The Company of Acts Manila Dancers

The Company of Acts Manila (TCOA) goes onstage for its conglomerate schools annual ballet performance at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (Little Theater) on May 30 & 31, 2009.

The show, "Noah's Ark" features animals two by two in pretty ballet costumes weaved by the creative choreographies of Jun Saagundo, Jan Manlapig, Pia Paderes, Beth Ciudad, Johanna Sotto, & Producer Chelo B. Gemina.

Participating schools: International Christian Academy, STI Academy, VCS Ballet, International British Academy, Palms Country Club, and Shekinah Ballet School.

Featured in photo are TCOA members (from left to right): Angel Pastores, Bea Perez, Angeli Patino, Christine Saavedra, Uriel Lastrilla and Jiselle Magbanua.

Enrollment for ballet is open all year round.

Filipino Drummer's Beat is Berklee

20 year-old Filipino drummer, Michael Gemina, is elated with his acceptance to Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA for their 5-week summer workshop. Michael, who is graduating as a Music Production Major & Scholar at De La Salle College of Saint Benilde this term says it is his big dream.

"When I entered Benilde 3 years ago, I was determined to learn all I could to contribute my part in raising the standard of excellence & professionalism in the Philippine music industry. I am thankful for the excellent education I received from professors who were industry practitioners as well. If granted a U.S. visa & with God's provision for the course, I am even more determined to learn from the best of the best in order to take it back to our country and put the Philippines at the helm of the contemporary music scene. I want my life to count and inspire other young people my age to fulfill their destiny in God. As I go to Berklee, I want to be a blessing to that school, too. I am doing this not just for me but for others who will follow after me. I can't do it alone. Next to God and my family, I need my countrymen behind me, too."

Get to know Michael: www.michaelgemina.com