An Evening at Aliw Theater to Watch Ballet Manila

My cousin Dana takes up ballet and is part of the cast of Ballet Manila's recent production: "Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang".

Aunt Hilda had invited everyone who attended the Christmas reunion to Ballet Manila's last show for the year ... and even offered to buy our tickets.  Which is why Mariel, Kayla, Lauren, Chel, Carl, a friend or relative of Chel, Mark, Mae, Jon and I showed up outside the Aliw Theater at the Star City Complex yesterday afternoon.

The others came in early to get their tickets then eat at a nearby fastfood.  Jon and I had been looking up the Cyberzone exhibit then stopped by Starbucks, so we showed up about 20 minutes before showtime.  The funny thing was although we were relatively late, we were able to get in at once without falling in line because we followed Aunt Hilda through the door.  The others were not able to do the same because by the time they got back, the people in line were getting impatient and the ushers didn't want to appear unfair by letting more guests/relatives of the performers bypass the line.

The show opened late than expected, and we had to deal with an irate old man when we tried to save seats for the others.  Jon and I got middle seats.  The others ended seating a few rows back.

Jon had brought a camera, hoping he could film the performance, but we were told that photos and filming the performance is not allowed.  I suppose the person in front of us with the camera on a tripod is the official cameraman.

We weren't able to wait for Dana to come out of the dressing room after the show, and we parted ways with the others who planned to enjoy the Star City rides til midnight.

Jon and I checked out the restaurant row by the bay and ended up in another Starbucks cafe.

There was a big nativity scene in the middle of the strip and I decided to take some pictures:

Jon and I went to Makati because it was easier to catch a bus ride home from there.  Since it was already late and there were few people about, we thought it was a good opportunity to take pictures of Rustan's window display before the store changes it at the end of the holiday season: