out the sports schedule and sign up.

While you're at it, check out the profiles of the Nike Women Ambassadors. All we want is to share our love in the hopes that you'll learn to love it too.:) You can also ask questions about the activities by sending messages via the Love Bug (also found on the site).

Thank you for allowing me to do some self-promotion :), I hope to see you online and on the dance floor.

In love and in dance,
Kat Fonacier

Marlboro Sales Convention, Fontana Subic, May 8 '07

2008-02-14T18:00:00.000-08:00

Tin Mundi got the girls together for this pretty cool gig. It was the first time we danced with live music, care of super band Pinikpikan. I had to hide my fan girlishness by trying not to gawk at the band members while they play. After 2 practice sessions with the girls and the band, we were ready to rock Olongapo. Here are the belly dancers with rock stars:

Mezze Greenbelt 2 - 2nd Anniversary Party, January '07

2008-02-14T17:40:00.000-08:00

Old pictures that I've forgotten to post because of busy-ness! Anyway, Mezze, a hip bar/resto at Greeenbelt 3 celebrates its 2nd anniversary with belly dancing and a pretty good world music band called Tribu Manila. Fun times!

Solar RPN 9's Shoot That Babe - Belly Dance Episode, October 17 '07

2007-12-19T18:16:00.000-08:00

Shoot That Babe airs every Wednesday at Solar RPN 9. Hosted by Jojo Alejar and produced by the same people who brought us Philippines' Next Top Model. There are weekly challenges which become the basis of the weekly elimination. I stepped in as the belly dance teacher who challenges them to make like Shakira and shake those hips. Special thanks to Ms. Susan Trinindad, the executive producer, Jojo A, and the rest of the cast and crew for making the shoot easy breezy.

Trend Micro Party at Balai Isabel - Talisay, Batangas - September 20, '07

2007-12-19T17:28:00.000-08:00

Balai Isabel is a newly-opened resort by the Taal Lake. Trend Micro Philippines held its team building weekend there which culminated in a big fun party, with of course, belly dancers to liven up the night! A special shout-out to Karlene of Balai Isabel, who was a very gracious host.

Lifestyle Network's Sweet Sexy Thang Event - Hotel Intercon - September 15, '07

2007-09-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

Lifestyle Network, together with Myx, puts together a show for the Sweet Sexy Thang Bazaar at the Hotel Intercon. It was belly hiphop (My Humps) for this show.

Imasa 10th Year Wedding Anniversary, Manila Peninsula, July 22 '07

2007-09-12T19:37:00.000-07:00

It all started with an email inquiry. Mr. Derrick Imasa and wife Abbie Imasa are based in NY, and wanted to celebrate their 10th year of togetherness with their families in the Philippines. After answering her email, Abbie called long distance to confirm that they chose me to perform for their renewal of vows/anniversary party at The Conservatory (Manila Peninsula Hotel). She was understandably wary at first --- she had initial fears that I would confirm, but wouldn't show up. So we met a few days before the event, so that I can also prove that I was a legit professional dancer :).

Abbie and Derrick Imasa with their children.

I am happy to have met them, because they are a genuinely sincere and kind couple. They are not just wonderful clients, but an admirable couple as well. Thank you for allowing me to share my art with you!

Bollywood 2nd Anniversary Party, Greenbelt 3, May 24 '07

2007-05-30T21:53:00.000-07:00

We were there for the 1st Anniversary, and came back for the 2nd Anniversary. Though it was a hot, sweltering summer night, we didn't mind because Bollywood is one of our most favoritest clients, what with the good food and the accomodating staff.

Pre-show.

Monica's Indian eyes.

Group shot.

After the show. Me with oil all over my face.

Bollywood wall.

These are their normal faces.

Pre-show wine.

Aryn and Ros look like this everyday.

We also look like this everyday.

Clinique Happy Fragrance Launch, Glorietta 4, May 11-13 '07

2007-05-20T20:44:00.000-07:00

Clinique Happy launch at the Glorietta for a whole weekend -- May 11 to 13. There were two shows per day. We entertained mall-goers with our Belly Hiphop number to the tune of Shakira's Hips Don't Lie.

Getting our faces painted with happy colors!

Chest shimmies in our bright citrus outfits.

Group pose at the booth.

Open legs. haha!

Everyone's so tan! Except Lala.

With fur.

Bali, Indonesia Performance - Khaima Restaurant, April 1, 2007

2007-04-11T23:41:00.000-07:00

Performance during the Lotus Dance Retreat (March-April 2007) in Bali, Indonesia. The workshop was organized by Samra, with the help of Joyce Stech, and Siri Ydstie.

