I have known one of Ballet Philippines’ soloists, Victor Maguad for almost three years now. Got nothing but praises for this young dancer who always puts in his 200% best in every performance onstage.
He has appeared in all of BP’s major and minor productions which include notables, Swan Lake, The Nutcraker, Peter Pan, Exemplar, A Gala Celebration, Dance MNL, Crisostomo Ibarra to name a few.
As the season closer for Ballet Philippines’ 48th Season, the re-staging of Don Quixote by Adam Sage is not an easy thing to do. Don Q may be fun and colorful onstage but deep inside, its choreography is one of the best there is which requires a lot of intricate and fancy footworks and leaps and lifts and strong techniques from its lead, Basilio.
The three exciting Basilio’s were portrayed by international guest danseur Joseph Gatti (for two Gala Shows only) and alternating are Victor Maguad and Ian Ocampo in certain performances.
We asked Victor a few questions on how he handled his lead role demands and working with fellow dancer Jemima Reyes. He answered in Tagalog-English to better express himself.
Astig.Ph: What makes Don Quixote production different from the other shows?
Victor Maguad: Sobrang iba po itong Don Quixote kasi bravura siya hindi katulad ng Swan Lake at Nutcraker na parehas White Classic. Honestly, mas nakakapagod po pala ito keysa sa dalawa. It demands stamina, techniques, character and of course charisma.
Astig.Ph: How special is it to play Basilio? Was it your dream role?
Victor: Yes po, dream role ko po itong Basilio. Isa po ito sa hinihintay ko na magawa kasi mahirap siya technically at kailangan mong ma-deliver yung story na napakaganda kahit sobrang pagod ka na.
Astig.Ph: How is Jemima Reyes as Kitri?
Victor: Si Jemima, isa siya sa tinitingala kong dancer. Hindi siya mahirap partneran kasi strong dancer siya. Maganda ang technique niya at magaan siya literal. Madali siya kausap when it comes sa mga kailangan naming i-work na steps. Maganda rin siya as Kitri. Na-dedeliver niya yung character niya sa mga nanonood. Hinahangaan ko itong taong ito.
Photo Credit: Jude Bautista
Astig.Ph: What's scene/s are the most difficult and challenging to do in Don Q?
Victor: Of course, The Grand Pas De Deux. Ito yung inaabangan ng lahat. Dito makikita lahat nang pinagtrabahuan nyo sa mga classes and rehearsals. Kailangan ng character, stamina, strong technique and communication nyo sa isat-isa at sa audience.
Photo Credit: Jojo Mamangun for Theater Fans Manila
Astig.Ph: What lesson or advise did you get from working with international guest artist Joseph Gatti?
Victor: Sobrang dami, isa na yung pagiging professional niya. Wala akong masabi sa sobrang hard working niyang tao. Hindi rin siya mayabang. Walang hangin. Hindi hirap kausapin. Masarap din siyang kasama. May pagka-comedian pa madalas. Bow ako dito sa taong ito.
Catch Victor Maguad dance to Basilio in the remaining shows of Don Quixote at the CCP Main Theater on:
February 17, 2018 at 7pm
February 18, 2018 at 7pm
For tickets, call Ballet Philippines at (+632) 551-1003, the CCP Box Office at (+632) 832-3704, or Ticketworld at (+632) 891-9999 or Ticketworld.com.ph.
Discover more from ASTIG: Philippine News & Reviews
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.