The National Committee on Dance of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts is holding “Dance Xchange 2010: The 2nd International Dance Workshop and Festival” with the theme “Cultural Connectivity through Dance.” This is in celebration of the International Dance Day and in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 154, declaring the last week of April as the “National Dance Week.”

“Dance Xchange” is organized under the innovative and dynamic leadership of Ms. Shirley Halili-Cruz, chairman of the National Committee on Dance. The successful implementation of “Dance Xchange 2009” inspired the Committee to hold “Dance Xchange 2010.”

Ms. Halili-Cruz said “Dance Xchange’ aims to strengthen international dance network, showcase the unique dances of each country to facilitate cultural understanding, provide venue for interaction and facilitate learning among dancers, directors, dance teachers, and choreographers, encourage the creation of new works, and provide a platform for local and foreign choreographers and dancers to stage their works.

The “Dance Xchange 2010” is participated in by 10 foreign dance groups including the Big Dance Company of England, Senju Dance Company of Japan, Dancemode Studio of Hong Kong, Mira Dance Company of Korea, Badan Budaya Univarsiti of Malaysia, Aswara Dancers of Malaysia, SIFAS of Singapore, Sri-Lankan Dancers, Lan Yang Dancers of Taiwan, the American Dance Center of Chicago and the Philippine dance companies from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and NCR, namely Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe, University of Cordillera Dance Troupe, Next to Innocence, Sinukwan Kapampangan, Poseidon Dance Theatre, Samleyaw Dance Theatre, Double J Fullforce, USA Kawilihan Dance Company, Madayaw Cultural Ensemble, Capitol University Dance Troupe, Quezon City Ballet of the Halili-Cruz School of Ballet, PNU Kislap Sining Dance Troupe, TUP Kalinangan Dance Troupe, Professional Dance Teachers Association, Powerdance, Hwa Yi Ethnic Dance Center, and by more than a thousand workshop participants from the different parts of the Philippines.

The “Dance Xchange” events are being held till April 18 at the Villareal Stadium and satellite performances will be held in Antique and Boracay, Aklan on April 19-20.

The “Dance Xchange 2010” is made possible through the initiative of the National Committee on Dance in partnership with the Province of Capiz under Gov. Victor Tanco and the Sigmahanon Foundation for Culture and the Arts.

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Joross and Jackie, good kissers both

“I still feel the excitement, the hangover,” Joross Gamboa said about his kissing scenes with Jackie Rice in “Tisay,” the season-ender of “Dear Friend” on GMA-7. “It’s like eating a ripe strawberry,” Joross chuckled.

Jackie Rice also laughed. “He is a good kisser,” Jackie affirmed. Jackie and Joross are lovers in “Tisay,” which premieres today on GMA-7.

Jackie said she never expected she would become an actress.

“When I was younger, I also misbehaved, but those behaviors were all gone,” she added. “I have to focus myself to my career. I must not miss my opportunities. That’s why I am now following a career path.”

Jackie also denied rumors linking her romantically with world boxing champ Manny Pacquiao who allegedly gifted her with a car.

“I know Manny is mabait, but I know it is wrong to destroy one’s family and prestige. Never that I would become a home-breaker. I would rather have myself be destroyed than destroy those couples who are enjoying harmonious relationships!”

Another star of “Tisay” is Jade Lopez. She plays the role of being Jackie’s friend. “I like playing kontrabida,” she said. With the right curves and proportions in her, Jade is easily distinguishable as a charming and beautiful woman.

“I love to dance,” she said. But she is still trying to find out what she really wants to be.

The other members of the cast are Chynna Ortaleza, Ryza Cenon, Sheree and Jay Perillo.

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Bongbong the sax guy

Rep. Bongbong Marcos, who’s a senatorial candidate under the Nacionalista Party banner, is also a music lover and just recently in a cruise, he showcased his musical skills by playing the saxophone to the surprise of those present.

It’s been 30 years or even more since he last played the sax, he said. Bongbong did the intro of Labuyo’s “Tuloy Pa Rin Ako,” his campaign song. Mon Espia, the song’s original singer, took the lead vocals while Dingdong Eduque and Bongbong jammed in with him.

The other artists who shared their music in the cruise are Romy Posadas, Richard Merk, Marc Abaya of Kwan, Raymond Marasigan of Eraserheads, Aya, Jonathan Velasco, Joey V., Arthur M., Rony San Jose, Dona Punsalan, Tricia Jimenez, drummer Geroge and members of the FilHarmonika and Route 70.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, April 18, go to Aileen Papin, Margie Logarta, Abigail Alva, Tentte Wilwayco, Castrense R. Veloso of Virginia Beach, USA; Dhorie Geronimo of London, and Franzen Fajardo of ABS-CBN Star Magic… Congratulations to Dani Anne May D. Guban, an Achiever Awardee, in Collegio de San Juan de Letran last March 26, 2010...