Me, sweating off a drum solo.

Siri dancing her first set.

Samra doing the fire dance.

Christy from LA.

Yen, Christy, Kat, Siri and Joyce during the show.

Yasmin Najib's 18th Birthday Celebration, Corinthian Gardens Clubhouse, March 9 '07

2007-03-16T20:26:00.000-07:00

Indian-themed party for the 18th birthday celebration of Yasmin Najib at the Corinthian Gardens country club.

The group with the birthday girl.

Me doing hip shimmies.

Group shot. Yen, Kat and Mons.

Opening number.

Up, down, up outward eights.

Leaning back for hip drops.

Instructional with brave volunteers.

Intel Media Night - Bedspace, January 31

2007-02-12T20:04:00.000-08:00

Intel Corp. introduced their plans for 2007 with a special party exclusively for the media at Bedspace in Greenbelt 3. What better way to spiffy up the event but to get belly dancers to liven things up.

Pre-show preparations.

One shot before performing.

Around and around we go.

And sway your arms.
The power pose.

Undulations.

The guests try their luck.

Yen's hip shot.

Larry's Bar and Cafe at Serendra, January 11

2007-02-12T19:36:00.000-08:00

We're back in business after the holidays. Larry's Bar and Cafe at Serendra (Fort Bonifacio) had its launch on January 11. The event had a "world" theme to introduce their global menu. There was a bossa nova band (Brazilian cuisine), an Indian band (Indian cuisine), and of course, belly dancers (Arabic cuisine)! The performance was followed by an inteview with Ketchup Eusebio for Studio 23's show "It's a Guy Thing", where we were chosen as the "I Pick U" chicks of the night. Riiiiiiiiight.

Lala, Kat, Yen and Rosanna.

Yen does the McDo pose.

Group shot.

Kat doing the hip drop.

Veil dance.

Arms up! Buti na lang nag-shave!

The painful cane trick.

3rd Annual Civic-Volvo Golf Tournament, November 29

2006-12-07T17:22:00.000-08:00

After a month of no troupe gigs, here we are again, on our way to the farthest gig we've been to in Luzon. We all met up at Starbucks Provost at 7:30 am to meet the event organizers in Starbucks Shangrila Mall (puro Starbucks!). They then brought us to the Volvo office in Timog where our ride was going to Bulacan. Whew.

At the Civic office

A blurry good morning picture: Monica, Kat and Kaye

Kodak moments before the show

Belly hiphoppers Kaye, Monica and Ros

Onstage for the first set

Onstage for the second set

Snakecharmers group shot

With Gino and Kiko, the event organizers with belly dancing fantasies

Corporate Event of Some Sort (2005)

2006-10-21T02:46:00.000-07:00

For the life of me, I can't recall what the name of the company who hired us for their event. It was some Korean company. Oh well.

Group shot: (Kneeling, from left to right) Kat, Ros, Yen and Mons; (Standing, from left to right)Kaye, Justine, Lala and Ina.

Look down!

Who is this sweetheart and why don't we have his number?

Onstage.

Yet another pose.

Hyatt Sahara Nights (2004)

2006-10-21T02:37:00.000-07:00

Hyatt Hotel held a month long meditteranean festival. Dinner buffet for the whole month is accompanied by a belly dance show.

Pre-show pose.

Group shot.

Posing in front of the stage.

Uhh, yeah. We also do hiphop.

Belly dance show at Podium (August 20, 2006)

2006-10-21T02:22:00.000-07:00

Special show at the Podium Mall in Ortigas.

Kaye, Kat and Ros.

Me and my powerpose.

Belly-hiphop pose.

Shake, shake, shake it!

GMA 7 Unang Hirit Guesting (August 1, 2006)

2006-10-21T02:06:00.000-07:00

Call time was 4:30 a.m. (how fun!) at Prince of Jaipur. This time with Regine Tolentino and Rica Peralejo.

Posing with Regine and the production crew.

How hot is this momma?

In action: Regine and Rica and half of me.

Group shot.

Me, my eyebags and Monica.

Harem shot.

Wow chicks.

Pinoy Dream Academy (September 25, 2006)

2006-10-19T01:07:00.000-07:00

ABS-CBN's reality talent search, Pinoy Dream Academy, tapped me to be the belly dance teacher for the female scholars. The images below are screencaps from the show. You can watch the episode on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZICl1_kenkw

Briefing the girls.

Warming up.

Head slides.

Camel Walk.

Iya, Chai and Oona doing figure eights.

