It’s been a week now since the Manila Boracay Latin Dance Festival (MBLDF) 2015 was held. Still, the event makes me feel good despite the flight cancellation, rebooking and rescheduling that needed to be done. I wanted to cancel my attendance when my flight was cancelled. Talked to the organizer and was advised that my pass was non-refundable, I thought about it and re-booked my flight to Boracay instead. I didn’t regret my decision. 🙂
It was my first time to attend the MBLDF. The party opened here in Manila at Brasas Latin American Street Food on November 17; followed by workshops, shows and party at the Makati Sports Club on November 18. On the succeeding days, (November 19-22) parties, bootcamps, shows/performances were held at Paradise Garden Resort in Boracay.
WORKSHOPS, ARTISTS AND PARTIES
I was overwhelmed by almost a week of partying with friends and meeting new friends from all over the world. It was also my first time to attend salsa on2 and pachanga with Güpson Pierre; Kizomba workshop with Nelson Campos; Kizomba styling from Sam and Marina; Tango Nuevo with Jun Borja and Basil; Bachata by Johnny Rosales; and Afro- Carribean workshops from Frankie Martinez. There were still other workshops but wasn’t able to attend some ‘coz of my adjusted flight.
I started Latin dancing socially only in February this year and I primarily learned from among the great leads on the dancefloor. Hence, as a newbie I truly learned a lot from the series of workshops and from the astounding artists present during the festival.
THE DJs
I loved learning from the world’s no.1 DJ Henry Knowles as he showed and explained to me and my friends his Puerto Rican maracas and shared to us his choice of music. I’m amazed by his knowledge and I find him very humble. I also enjoyed dancing with DJ Sam as he led me to a bachata and kizomba dances. It seemed for me that those dances were choreographed but those were all organic and spontaneous! And I wanted more. hahhaha Oh, yeah, he’s an amazing DJ and dance lead. There were other wonderful Djs that I failed to notice ‘coz I was simply enjoying their music. :))
THE BIKINI AND THE BEACH
As soon as I arrived at Golden Phoenix Hotel, my roommates Aleli and Coco asked me to go the beach. I initially wore one-piece as I usually do even when I swim at Makati Columns Condo. They insisted that I should change to two-pc.
So there I was— showing off my sculpted abs, toned legs and sexy arms. hahahaha, #OnlyInBoracay I brought with me three pairs of bikini swimwear and I told myself, I might as well wear them anyway. I enjoyed swimming both in the pool and on the beach.
Who wouldn’t enjoy the Boracay beach? Whoa! It is so beautiful- the white smooth sand, the sunrise, the hottest 12nn sun,the sunset, the pristine water and of course, the amazing people I was spending time with. I didn’t get enough of the water and the nature. Hence, I’m definitely going back again! Join me in March on my birthday! Yes, it’s my perfect reason to go back and that would be an early summer next year. I will certainly get the tan I’ve been wanting to get. 🙂
Strolling in beach at night was also entertaining. There were many live bands performing, lots of stores selling souvenirs and all kinds of fine dining restaurants catering seafood dishes. Many choices of quick-serving restaurants are also present. Thus, you’ll never get hungry any station you go!
NEW FRIENDS, NEW WORLD
The event was also a perfect venue to meet new friends. Most of them are friendly and welcoming. It’s inevitable not to miss some of them especially the ones whom I’ve had the chance to get to know deeply and establish beautiful friendships with.
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