Ms. Shirley Halili-Cruz (2nd from left) and her artistic team: Grace Perez, Anna Lissa Balmadrid, and Anna Kathrina Cruz.

Once again, the Shirley Halili-Cruz dancers have been invited to represent the Philippines in the 2nd Kuching International Dance Festival being held in Kuching, Malaysia till July 26, 2010. The festival is participated in by dance companies from Asia, Europe, Australia and Canada.

The 2nd Kuching International Dance Festival brings together some of the finest young dancers from around the world to exchange ideas and share their love of dance – on and off the stage. In recognition of the SHCSB’s outstanding work in dance and performance arts, they’ve been chosen anew to be the representative of the country in the said dancefest.

The Halili-Cruz delegation is composed of dancers of various age groups from the company. The group has prepared a wide range of dance repertoire of classical ballet, neo-classical, modern and contemporary dance pieces. Led by Artistic Director, Shirley Halili-Cruz, the Philippine delegation is composed of 20 members including Anna Kathrina Cruz, Grace Garalde Perez, Anna Lissa Balmadrid, Gabrielle Alexis Quinto, Ma. Regina Magbitang, Gladys Baybayan, Glenn Ragel, Nordic Caraig, Julia Camille Mazo, Charlene Brillantes, Aira Louise Rostrata, Lindsay Lopez, Jacqueline Del Pilar, Heather Nicole Orteza, Meryl Jacqueline Chua, and Maria Patricia Bernas.

The trip of the Shirley Halili-Cruz School of Ballet to Kuching, Malaysia is just one of the many lined up international travels of the school.

For 2010 and 2011, the school is invited to represent the Philippines in Australia, Genting Highlands, Malaysia and USA. That is why many consider it such a privilege and growing opportunity to be part of the Halili-Cruz School of Ballet family.

The driving force behind the successes of the Halili-Cruz School of Ballet is its founder and artistic director Shirley Halili-Cruz who is one of the prime movers of dance in the country.

• • •

Miguel performs Saturday night for DML

Pop and classical singer Miguel Aguila just returned from a concert tour in the US and Canada with the The Angelos. He is the youngest member in the quartet.

Fifteen-year-old Aguila performs tonight at 7 in a concert billed “Joyful, Joyful @ 40” on the occasion of the ruby anniversary of the DML (Daughters of Mary of Leuca) at Fr. Reuter Theatre, St. Paul’s University, Q.C.

Other performing artists include Jenny Villegas, Kris Gonzales, Paolo Villosillo, Four Seasons, DML Peforming Arts, and Mr. Noynoy Aguila’s Stars for All Seasons talents.

Proceeds of the concert will be used by the DML Sisters to put up a school for poor children in the lot donated by the Yujuicos. The event is directed by veteran concert director Dingdong Cabazor.

A film, TV and stage actor, Miguel Aguila is a recipient of at least three Hall of Fame awards for Best Child Performer category from Aliw Awards. Recently, he played the role of Jesus Christ in the musical “Song Of Joseph.”

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Saturday, July 24, go to Atty. Romulo Makalintal, Cheska Garcia, Ramon U. de Guzman, Yuri Fukunaga, Rufy Fajardo of LA, California, Julie Ann Lacra, Kirt Pineda, Francisco “Paran” Galvez, Anne Marie Espiritu, Janet Palma-Tuazon, Jamilla Obispo, and Arnold Vegafria… Happy wedding anniversary to Ronaldo Victor and Antoieta Asuncion… Erik Santos and Kristel Moreno star in tonight’s special episode of “Maalaala Mo Kaya” on ABS-CBN. They showcase their acting skills in the love story of Clifford and Shane…