Panky with temple arms.

Irish and some shoulder action.

Wheee.

Baila Dance Recital, June 2006

2006-10-19T01:03:00.000-07:00

GMA 7, Unang Hirit

2006-10-19T00:45:00.000-07:00

Belly dancers on GMA 7's morning show "Unang Hirit." Oh to dance at 6 o'clock in the morning!

Kapuso on a rainy day. Where you belong.

Setting up.

Good morning faces.

Den mother Lala with the musicians.

ETC/Jack TV Boracay Summer Shindig (April 28, 2006)

2006-10-19T00:17:00.000-07:00

The gang got booked for a show for Solar Entertainment cable channels ETC and Jack TV at Plazoleta in Boracay. Some of the girls flew to the island a day before the show, while me and Justine had to fly only few hours before the show because of prior commitments.

Belly dancers Kaye, Kat, Justine, Yen, Mons and Ros at Boracay.

Yen, Kaye, Mons and myself at Plazoleta before the show.

The pre-show standard pose. The show called for a "beach" atmosphere middle-eastern look, which explains the bikini tops paired with the dance skirts.
Standing (from L-R): Justine, myself, Yen, Mons, Kaye. Kneeling (from L-R): Ros and Drinie. Belly dancers at Boracay.

Kat Fonacier's Dance Portfolio

2006-09-06T23:15:00.000-07:00

KAT FONACIER
Belly Dancer, Choreographer and Instructor
Mobile: +63917 5807234
Email: kfonacier@hotmail.com

Attended Orientalia 2008 in Hong Kong (November 2008) under Tamalyn Dallal , Samay , and Alexandra.

Attended the Lotus Dance Retreat in Bali, Indonesia (March-April 2007) under Samra, with the help of Joyce Stech , and Siri Ydstie.

Nike Women Ambassador

Performances as a soloist:
Orientalia 2008 (Hong Kong)
Khaima Restaurant (Bali, Indonesia)
Jazz Cafe (Bali, Indonesia)
Sweet Sexy Thang Event (Intercon Hotel, Makati)
Club Balai Isabel (Taal, Batangas)
Prince of Jaipur Restaurant (Fort Bonifacio, Taguig)
Hotel Tavern Event (Surigao City)
Health Today/Moms and Babies Magazine - Mommy Power 5 Event (Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall)
Equitable Bank Christmas Party (Quezon City)
Globe Masters Inc. Christmas Party (Makati)
ADB Annual Get-Together (Pasig)
Chamber of Cosmetic Industries of the Phils. Christmas Party (Makati)
Umagang Kay Ganda (ABS-CBN)
Turkce Yer Restaurant (Timog, Quezon City)
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Events (Cebu, Quezon, Tagaytay)

Performances as part of a dance troupe:
Philippine Airlines Golf Tournament (Davao City)
Meralco Christmas Party (Ortigas, Pasig City)
Unilab Partner Appreciation Night (Mandaluyong City)
Clinique Happy Launch (Glorietta Mall, Makati)
Nera Phils. Golf Cup (Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club, Cavite)
Mezze Bar Anniversary Party (Greenbelt 2, Makati)
Marlboro Sales Convention (Fontana, Olongapo City)
Intel Media Night (Bedspace, Greenbelt 3, Makati)
Larry's Cafe and Bar Launch (Serendra, Fort Bonifacio)
L'Oreal Phils. Christmas Party (Elbow Room, Metrowalk, Pasig)

Manila Hotel Event (Roxas Blvd., Manila)
Belly Dancing at the Podium (Podium Mall, Ortigas)
GMA 7’s Unang Hirit
Bollywood Anniversary Party (Greenbelt 3)
ETC/Jack TV Summer Shindig in Boracay
Civic-Volvo Annual Golf Tournament (Bulacan)
Shell Philippines Event (RCBC Auditorium, Makati)
Hyatt Hotel Sahara Nights (Roxas Blvd., Manila)
Vaseline Mark Minimizer Launch (Rockwell Mall, Makati)

Has taught/currently teaches at:
ABS CBN’s Pinoy Dream Academy
RPN Solar's Shoot That Babe
Honda Cars Event
Servier Phils. Event

Baila Dance Studio
BF Homes, Paranaque
Tel: +639066283807

Movement Dance Studio
Promenade Building
Wilson cor. P. Guevarra St.
Greenhills, San Juan
Tel: 721-7711

Gold's Gym
Glorietta Mall, Makati City
Robinson's Galleria Mall, Ortigas Center
Tel: 752-8081

Asian Development Bank
c/o ADB Dance Guild
ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig