Tango Jubilation in November

 

Dateline: Singapore November 1-7, 2006 
 
 

                                                            WEEK 1 
 

I jetted in to Singapore via Jetstar 321 from Bangkok arriving at 5:00 pm on a Monday. I was seen rushing to get into the city as quick as possible as I passed through immigration and customs clearances. My adrenalin is running high and I just felt I was not my usual self always cool, relaxed, and contained. It’s very obvious though that all these are because of TANGOXPOSED. Seventeen days before D-day and I would say all systems go. 
 

I have to make sure that all the remaining things I need to do in Singapore must be accomplished before I leave again on 3^rd November. I’m finalizing talks with the Philippine embassy concerning Ambassador Anota’s message for the souvenir program. Plus I have this interview with Straits Times concerning TANGOXPOSED promotion. I have to go over Philo’s charts once more to make sure that her figures still reflect the target I forecasted. There were just many of these mind-boggling things that keep recurring back to my consciousness. I have to work. I have to deliver.  
 

The following day, I have this morning interview with Straits Times over at the coffee shop in Hyatt as arranged by “tanguera” Angeline Jansen. As I arrived in the hotel, I saw Angeline seated at the lobby punctual as ever as she arrived for the 9:00 o clock appointment which she herself scheduled. Well you know how lawyers are when they call the shots. They really mean every word they say and say what they mean. After all, we’re meeting a journalist who will grant us the most important thing we need for TANGOXPOSED which is publicity. 
 

By 9:15 June came sounding apologetic about the delay. She said she has to find her way to Hyatt as she has to come from the other side of Singapore and has to negotiate her way by MTR. Apologies accepted and we need to keep the ball rolling. She started with the interview that lasted for forty five minutes while she scribbled on her note pad all the answers I gave to her queries. She was very nice and accommodating and promised to inform us of the article’s release sometime next week.  
 

But like I said I am not just about to rest on my laurels. I know by now, I have The Straits Times which will provide the much needed publicity I need for TANGOXPOSED. I have decided to take the television as well to make sure that I get an all out exposure for this event. With Philo trying to arrange it through her friend in the media, I also did my part by asking a friend, mediacorp radio artiste, Hafeez Harun, to help me generate TV exposure for my artists over at Channel News Asia. He said he was going to call me back sometime next week or someone from mediacorp will contact me to arrange the interview. 
 

I then went to Gillman to hand over my deposit to Studio Renegade owner, Vincent Koh regarding Roberto & Tamara’s workshop. I went back to BG’s place to attend to her lesson as she keeps stockpiling knowledge while she prepares for the R & T workshops. In the evening it was Angeline and Shirley’s turn to take lessons as I met up with them at Xenbar. Incredible isn’t it? I was just running through many things simultaneously from teaching, to organizing, planning, partying and all that stuff. Call me Superman! 
 

In the succeeding days of Wednesday and Thursday I saw myself mapping out the few remaining tasks I have to fulfill prior to my departure on Friday. I met up with Florence and Diane D’Aranjo for the IKAMVA presentation intended for the charity auction. I was coordinating with IODI through Mrs. Fathma Hakim concerning my forthcoming visit to Jakarta next week. I also gave my commitment to Ms. Maria Lukito, the bureau chief & publisher of Tatler Indonesia for a photo shoot with Ayu Hakim, daughter of Mrs. Hakim. Everything has been confirmed insofar as commitments and dates are concerned and it’s definite that I will be hitting Jakarta soon. 
 

Friday, I was off to Jakarta en route to Bali. I left BG’s house at 8:00 am to catch my 10:00 am flight GA825 that will take me to Jakarta. From Jakarta, I’ll take a domestic flight via GA 406L that will then take me to Bali. The flight is quite hectic as I need to obtain my immigration clearance in Jakarta as I’ll be exiting from the same airport when I get back to Singapore on the 14^th November. And besides, my trip has to be arranged this way, because Stefani and I are scheduled to come over to the city to conduct workshops and do a performance on November 11-13. Everything went as planned. I got out of the Jakarta immigration and then rushed off to the reservation counter on the second floor to catch my 1:00pm flight to Bali. I did manage fairly but as I arrived in Bali and when I was about to collect my luggage from the conveyor, I noticed that my luggage was missing. I knew it was going to happen as it was left behind in Jakarta because the morning flight was indeed tight. I immediately reported the matter to the loss and found section and was informed that they will deliver the luggage to my address this evening. I heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing it and was appeased that everything’s going to be fine.  
 

I arrived at Stefani’s house at 4:00 pm just in time to catch up with my jive class for the Jengala people. Yes, work is already waiting the minute I got in to Bali. While I settled myself first at Stefani’ tango house in Sanur, I already started asking an update on her paintings that will be exhibited on 17^th November. She said everything’s almost done and that there’s just a few pieces left for framing. Yes I saw some twelve paintings lined up in the living room which were almost ready. She was just doing some last minute retouches to make it more appealing. Well, I trust her artistic sense and this can be proven from the very paintings I saw in front of me.  
 

At 5:30 pm we were right at the Jengala compound in Jimbaran. As we got in, everyone was already in the dining hall ready for action. I wasted no time and immediately brought everyone to do some basic exercises for jive. The minute they heard the bouncy tune of Geoff Evans jive music, everyone was already in high spirits. Suddenly I saw them getting more and more confident with the basic step of jive/rock n roll. Mitra, John, Maria, John’s mother who’s vacationing in Bali for a few weeks did join the class, Ellen, and a dozen other Jengala employees. Nancy was out of the country as she has to be in San Diego for a medical check-up. I heard she’s scheduled to go under the knife for some internal surgery. Praying for your speedy recovery Nancy! 
 

I gave them new figures to work on and they were very happy to do all these especially John and Mitra who both love this dance very much. We were all having a great time in between bites of nachos with tomato and avocado salsa on the side and delicious brownies and lemon butter cake courtesy of the Jengala kitchen. It’s so nice to see people having fun and enjoying life. While they are simple 8-5 people, I can’t help but feel their simple joys with great enthusiasm.  
 

In the evening, I met up with my Bali printer to do the lay-out for the souvenir program of TANGOXPOSED. The meeting lasted for an hour as we need to discuss many things concerning fonts, spacing, color separation etc. He promised to get back to me in the morning to show me his draft for proof reading.  
 

I then went to discuss with my webmaster additional addresses to send TANGOXPOSED flyers to. With the few remaining days left, I am just doing everything in my stead to reach out to as much people as I could to inform them of the event. There were still many things to accomplish concerning web matters and I’m very grateful that I have an efficient webmaster who attends to the nitty -gritty of computer work to make TANGOXPOSED effective.  
 

The following day Mark took his lesson at 12:00 nn. It was good to see this guy once more as he was out of the tango scene for quite awhile. I noticed that a lot of the “old reliables” have been hardly noticeable lately. Call it one of the withdrawal symptoms or simply everyone must be busy with their respective lives generating income because as we all know, Bali’s economy has been down for almost a year now since the last bombing in 2005 and as a matter of choice, they must do something productive to counter this down- trend. Another reason can be attributed to the fact that most of them are seasonal residents of the island meaning to say that they are in town only for a certain period of time then after that they’re gone again. 
 

