Lisa Macuja-Elizalde: A Gem of a Filipina

I was still in grade school when Lisa Macuja-Elizalde broke into mainstream Pinoy culture, probably the first Filipina to bring ballet to the Pinoy masses after studying it in Russia, which was, at that time, still part of the USSR or the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

She was clapping and cheering Lea Salonga during the latter's show last night and since we were seatmates, I made sure we had a photo op moment after the show.

She's definitely one of my idols in life, a visionary, a pioneer and a true generous spirit who shared her talent with everyone - a true epitome of what a Filipina can be - a woman Laura can emulate as a role model.