Two hot mamas in Dubai

HAPPY gals Leona (left) and Rachel Lobangco

I immensely enjoyed my nth trip to Dubai. It was made even more fun by girl bonding with Maui Taylor and Rachel Lobangco, who had shows in Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah.

We went on a road trip across the Emirates. With us were my fave Michael Jackson impersonator, Jericho Valencia (who was a special guest in their shows), Rachel’s teenage daughter Leona and our gracious hosts Jonathan Gulmatico, Catherine Realizan and Kaye Egea. Since our kababayan OFWs are all over the United Arab Emirates, it’s always a welcome treat for them to watch shows of Pinoy artists.

It serves as their antidote to homesickness. Mau and Rach wowed the crowd. The two hot mamas gamely cavorted with the guys in the audience. Even after all these years in the biz, the ladies have not lost their appeal.

Jericho’s MJ dance moves were well-applauded, too. Foreigners enjoyed the show and even had pictures taken with the   performers.

I was also pleasantly surprised to discover a restaurant named Dollywood in City Tower Hotel in Fujairah.

Till my next Dubai high!

Hands-on mommy

Here’s my chat with Maui:

Maui Taylor with son Antoine Miguel

How has motherhood changed you?

It has made me a responsible person. It also made me look at things with a brighter perspective. I love life more, respect people more and love my parents more.

What kind of mom are you?

I’m a very hands-on mom to Antoine Miguel who’s a year and four months old. I prepare his things—bath, clothes, food—and make sure he’s tucked in at night.

Any marriage plans?

My fiancé Antonio and I plan to wed in two or three years.

‘Fire Queen’

Here’s my chat with Rachel:

What makes a good fire dancer?

I’m a fire dancer who dances with her heart and soul. They don’t call me “Fire Queen” for nothing… It is a surreal feeling that brings me to the highest state of consciousness.

What’s the toughest and best parts of being a single mom?

The toughest part is being both mom and dad to Leona. I had no yaya and driver during her younger years. I brought her to work with me so I could keep an eye on her. The best part is that I learned what unconditional love is. My daughter is my reason for living!

‘Celebration of Dance’

The Halili-Cruz School of Ballet (HCSB) proudly presents more than 500 enthusiastic dancers in a concert, “Celebration of Dance 2015,” to be held tonight at the Meralco Theater.

As the regular school ends, HCSB prepares its young, aspiring ballerinas for a celebration of talents and creativity. It is the only dance school in the Philippines that holds three grand recitals in a year.

Ms Shirley Halili-Cruz, together with the HCSB artistic team—Anna Kathrina Halili-Cruz, Grace Perez and Anna Lissa Balmadrid—maintain the tradition of having dance concerts and productions as integral to ballet training.

Join the HCSB Summer Dance Workshop 2015 from April 7 to

May 16. (For inquiries, call 3724607.) The grand recital to celebrate the school’s 30th anniversary is set on May 23 at Newport Performing Arts Theatre in Resorts World.

Vamos a bailar ballet!