Mark and I did a lot of revising just to get him back on track. There were things that he will ask concerning past lessons and I was just too willing to answer his queries. He was most particular about the lessons he learned from the last CITA congress where he took lessons with Esteban Moreno and Claudia Codega ditto with Eduardo Capussi and partner. The combinations were about “voleos”, “gancho “ for the man and the woman and stuffs we learned from Fernanda and Guillermo and Roberto and Rocio as well. He was satisfied with the way his lesson turned out as he never imagined he can still remember many things he has learned considering his absence from the scene for sometime. Welcome back Mark! 
 

Jane Chen was supposed to come for lessons but for some reasons she didn’t show up. I remember sometime last week receiving a call from a stranger on my Singapore hand phone telling me that Jane met an accident and that she’s in a hospital in Bali but would want me to arrange a surgeon when she flies off to Singapore for treatment. I was asking the guy what happened but could only give so much information and promised to call me back once they have established Jane’s condition. I began to worry as something serious might have happened to her. And now that she hasn’t showed up, all the more I became doubly worried and asked Stefani to locate her. She did try her best to contact her number but it didn’t have any connection at all.  
 

An hour after Ana came to take her lesson. She brought in some TANGOXPOSED souvenir t-shirts to show and I was impressed at the design she and Stefani did with those shirts. I won’t tell much about this as I want everyone to just see these shirts when it’s out on sale in less than two weeks. Ana is coming to just build up her basics and carry on with the previous lessons she had with me. She’s set to join the fun and excitement in Singapore thus private lessons with me this time is inevitable. She had it for two hours despite the heat that’s engulfing the island, but she was determined to just improve when she gets to Singapore come November 17. 
 

I saw my printer after my lessons this afternoon as he delivered the name plates with the TANGOXPOSED logo which will be given out to the workshop participants. He also presented the lay-out for the souvenir program and it’s almost perfect and we’re just waiting for the messages to be given by the ambassadors of the Philippine and Argentinean embassies before it see print in a few days.  
 

I then called up the Argentinean embassy in Jakarta asking for the charge d’affaires’ message of support and was very pleased at the positive response I got from Fernanda the secretary. She told me that she will ask Mr. Diego Garces to email me ASAP. 
 

I finally got the Philippine ambassador’s message by email and soon after a text message from a certain Gamar, the producer of Prime Time Morning over Channel News Asia wrote to confirm my scheduled tv interview with my artists on Friday November 17. Wow! I couldn’t believe all these are happening simultaneously. 
 

During my spare time and especially in the evenings I’ll be seen monitoring the registration through internet and making sure that the numbers keep increasing. My line of communication with Philo and Angeline were open making me accessible to updates and vice-versa.  
 

I’m beginning to feel the mounting pressure brought about by the many things that need to be accomplished and I only have very little time left. How I wish I’d be given another month to be able to do all these but no, the truth is I only have eleven days to fulfill and deliver.  
 

On Sunday I treated myself with a good massage courtesy of Wiwik. This is just what I badly needed to relax me and tenderize my stressed and tight shoulder muscles because of too much thinking, planning and strategizing. After the massage I soon headed for my rehearsals with Stefani that lasted us for two hours working on our Malena, Sentimiento, Desde el alma and El lloron choreographies. Doing all these numbers is much easier now as compared in the past when we would grope in the dark each time we begin to re-work on these past works. Because we have done this a couple of times in previous performances that it has become much easier now to re-work these tango pieces again. 
 

At 2:30 I headed-off to Sunset where Sabine is to take her lesson at 3:00pm. She was already there when I arrived and ready to take her tango lesson anew. Sabine was a tango drop-out prior to her return this time but has always been perceived to like the dance very much. True to my expectation, the minute I started moving her around the dance floor and started my discussion on the elements of tango, she started getting more attentive and her body started manifesting the right movement that was being asked of her to do. She analyzes every statement I say and gives outright result through correct body movements. But Sabine is one classic example of a theoretical learner than a physical learner. While her mind quickly picks up the discussion but the body is slow to respond, but nevertheless, it gives the right result which is short of saying she has a poor muscle memory. But as a teacher I must deal with different types of students with different learning habits and I must be able to provide them with a leverage on how to obtain information based on their capacity and ability.  
 

After Sabine it was Anama’s turn to take lesson. Anama is a new student and has been into tango for less than a year now. She is a US resident who lives in Colorado and has learned her tango in Boulder. I took her to a few rounds to determine the level she is into and found out that she can follow very well except for some important details to be discussed which concerns weight changes, balance/axis, transitions and all the other elements I would usually teach in the beginner’s level. While she was at first not sold to the idea of correcting her posture for better dancing, after a few minutes of weight change exercises, moving forward and back then side to side, she finally realized the importance of these little things that can make a big difference into her dancing. She was surprised at how much her movement has changed in the less than half an hour I worked on her. She looks forward to more lessons of this kind as she unravels the complexities of tango. 
 

Husband and wife Pablo and Iris took the last slot and immediately we buckled down to work as I asked them to just dance and see what progress they have made from the lessons they had with Facundo and Bruno. Yes they’re dancing much better now and are seen dancing as one, which means they are getting better connected as they move together in the dance floor. So much progress has been achieved by this couple in so short a time especially Iris who is dancing with so much confidence. Except for some few details concerning posture (i.e, breathing, centering etc.) that need to be corrected, everything else was alright. Pablo meanwhile, being the Argentinean that he is, is a phenomenon in terms of his learning the tango because of the great improvement he has made in less than a year that he’s been into it. Well, he grew up with the tango and learning it at this point in his life is just like taking a refresher course. I tried giving him some “giro” or turns to make it even more exciting for him and he loved it as he danced with wife Iris, who was just very delighted to see how her husband has been enamored by the dance. 
 

On Monday I have an early appointment with Ana & Doug in Sanur. Husband and wife are now comfortably dancing together, enjoying each other’s movement as they move in unison in the dance floor. Today I made sure that Douglas takes the full lead allowing Ana to just follow him every which direction he wants to bring her. I can see very well from the way they are moving that the lessons with Facundo and Bruno have made Douglas more definite with his lead and exudes confidence as he navigates the dance floor with the combinations they learned from them. I am happy to see at the progress they have achieved as a couple because it took them quite awhile to really take off because of the many things that need to be highlighted and corrected to make them dance and look good as a couple. Because they have managed to keep their form, it is much easier now to give figures or combinations that will help them keep up the gains they have achieved and at the same time keep their interest for tango growing. 
 

At 12:30 guess who would surprise me but Doris. Yes she’s back and I’m happy to see this lady again. Doris has been steadily taking lessons each time I come to Bali. She is one of the seasonal “tangueros’ in the island as she spends half of the year living in Germany and the other half in Bali. She owns a house in both places and has a business to run to in Bali, thus this arrangement. Slowly, I can feel Doris’s stiffness has started to ease out the moment I walked her through the basic step. Her body has somehow been accustomed to tango movements that I can safely say she is getting there, meaning she s on her way to understanding the nuances of tango. The weight changes has gotten clearer, the reason for her lightness. I just kept doing the things she already know in the one hour that I worked on her and it is more than enough to sustain the progress she has made so far. Keep it up Doris, your getting better each day.  
 

I finally received the message of support from Mr. Diego Garces of the Argentinean embassy in Jakarta by email. He told me he was going to see me for our performance next week and he was looking forward to this meeting as he wants us to do something together concerning the promotion of tango in the city. The TANGOXPOSED souvenir program has finally come to shape with the confirmation of the diplomats from both the Philippines in Singapore and Argentina in Jakarta, giving their messages of support. I then started finalizing the message of my producer Ms. Annie Goh and mine as well. I gave it a few hours to edit all four messages before I turned it over to my printer. There seems to be no stopping Ogie Mendoza to make the most of what he has on hand to make TANGOXPOSED the event that he so desires.  
 

