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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Luminaries and Life devider Of the sea and stage

Of the sea and stage

Jewelmer and Ballet Manila unite to celebrate the poetry of pearls and dance

By MBrand
Published Aug 20, 2025 10:12 am
Ballet Manila artistic director and CEO Lisa Macuja-Elizalde wearing the Guimard necklace
Ballet Manila artistic director and CEO Lisa Macuja-Elizalde wearing the Guimard necklace
Every layer of the South Sea pearl and every step a dancer takes are shaped by years of discipline and devotion.
It is this shared journey of passion and perseverance that brings Jewelmer and Ballet Manila together. One of the Philippines’ most esteemed classical ballet companies, Ballet Manila embodies the same commitment to excellence and artistry that define Jewelmer’s vision—to shine the light on the best of the Philippines through our national gem, the golden South Sea pearl.
With this year marking Ballet Manila’s 30th anniversary—its Pearl Year—its season opened with the world premiere of “Pearls,” an original choreography where graceful dancers were adorned in Jewelmer’s fine jewelry creations.
Like the South Sea pearl, a ballet dancer is guided but never controlled—both come to be on their own terms. The poetic relationship between pearls and ballet is explored through Jewelmer’s new film, “Of the Sea and Stage.”
Featuring Ballet Manila’s artistic director and CEO, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, along with principal dancers Abigail Oliveiro, Mark Sumaylo, and company artist Nanami Hasegawa, the film dives deep into the profound beauty born from artistry and time. Each South Sea pearl undergoes a shared cultivation process, yet each lustrous gem emerges truly one-of-a-kind. In a similar vein, dancers go through rigorous training and discover their own unique artistry. It is these individual qualities that make them both radiate and shine on stage.
Lisa shared her thoughts on the connection between ballet and pearls: “It takes years to make a good, qualified, professional ballet dancer. And just like the South Sea pearl, it is an investment of time and effort. Every dancer is like a pearl that they put together into a beautiful design, maybe a beautiful choreography, that tells a story or creates a mood. I thought that it would be a wonderful idea to merge Jewelmer with Ballet Manila because every dancer is like a pearl, and together they create a beautiful force on stage.”
Culminating Ballet Manila’s milestone Pearl Year season is “Don Quixote,” a classical ballet revered for its vibrant energy and romance. “Don Quixote” will run from Aug. 22 to 24, 2025 at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City. In celebration of their final show, Jewelmer clients will receive a special offer on tickets to “Don Quixote.” Visit your nearest Jewelmer boutique to learn more.

Related Tags

fashion and beauty Luminaries Ballet Manila Jewelmer Lisa Macuja-Elizalde
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