I also received a call from Angeline and Philo telling me that the write-up about our event already came out today and that it came out very well. A lot people they talked to were one in saying that it was indeed a very good article about me and tango. Now that it’s out in the open, as published by Singapore’s leading daily, The Straits Times, there is no denying that TANGOXPOSED is destined to be a major event. I’m getting more and more confident at the outcome of next week’s spectacle indicative of a sweet smell of victory. 
 

At 5;30 pm I was seen again rushing to Jimbaran for my second round of jive/rock n roll workshop for the Jengala people. Ready as they were, we started with the exercises and immediately got down to work. I decided to slow down my pace as I wanted to make sure that everyone got the lesson of last time by making them repeat the sequences all over again and doing it by changing partners as often so they get used to the figures that were taught them. It was nice to see all of them packing in too much energy trying out this complicated jive combinations I gave them while they go on a hit and miss trying to work it out all over again. Fun, joy, laughter was prevalent every time this group comes together for workshop. 
 

Tuesday, I saw myself headed to Seminyak again. Yes, since Sunset has resumed operations, Stefani decided to resume classes in the restaurant to accommodate the Semnyak “tangueros” and relieve them of the hassle of going to Sanur. Good move Stefani!  
 

At 12:00 nn I had Dewi and George taking the lesson. This husband and wife are jointly managing the Sunset and for the first time husband George is taking his first crack at tango. Dewi was so happy that she finally was able to convince him to learn with her. George speaks very fluent Spanish, French, Portuguese and Vietnamese. He is originally from Vietnam and has moved to Bali since he married Dewi. For a first timer, he wasn’t that difficult to teach. He was very attentive to the discussion and was seen enjoying dancing with Dewi. He cut short his lesson as he has to attend to a meeting in Sanur so Dewi was left to carry on with her own lesson. I still retained the same topic of discussion with Dewi wanting her to strengthen some more the lessons that have been taught her. She has made considerable progress and has softened her tight movements brought about by the discipline she got from her Balinese dancing.  
 

Pablo and Iris took the next class and we went on to discuss the ‘giros” where Pablo and I left last time. He enjoyed this feeling of being able to move around that he kept practicing this element with Iris. I made him understand that to be able to perfect the turns, he must always make sure that he keeps the frame as they move together without breaking the roundness of the embrace. This is easier said than done. There are many things contained in the understanding of this element. The idea of the contra-body movement comes in thereby making its’ application inevitable to provide tortion during the swivels. While I have to constantly remind Iris to relax her shoulders and just focus on her axis each time she swivels as Pablo leads him to turn around. They were managing it pretty well and were very glad that they have now reached this point where both of them can initiate a turn in tango. Both of them really like the dance and are always seen attending the weekly “practicas”, another reason why they have accelerated their learning so fast. Guys take it from Pablo and Iris.  
 

I was looking forward to dancing with Lola once again especially after her lessons with Facundo and Bruno last month. I wanted to see what progress or improvement had she made and was right to find out that she has gotten better. As I moved her into the dance floor, I felt so much at ease without having to put up much energy to lead her. She has managed to find her center very well, the reason why she can turn smoothly each time she swivels on the floor. I remember the first time Lola came for lessons when she was tight yet soft, brought about by an undefined center. For more than a year of lesson with me and constant repetition of the movements where she is weak at, she finally imbibed the right movement for the dance. 
 

Being a Tuesday “practica” is on tonight. I’m headed to Made’s at 6:30 where Ni Made is to take lesson. As I arrived, I waited for another ten minutes and viola! she was there ready to tango. She reminded me about the TANGOXPOSED next week as she and husband Peter are coming to Singapore to attend the event. Made I would say has also improved on her tango despite the fact that you don’t see her taking it seriously a she is always distracted by things around her which makes her unable to focus. And if she commits mistakes along the way, she laughs at her hooplas making one think that she will never really learn to tango. But surprisingly she did. She has improved a lot especially so during the time when Kaled was in town and acted like her personal dance instructor at her beck and call. It did work on her a lot thus I can see very well the progress she has made in the last one year. I just danced with her during the one hour that we worked together focusing on the imperfections as I corrected them to make her improve on her dancing. She was happy about it because for her what is important s to be able to move and once she feels it, she can determine, with the aid of a teacher, to correct this imperfections. 
 

At 8:00 pm “practica’ participants slowly started coming in. The ever loyal and charismatic Gianfranco is always first to arrive. Although not feeling well tonight because of his lung problem, but he made it a point to come just to carry on with his passion. He told me he wasn’t going to make it for TANGOXPOSED next week, apologies accepted. Take care senor Franco.  
 

The ladies were in full force from Doris, Sabine, Anama, Brigida, Iris and guys from Pablo, Mat and some new faces whose names skip my memory. Yes it is customary for me that each time we begin with the “practica” I bring everyone to several exercises from walking to stretching to get their bodies in proper tango form. It might be boring but if one would analyze the structure of the exercises, everything is geared towards the development and enhancement of the posture without much effort. Combining it with tango music, it even becomes more exciting for them to do the exercises because they are subconsciously doing it with the music making them appreciate and understand better the musicality part. As always, every time we finish with the “practica” everyone will adjourn downstairs for dinner while we engage in all sorts of talks from the trivial to the relevant issues extending the tango camaraderie to the fullest. The Tango Bali people are really a nice lot.  
 
 
 
 

Dateline: Bali November 8-15, 2006 
 
 

                                                                  WEEK 2 
 
 
 

The succeeding days I was busy attending to my rehearsals, teachings & logistics for TANGOXPOSED which gives me no time to think anymore as I just want to keep doing anything and everything I can do to unload me of responsibilities. I feel like I’m a robot and I just kept on doing things as it comes. This is one point in my life when I am ultra-productive doing things almost simultaneously and without stops. For how can I afford to stop when I’m saddled with tons of things to do. Well, no regrets! 
 

The paintings have all been shipped to Singapore as per Stefani’s advice. I received a call from a television production asking for my permission to take footages or excerpts from Roberto & Tamara’s performance on 18^th November which I obligingly said YES to. It’s media exposure and who could ignore that. My God! TANGOXPOSED will be featured twice on Singapore television, and this means a grand exposure for the most important tango event in Asia. Luck is indeed on my side. My feng shui is at its’ best as the alignment of the stars indicate that I’m headed for a win. Thanks Lilian! 
 

In the evening, the Tango Bali Club members went to Canggu for Pablo and Iris’ wedding anniversary party. The whole gang from Made, Stefani, Gianfranco, and many more were seen arriving at the same time at the designated venue which was Sukerti, a cozy restaurant situated at the far end of the locality. We saw Pablo and Iris standing by the entrance greeting their invited guests as they ushered everyone into the reception area. There were some forty invited guests of the couple and one-third of it are Tango Bali Club members. The food was fantastic! The energy was great. I saw everyone having a good time. Pablo and Iris requested me and Stefani to do an impromptu presentation which we obliged. And soon after, the crowd requested the couple to do a tango exhibition as well. Everyone cheered the couple as they finished with their number and friends and guests were inspired by their enthusiasm. It was a beautiful evening indeed. 
 

The following day Stefani and I were seen really working hard to make our performance impressive. We wanted to impress the Jakartans with our tango that we made sure we put our acts together. Our workshop syllabus had already been discussed which means that we are ready for action this coming Saturday. I can’t wait to see Jakarta because this will be my first time to get into the city. I’m finally realizing my dream of one day doing something in that vast metropolis.  
 

Lessons with Ana and Doug, Lola, Dewi, Anama, Sabine and even the last part of the Jengala workshop were all attended to before Stefani and I fly to Jakarta this Friday. I even ran one more “practica’ on Thursday which was well attended. It gave me the chance to do my final promotion for TANGOXPOSED receiving ten confirmations from Tango Bali .Not a bad idea.  
 

On the day of our departure for Jakarta, I received a call from Jorence from Kota Kinabalu confirming seven people to join TANGOXPOSED. It was music to my ears each time I hear people calling me to register for this event. Asians are really latecomers and as an organizer one must brace himself for this kind of scenario as there will always be last minute registration to any given event. I don’t know why people can’t decide early so it gives the organizers enough time to plan and arrange their logistics with less hassle. But no, this is not true with Asians. I don’t know much about the people from the west, but having worked in the region for many years, and being a Filipino who is so used to the Filipino “manana” habit (do it later –procrastinating), mind you we inherited this from the Spaniards, there will always be truth to this adage. Well, at this point I can’t be finicky. I just have to accept the fact that there will be late registrants until the final day. Short of saying beggars cannot be choosers. Well! Well! 
 

In the afternoon Stefani and I took off for Jakarta via Air Asia 213 that left Denpasar airport at 2:00 pm. After two hours, our plane landed in Jakarta. We got into the city by 5:30 pm Jakarta time which is one hour behind Bali. I gave Mrs. Hakim a call to inform her that we are finally in town. She asked us to feel free to call her anytime we wish to, and informed us that her secretary Suzan will attend to us the following day to bring us to the workshop venue. We settled ourselves and then later went out to check the dancing scene in the city. 
 

Jakarta can be compared to Manila and Bangkok. It’s a bustling metropolis with a huge area, congested traffic, polluted, over populated, tall buildings which all add to its’ character. I felt very much at home the minute I got into the city. I don’t know why I’m so comfortable moving in the big cities, maybe because back in the Philippines, I practically grew up in the metropolis which could be the reason why I’m so fascinated with places like Jakarta. The energy I feel is ambivalent and I just love it. The people are very much like the Filipinos, in terms of character and appearance, so there was every reason for me to really feel at home. 
 

On Saturday morning, I woke up for my scheduled pictorial for Tatler Indonesia. I went to a place called Ruma Maroco , the site of our photo shoot which has a splendid Moroccan architecture. As I entered the hall, I was impressed by the ostentatious interiors reminding me of the palaces of the great kings in history and even the lavish taste of Imelda Marcos. This place is incredible, a perfect site for tango events in the future. As I was going over the place, my phone rang and who would be at the other line but Ayu Hakim asking me where I am. I told her I am in Ruma Maroco and asked where she was. She retorted back and said she was upstairs. I didn’t know she was already in the building. I came up to see her and in a few minutes Suzan came to inform us that the photo shoot is about to begin. We went downstairs where the photographer and the Tatler people were waiting and off we went with the shoot. I saw Mrs. Hakim during the session and greeted her. She told me she was going to see me later as she has to see her doctor. Soon after we wrapped up work and we headed of for our workshop. 
 

Suzan brought us to Belagio, a mall located in the heart of Menteng. We went to a fitness spa called Susan Wein, owned and operated by a cousin of Mrs. Hakim. As we got in, the participants were already there ready to take their crack on tango. We started a bit late because of the earlier schedule I have and simply made up by extending the workshop to another thirty minutes. 
 

As I was going over the gender balance, I was surprised that it was near perfect as there was a shortfall of only one man which is manageable. I started giving them an introduction to tango by giving them exercises defining weight changes, finding their balance/axis as mandated in the syllabus I submitted to IODI. Since a lot of them are beginner’s it is imperative that every one get into the right mode to have a better understanding of what posture can do to make them dance and look good. This has always been the case with people trying to learn how to dance. They only see steps without realizing that they need to define good posture before they are able to carry a step or two.  
 

But I am one teacher who will not bore my students with too much technicalities and will make sure that their lesson will be light, easy and fun to keep them wanting to learn the tango. Not only do I develop good dancers in my teachings, but I see to it that I develop the passion for tango first before I can make them good dancers. With my detailed, easy-to-learn approach, Stefani and I brought them into the introductory part of this exciting dance. The program Stefani and I designed was a build-up enabling students to learn it in a series. The first day ended successfully with everyone feeling exhausted from the day’s intensive workshops. Students were responding to the program but would need sometime for them to immerse these new inputs into their system. A case of information load, but this is just the beginning.  
 

I was happy to see some twenty-five participants joining our workshop. This is a good sign that there is great possibility that tango can grow in this largely Moslem city. Why not? If tango can grow in places like Ankara, Istanbul, Dubai, Beirut ec., which are largely Moslem, why not Jakarta. True. With the support of Dance sport Indonesia, it is highly probable that tango will take-off in this city. And I will do my best together with Stefani to really make tango a big scene in this part of the region. We were so exhausted from that marathon session we had the whole day, so we decided to chill and relax and save our energies for the following day.  
 

On Sunday morning, we were on for the second part of the workshop. We started on time as everyone was ready for the continuing part of yesterday’s session. We had the same number of participants as we brought them to a more challenging level. The forward and back crosses or otherwise known as “ochos” or figure 8 has been discussed. While everyone seemed to be following the line of dance, as this was fully emphasized in yesterday’s workshop, now with the introduction of this new element called “ocho’, there is a need to reinforce the line of dance once more before students get entangled as they do the forward and back crosses. Stefani and I made sure that they do not take the figure 8 as a step or figure per se but rather just as an element very much the same as the walk. That is why I prefer to call it back and front crosses as it connotes a walk rather than “ochos’ which connotes a figure or a step. We wanted to make sure that they got the idea of navigating around the dance floor on anti-clockwise position and not erroneously turn the opposite direction each time they do the “ochos” which is a common problem for beginner’s students. This will take quite a while before they fully understand and apply the concept with ease. 
 

There were a lot of things we discussed but all these pertains to posture, walking, weight changes, elements which are so essential for the understanding of the Argentine tango. Yesterday we EMPHASIZED on all these, today we DEFINED the underlying details concerning each element. For instance, in walking, we gave them the idea of the contra-positions or the contra-body movement by moving their left foot forward as the right shoulders go forward and vice-versa, which helps create “tortion” so as not to loose each other’s frame.. Beginners usually find this exercise quite difficult in the beginning but as their bodies get used to doing it, they get more relaxed and start adapting to this pattern making them move in distinct catwalk motion, something similar to modeling, eventually adding elegance into their movement..  
 

We also gave them more ideas about the musicality element of tango by defining the rhythm, taking it from a single beat to a double or syncopated beat. But we first emphasized to them yesterday the importance of listening to the single beat or the base beat to get the right feeling for the music. We find this very important because this is when students will start applying the basic steps with the music. And most times beginners are confused as to how to get the beat because when they hear tango music they hear so many instruments and this is what confuses them as to why they cannot find the beat. This problem is common with my Chinese students. So to address this problem, I always make them listen to the base to get the right rhythm. We also introduced the double beat but did not go any further as we found them not yet ready to understand this concept. 
 

During the entire session of the two-day workshop we made them understand the need of dancing with different people by switching partners. This will help them develop their leading and following skills by not confining themselves to only one partner. This is also another way of providing camaraderie and fun, as everyone get to know each other during the entire workshop. 
 

By the end of today’s lesson, Mrs. Fathma Hakim came up to make an announcement concerning the just concluded workshops. Everybody was feeling tired and exhausted but who would not, until she started calling the names of the participants to hand them out their certificates duly signed by Stefani and yours’ truly. Stefani and I were there to assist Mrs. Hakim as she made the roll call. There was a feeling of jubilation and Stefani and I felt very proud of this achievement.  
 

Mrs. Hakim then reminded us about the scheduled performance at Mario’s tomorrow evening. Stefani and I carried on with our private lessons with Maria Lukito, Cindy Sondakh, and Ronnie Wonka soon after. For another three hours, we stayed on to finish all the scheduled private lessons with the aforementioned names. 
 

Today is November 13 and it’s the most important day of my life coz it’s my birthday. Happy birthday to me! Happy birthday to me! Yes for two years in a row, I’ve celebrated my birthday in two different places doing workshops and performance. I remember last year I was in Kota Kinabalu together with Ms. Marguerite Brodie-Eu to do this performance with Nicole Kim’s production of Salon del Tango. I did the performance exactly on my birthday. And here I am again to do another performance exactly again on my birthday, but this time it’s in Jakarta. I hope this luck continues in the coming years as I feel good doing the thing I love most and on my natal day at that. Call it coincidence but what a luck! 
 

We arrived at Mario’s Place at 8:00 pm and Suzan was already there to receive us. She then immediately brought us to the table of Mr. Diego Garces, who has been there fifteen minutes earlier. He is the charge d’affaires of the Embassy of Argentina in Jakarta. She introduced us to him and to his other friend, a guy who works with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Buenos Aires, and soon after we were engaged in animated conversation concerning, tango, Bali, Jakarta, his plans for tango in Jakarta and all that jazz. He’s a nice fellow and I thanked him for the message of support he gave to TANGOXPOSED. He asked me how I found his message and told him it was very apt for the event. Mrs. Hakim & Ms. Maria Lukito joined us later until dinner was served.  
 

The band started playing and they provided very good music, the reason why Mario’s Place is frequented on Monday’s. Dancing then started and soon I have a glimpse of what the dancing scene is like in Jakarta. I spotted many local DIs, some of whom joined our workshops for the last two days. I then saw one Filipino DI Marvin, who was with his client. The dancing scene is very much the same as it is anywhere. Judging from what I saw, it gave me the impression that the Indonesians are fun people as well. Because I always have this perception in mind that because Indonesia is a Moslem country, people’s feelings are suppressed because of religion but contrary to what I saw tonight it was exactly the opposite of what I perceived it to be. I was seated beside Ayu telling her of my perception and she told me that Jakarta has always been this way and it was only the press that created this perception. I believed her so. Also, I noticed one thing, there is not much women walking around in “tudung” as compared to Malaysia where in every street corner you see these women garbed in traditional Muslim clothes. The Indonesian women are quite modern in their way of dressing, very much like Singapore, Manila, & Bangkok.  
 

By 9:30 pm our show started. Stefani and I gave out two traditional numbers in “Malena” and “Desde el Alma.” It went on very smoothly and midway into each performance we would be interrupted by applause from the audience. The crowd was very appreciative and as soon as we finished the first two numbers we then asked for a break. Dancing continued as the audience is seen dancing to the playful rhythm of salsa and merengue. 
 

After fifteen minutes, we were called on stage again to do our last two presentation .We did the “milonga”to the music of “el lloron” and a tango Nuevo to the music of “Sentimiento.” The crowd liked these two numbers very much as we were interrupted by their applause many times during each performance. The “Sentimiento” choreography was laced with so much highlights and the audience loved it very much. We ended to a thunderous applause from the crowd and immediately after, we invited everyone to come into the dance floor to keep the party going.  
 

The band played and provided the most energetic pieces they could ever play to keep the people moving and dancing. Hell broke loose as the band played rock n’roll numbers making everyone rise up from their seats as the party’s energy reached boiling point. It was fun time in Jakarta. Everyone from the charge d’affaires, to Ms.Maria Lukito, Mrs. Fathma Hakim, our students from the workshop came up to congratulate us for a wonderful performance. Stefani and I were very pleased at the great reception we’ve received in Jakarta.  
 

Until I heard a birthday song being played, and suddenly I saw everyone surrounded me, singing happy birthday, and only then did I realize that they were greeting me on my birthday. Yes, I forgot it was my birthday. This came as a surprise coz I never thought that this would happen. And I remembered telling Suzan earlier in passing that today is my birthday and she took it from there and so she was the one who orchestrated all this jubilation tonight. Thank you so much Suzan. I felt so warmly received in Jakarta with this gesture. 
 

Jakarta was fun. Stefani and I did a great job during this week-end. This is just the beginning of what will be a good working relationship with IODI for the promotion of Argentine tango in the city. It’s like receiving a birthday present you like most. Thank you again Mrs. Hakim! Thank you Ms. Maria Lukito! Thank you Jakarta!

The following day I have to rush back to Singapore to pick-up Roberto & Tamara who both are arriving today from Munich. I have to leave Jakarta at 11:30 am and Suzan arranged the driver who will be bringing me to the airport. By 10:00 am I reached the airport and ready to take my flight back to Singapore via GA 826.

 

I arrived in Singapore and hour and a half after and soon I whisked myself into the city as I arrived at BG’s home at 2:30 pm. Tension is running high on me. Preparations have to be made for the arrival of Roberto & Tamara especially so their accommodation. Prior to their arrival, while still in Jakarta, my mind has been preoccupied thinking where to put them. Not that I did not plan about their accommodation, but there were last minute changes that transpired that I am now forced to be in this predicament,  
 

I was pleased to find out that Angeline managed to convince BG to house Roberto & Tamara. This is such a big relief not only for me but for the entire TANGOXPOSED operations as it relieves me of whatever cost I will be spending should I put them up in a hotel, something my producer will frown upon as this will entail additional cost on the production. I have nothing but great admiration to Angeline for cleverly maneuvering this brilliant act, clearing and putting everyone in place, so as not to jeopardize the operations. This week is going to be crucial because this is the final week prior to the staging of TANGOXPOSED. And things become awry if not properly handled, because this is when emotions run high as tension builds up pending final event. Trust a good lawyer to handle matters like this.  
 

By 5:00 pm Roberto & Tamara have a place to stay. The two extra rooms in Bg’s house were arranged by BG and Angeline themselves. At 6:30 pm I was at the airport ready to fetch Roberto and Tamara and not long after they got out of the door and soon we’re headed to BG’s house. We arrived at the place and BG was there to receive them. We brought them to their rooms and left the night free to make them relax and chill after a long journey as they start work tomorrow. Hasta manana! 
 
 
 

Dateline: Singapore November 15-21, 2007 
 
 
 

                                                           WEEK 3 
 

The following morning I woke up early to prepare today’s agenda. My life is taking a different twist this time as I will not be Ogie, the teacher, teaching and conducting tango workshops to my countless students in Singapore but the organizer, impresario of a tango event called TANGOXPOSED.  
 

I picked up my organizer and started going over the list of things to do. I saw BG in the dining hall and asked me what breakfast to prepare for Roberto and Tamara who will be waking-up in a few minutes. I told her to just give them an American breakfast meanwhile and later just ask them what kind of morning meals they go for. Roberto and Tamara came out of their rooms feeling refreshed and much better having slept well last night. We ushered them into the dining table and invited them for breakfast. I noticed Tamara to be a light eater so I asked her what she wants to eat. She said she only eat fruits in the morning while Roberto ate everything that was served on the table and kind of having a hearty appetite.  
 

I gave Roberto their schedule for the coming two weeks as he starts teaching today at Colleen’s studio in the afternoon. BG then requested if she could take her lesson as well. Though her name wasn’t listed on the schedule I managed to squeeze her in by asking Roberto if he can start teaching an hour earlier and he obliged. We then all went of to SICC where the four of us took lunch together and then adjourned for our 1:00 pm class.  
 

BG and I took the lesson with Roberto and Tamara with the whole one hour focused on BG. I wanted to make sure that BG gets more exposure to Roberto’s teachings wanting her to improve as much to make her a real fine “tanguera.” I did some run-through with Tamara and from there got some corrections which I find valid. She’s a good teacher considering she’s only less than a year in tango and only twenty-eight years old at that.  
 

BG, Tamara and I left the studio as he has to attend to his private lessons with Nurdi, Colleen, and Elizabeth Sam in the next four hours.  
 

I got a call from Annie confirming that the paintings are now in her possession and was asking me what to do with those paintings. I instructed her to keep it with her for the time being and have it delivered on Friday morning at Upper Club for the opening night of TANGOXPOSED.  
 

I called up Ines Garcia to tell her that she is needed tonight at the Singapore Cricket Club for the welcome dinner. Ditto with Philo, BG, Harry, Annie and Nurdi. Tonight Stefani arrives from Bali and she too will join us for the welcome dinner straight from the airport. This welcome dinner was arranged by Angeline who is a member of the club. Thanks Angeline!  
 

By 8:30 pm everyone who is expected to come tonight are already in. The party dinner has to start and I invited everyone for a toast as we sipped our drinks at the balcony. I t was a good view that we had of the cricket field, the congress building and the Singapore skyline. Very scenic indeed! 
 

We all then adjourned to the restaurant downstairs where dinner we’ll be served. During dinner everyone was seen having a good time exchanging banters and pleasantries, filling up the camaraderie that will shape TANGOXPOSED in the days to come. I see a very positive sign that all my efforts will pay off to make TANGOXPOSED a real success.

We ended on a high note as we all went home to get ready for next day’s event.  
 

The following day I met up with Stefani to discuss the set-up of the art exhibition. I asked Collin and Albert, the guy who will help us with the set-up, for a meeting in the morning. Everyone came in at the prescribed time until we agreed on how things will come about regarding the art exhibition tomorrow. Stefani and Albert agreed on many terms on how to set it up and I felt relieved. Down one! 
 

I then reminded BG to bring Roberto to the studio for his afternoon lessons. BG was so nice to have driven him to Dalvey Court where his classes are. Tamara has nothing much to do yet so she’ always seen tagging along with BG, to go shopping, marketing and driving around enjoying Singapore life to the fullest. Lucky girl! 
 

In the evening, all four of us BG, Roberto and Tamara took our dinner at SICC where we ended our day getting ready for next day’s round of activities. It’s going to be a heavy day and time will just fly so fast that we needed to store much energy to cope up with the hectic schedule ahead of us. But my work isn’t over as I have yet to prepare the paraphernalia that will be handed out during the registration tomorrow. BG, Annie, and Angeline were seen lending a hand to expedite and facilitate the speedy sorting out of name plates, invitations, ticket vouchers etc. 
 

As we finished, Lilian Jimenez, who arrived at 12”00 mn from Manila was seen at BG’s doorstep looking very haggard because of the 5-hour delay she has to contend with while waiting to catch her flight to Singapore this afternoon. Angeline extended her hospitality by having Lilian alongside with Marguerite until Sunday. 
 

Yes today is Friday and D-day is finally on. Our scheduled interview for Prime Time Morning is scheduled at 9:20 am. Gamar, the show producer has already instructed me not to be late as we have to be at the studio premises by 9:00 am. We got there on schedule and at exactly 9:20 Roberto, Tamara, and Stefani went on air. I was watching the proceeding from the monitor outside and was happy and pleased at the way the interview went. If you may call this a casting coup, then this one’s worth remembering. All three artists in a row - live on Singapore television - promoting TANGOXPOSED. 
 

Roberto has only one scheduled lesson and after that he and Tamara are set to do their rehearsals at Upper Club while at the same time check on the dance floor and the lightings they need for their performance on Saturday.  
 

Then I’m meeting up with several people today concerning preparations for tonight’s event. Annie had the paintings delivered by 10:00 am as Stefani waits for Albert’s men to set-up the panels so she could start draping them with black cloths and then hang the paintings. I met up with the IKAMVA people to try out the video clip they are to present for the charity auction. Alongside with Haffez Harun whom I have to direct as to how he will emcee tonight’s proceedings. I saw everyone busy with their respective tasks and by 6:00 pm we have to clear up the place as the art exhibition starts at 7:00 pm. 
 

I rushed back home to change my clothes and by 8:00 pm I was in Upper Club for the opening night of TANGOXPOSED. As I got in, I already saw guests viewing the paintings from the club’s entrance and further inside I saw the KL people from Marguerite, Shungyen, Cheah, Elkie, Stella and more. On the other side I saw the Bali crowd headed by Stefani, Made, Peter, Ana, Rhea, and some friends, Stefani’s children,

Aylin and Kim were present too. Ms. Elizabeth Sam came in the prescribed color motif looking very elegant as always ditto with Nurdi who came with Jack in black and red ensemble. I noticed that everyone followed the color scheme of black and red and I was very pleased at the way most of them complied with the motif. Zee, from Tango Singapore was seen hobnobbing with James and Irene Fong ditto with BG Pang who was seen in tete-a-tete with Annie’s gang at the other end of the hall. The Kota Kinabalu people headed by Jorence together with three other Filipinos and three Sabahan Chinese were spotted having a good time. They just arrived this afternoon and will be seen joining the workshop tomorrow. Lily Tsao who came with partner Sam was looking elegant in her red dress. While my friend from Sydney Lilian Jimenez came in a dazzling red out fit ready to tango. Friends and guests from Annie’s side were also seen enjoying the paintings and having a good time. Wine was overflowing that evening. Colleen, whose, friend Emil, sponsored this fantastic Portuguese wine, thanks Emil, came with a partner from Manila. There were many friends, students, acquaintances I saw that evening among them were Ajith, Francis, Debbie, Helen Teo, Angela, and many more.

French couple Martine and Francoise Estrade came all the way from Paris to lend their support. Martine’s poems were featured during the art exhibition as well. Not to be missed out is Ms. Angeline Jansen who came in a black and red ensemble ditto with Philomena who was seen wearing a printed outfit while sipping a glass of red wine. I also spotted a Latin contingent from the group of Ines Garcia. She was with friends Alejandra, Salvador and their son Gustavo. And the TANGOXPOSED stars themselves, Roberto Herrera, Tamara Biscelglia and the painter/artist of this event entitled A’Passionata, Ms .Stefani K. 
 

The energy was high. Elegance was written all over the hall. People came because they love tango. Kuala Lumpur, Bali, Manila, Kota Kinabalu, Singapore, Jakarta, and even Paris were well represented that evening. The most important tango event in Asia has finally arrived. This is how tango will be promoted and embraced. And TANGOXPOSED has set the pace. 
 

The program started at 9:30 pm with the introduction of Hafeez Harun as the master of ceremony. The IKAMVA video clip was then presented paving the way for the charity auction. Soon after a sneak preview of tomorrow’s event was presented by having Ines Garcia sing one song while Roberto & Tamara did an impromptu number. The crowd simply loved it. Everyone was enjoying this newfound energy they are experiencing concerning tango. As the trio finished their act, “milonga” soon then followed. And everyone jumped into the dance floor to once again display their love and passion for the dance.  
 

“Tangueros” from everywhere in the region were seen having a good time. Never have this kind of outpouring been ever experienced with so much class and fashion, a very clear tango statement reverberating around the region created by TANGOXPOSED. 
 

Saturday and all roads lead to Gillman Heights in the morning as we begin a series of workshop that will see Roberto and Tamara conducting classes until 4:00 this afternoon. Today is going to be a hectic schedule for everyone as we shuttle from workshop to the gala dinner which will see Roberto and Tamara doing a performance scheduled this evening. Studio Renegade is already open and workshop participants have started to arrive. Stefani had set-up a mini-flea market where she’s selling these TANGOXPOSED souvenir shirts for men and ladies and including some CDs.  
 

By 11:00 I called on everyone who’s joining the Beginner/Intermediate workshop to get inside the studio as we are to begin with the session. I was surprised to see around seventy participants in attendance making my heart scream with joy at the turn out I saw. I can’t believe it’s happening. I can’t believe TANGOXPOSED made it. This is one of the most important highlight in my entire tango career that spans twelve years to date.And I wish to thank the many people who made all these possible. 
 

Roberto and Tamara took the participants to two and a half hours of the basic rudiments of tango based on their syllabus. They were brought from the simple walks applying weight changes to the contrapositions as they walk forward and back and using a pendulum motion as they step side ways. The principle of dissociation or isolation was discussed as everyone was brought to the swivels leading to “ochos” and “giro’.” Roberto’s syllabus is one of the most effective I’ve come across with. Even I for one, who has been into tango for almost twelve years now still learns so much by simply joining and understanding his beginner’s workshop. His lesson is a build-up leading to the formation of figures/steps which students will later work on as they combine the elements he presented. After two and a half hours everyone was feeling tired and hungry and we have to adjourn the class to go to the Italian restaurant downstairs to take our lunch. Everyone was upbeat despite the hunger, fatigue and the heat. Everyone was scattered all over the restaurant, talking, chatting, laughing and it was such a great moment of camaraderie and fun when they were just humming it up and letting it loose. And this is because of a common denominator called tango. 
 

At 2:30 we carried on with the workshop for the Intermediate/Advance level. It was the same people who were in the class earlier who will be joining this next level workshop save for a few others who just enlisted for this class. Being an intermediate/advance level expect that Roberto and Tamara will take them to a more exciting stage where they are to do complicated steps which everyone loves doing. True enough, Roberto and Tamara started giving them exercises on “voleos’ and “sacadas” making everyone move with delight as they expect exciting figures to come based on the exercises that was given them. Roberto and Tamara then demonstrated the combination they were to do and impressed them with the series they presented as everyone gave them a thunderous applause the minute they finished the sequence. Two other combinations were presented but I have to ask Roberto to cut short the workshop by thirty minutes to give time for everyone to prepare for tonight’s gala dinner performance. And so do Roberto and Tamara who will require some rest as they are still to perform later. Everyone agreed and another round of applause was given to our visiting teachers.  
 

I was rushing to come back home to change and was surprised to find out that BG, Roberto,& Tamara are still home and getting ready yet. BG asked me to join them instead as we all went together to Upper Club in one car. I obliged as it would save me time and in ten minutes I’m done ready to join them including Annie and Harry who both were waiting downstairs.  
 

We arrived at Upper Club and saw a TV crew inside the hall as I remembered that another television show is to take footage or coverage of the performance tonight. The lady in charge came over to me to remind me of Roberto and Tamara’s interview and gave them a nod to do it thirty minutes after.  
 

Guests started coming in by 8:00 o clock. I was busy coordinating with Chardin, the Filipino DJ in Upper Club regarding the music to be played during dinner time. I was also seen rushing to distribute the souvenir program and asked Shirley’s help to distribute it around. I called Hafeez to be on standby as I did not prepare the script for tonight’s proceedings thinking at the last minute if I were to emcee the show myself or not. I ushered Roberto and Tamara to their dressing room which I found disgusting especially for Roberto’s stature and apologize about the poor state of dressing room I gave them. Thanks God! He was no diva that he told me not to worry about it. The two DIs I hired for the Tango Bali Club were there to remind me that they were the dance instructors Dennis asked to come over. I directed them to the table were the group was and left them under the care of Stefani. The preparations seem to be endless that I just kept doing things as it comes. I just want to finish everything that I have started tonight.  
 

As I looked around I can only see shades of black and white as everyone followed the prescribe color scheme once more. This only indicates one thing that people want to dress up for an occasion and I feel proud having come up with this idea of a color scheme for the two events I had, A’Pasionata yesterday & Blanko y Negro tonight.  
 

Dinner was served at 9:00 pm which was thirty minutes late from the original schedule. Guests were starting to feel restless waiting for any action to start. I was still busy coordinating last minute preparation prior to the actual show making sure that all the music to be used, the lightings down to the sounds had all been attended to. I decided to share the hosting chore instead with Hafeez as I just wanted to monitor everything from behind the scene making sure that everything works out fine as planned.  
 

By 10:00 pm we played the playful rhythm of Toca Tango as Mr. Hafeez Harun came in to start with the proceedings. It was midway into the dinner when we started with the show. And after a few announcement and acknowledgement, Hafeez finally called me to say my piece. 
 

With hardly any script or preparation I found my way to take center stage as I took the microphone and said my spiel. I thanked everyone who gave their support for TANGOXPOSED from my producer Annie Goh, to friends Ms. BG Pang, Marguerite Brodie-Eu and my team Philomena Waung and Ms. Angeline Jansen. I thanked the tango clubs around the region who came to lend their support from Tango Malaysia, Tango Singapore, the Tango Friends of Singapore, Tango Bangkok, Tango Bali Club, Tango Club of Jakarta and the Manila Tango Club. I thanked the Singapore media, The Straits Times and Channel News Asia for the publicity and promotion they have generated for this event. 
 

After which I introduced Ms. Ines Garcia, as she was received warmly by the audience to showcase her singing ability as she regales us with classic tango pieces fresh from the heart and soul of Buenos Aires. And soon the program started. She invited everyone into the dance floor to dance the tango. And “tangueros” obliged and suddenly the hall was filled with tango lovers reminiscent of the “milongas”in Buenos Aires. 
 

The scene were people are dancing to the music of a live Argentinean singer was just truly amazing. It captured the image which I envisioned when “tangueros” will be garbed in elegant outfits dancing to a live music. While I didn’t have a band to back up Ines, but she was more than enough to fill up the void with her sultry sensual voice which captured the hearts of everyone who heard her sing. Elegant and classy is all that can be said of that moment. Truly a first in Asia! 
 

After Ines’s performance it was time to give way to the main stars of TANGOXPOSED. Roberto and Tamara were soon called on stage as they received a thunderous applause from the audience. The show started with a “chacarera,” a popular Argentinean folk dance which is now popular among the tango clubs around the world. This is where Roberto is at his best as he comes from folk before getting into tango. It then segued to the “boleadora” making him play with two balls tied on a string as he criss- crosses and plays with them in twirling motion. Incredible indeed! I specially requested this from Roberto thinking that the audience will surely love this and I was not mistaken. They gave him a resounding applause after this act.  
 

A fifteen minute interval ensued before the second act started with a traditional tango to the music of El Arranque. The couple tangoed and swayed into the dance floor keeping the audience immersed with their act. The playful beat and rhythm of this music was enough to make Roberto and Tamara sway and glide as they entangled themselves to the complicated steps they prepared to the delight of the audience. The energy went high gear and soon the audience saw themselves getting hotter and clamoring for tango as Roberto and Tamara danced a “milonga” to the playful rhythm of “El Lloron.” The audience loved it especially when they saw Tamara jumping up to Roberto’ lap doing a “sentada” and doing a split towards the last part of their act. People in Asia love the stunts. I suppose even people from the west. 
 

For their last act, they did a tango Nuevo piece to the music of “Enigamatico” and here audience were treated to the style of Roberto using this genre. The man is simply superb. Having come from the traditional school, his foray into tango Nuevo is indeed phenomenal. He has incorporated his distinct style into this genre, making it a mold or a pattern for tango lovers of this kind to emulate. He now joins the ranks of Fabian Salas, Gustavo Naveira & Chicho Frumboli as masters of the Nuevo style. 
 

The audience had nothing but great admiration for the couple. Their interest in tango was revived and renewed because of TANGOXPOSED as it exposed the many facets of the Argentinean tango as an art form during the three day event. They were treated to an opening night of art exhibition through A’pasionata featuring Stefani K as guest artist. They took incredible tango workshops with Roberto and Tamara during the two day event through ggggggggg. Tonight they attended a gala dinner performance in Blanko Y Negro. We featured Ines Garcia as they were enthralled by her singing prowess in Tango Cancion. They read the beautiful poems of Martine Estrade in poetry during the art exhibition. But over and above all TANGOXPOSED is doing something for charity as it donated it’s charity auction proceeds to IKAMVA, a South African Youth charity organization. 
 

The “milonga”then followed and there was just a tremendous amount of energy brought about by the presentation showcased this evening. Everyone was in a dancing mood. Everyone wants to party. Wines were over flowing. I went around and asked my photographer to take some shots with guests from table to table. I was happy. I was on cloud nine. I was victorious. I won… 
 

I was feeling infinity at the moment. The euphoria brought about by the success of this event seems to be unstoppable. The party just went on and on until closing time and I can see satisfaction written all over the faces of all the participants. At one point, everyone went up the stage for a posterity shot and around sixty five people, mostly “tangueros” who joined the workshops, were there for the group photo session.  
 

Sunday and today is the last day of TANGOXPOSED. Workshops will still be running the whole day until 5:00 pm. Participants to the Beginner/Intermediate have already been inside the studio since 10:45. At the strike of 11:00 Roberto and Tamara started the session. They did a continuation of yesterday’s lesson. The studio was still packed but everyone was eager and enthusiastic to carry on with the lesson, after all they are working and learning with a master and one of the best in contemporary times. They know it will be worth their while and money to learn with Roberto despite some little inconvenience.  
 

I saw Elkie and Cheah of Tango Malaysia having a good time. Cheah is a second timer for Roberto’s workshop having attended his tango camp last year in Bali. There were many of these “tangueros” from Kuala Lumpur, Bali, Kota Kinabalu, & Manila who flew to Singapore just to take this chance to work with Roberto. Judging from their reactions, I can see that they’re really enjoying the lesson with him. After two and a half hours and the class was finished. A buffet spread was set outside the studio for people who have ordered and enlisted themselves to pay for this extra service accorded by the Italian restaurant where everyone ate yesterday.  
 

The one hour break provided everyone a chance to obtain more camaraderie with one another. After the opening night/art exhibition and after the first day workshop and gala dinner yesterday, they all seem to have adjusted to one another creating friendships, contacts for a better network in the community of “tangueros” around the region. This is exactly the whole idea why festivals are created. And this is one of the objectives of TANGOXPOSED. 
 

At 3:00 pm and we went off with the Intermediate/Advance class. This time Roberto and Tamara gave the participants new elements on “milonga.” Everyone was delighted seeing them demonstrate this little complicated steps with small jumps making everyone glee with delight. They love this dance because it is fast beat. And anything with fast beat will always be appreciated in Asia. Everyone tried this combination Roberto and Tamara gave them. At most times they will ask participants to keep switching partners for better lead and follow.  
 

The Singapore contingent was seen having a ball of a time. They feel proud that such a big event happened in Singapore. Ms. Elizabeth Sam was seen enjoying her workshop together with perennial partner Livan. She’s one of the first few students I have since I started coming in to the lion city. Spotted too were Jannie Tay who came to drop by and see what action was going on. By the way, I’d like to thank her for buying three paintings from the art exhibition we had last night. Stefani was so delighted that three of her paintings have been bought. Rose Dieu, Helen Teo, Shirley Tay, who was neither here nor there, as she too was busy helping in the preparations, thanks Shirl, Henry Tan, Zee and a dozen other Singaporeans were having an equally good time with Roberto and Tamara.  
 

I couldn’t say anything anymore. This is just too much. “Over” if I may use this slang by the young people. I am overjoyed at the outcome of TANGOXPOSED. I remember Lilian coming up to me and saying she couldn’t believe at the energy she saw during this three-day event. How she wish that she could muster the same intensity and joie de vivre when she holds her festival in June.  
 

Roberto and Tamara adjourned the class and soon after we started giving out certificates to the workshop participants. The certificate is nicely printed with Roberto and Tamara’s faces locked in an embrace. This is the first time that it is being done in Asia and TANGOXPOSED again takes great pride of being the first to initiate such a move to inspire more “tangueros” to keep tango-ing. This is one good strategy to keep the community growing and organizers should take it from here. We need to inspire people into tango by giving them acknowledgement or some kind of incentive to keep them going.  
 

When the graduation rites was over, the participants then took another posterity shot with Roberto and Tamara. The general and prevailing sentiment at that moment was joy and happiness. People have come to bond because of a common denominator called tango. Ajith who acted out as the official photographer was seen moving from angle to angle as he took shots of the group.  
 

It’s almost finished. TANGOXPOSED will soon come to an end. The three-day event will long be remembered by everyone who participated in it. But before we come to a close, a farewell party is being held tonight at Brix, and when announcement was made, everyone jumped with delight as they realized the party isn’t over. It ain’t over when its’

over. Angeline called on everyone to be at Brix, Hyatt at 9 :30 pm for the final night and asked everyone to wear the TANGOXPOSED t-shirts or any tango shirts for that matter.  
 

At 9;30 pm as we I got into Brix together with BG, Roberto and Tamara, I already saw the group having a good time. Angeline, Stefani, Marguerite, Shirley and Lilian were already seen having a ball of a time with their hired DIs. On the other table were Elkie, Shungyen, Cheah, Stella and Mynne having a drink or two enjoying the cool ambience of Brix. Nurdi,Cindy Jack, Zee and Kurt occupied another table. Others joined later as they came from another function. Yes it’s party time again. For the last time we’re throwing all cautions to the wind. It’s gonna be DRINK DANCE & BE MERRY. Laughter, fun, joy, happiness till we all dropped. 
 

The following day, Monday, I woke up feeling relieved of all the pressure, tension, and worries that I felt during the three months that I was working on this project. I’m a free man. I’m free of all the obligations that go with being an organizer/impresario. My life is back to normal again. It was a roller coaster ride with lots of action, suspense and drama. Well this is life. And this is business. We just have to do things to the best of our knowledge and ability and everything will be fine.  
 

I didn’t realize that I still have to do many things since after last night. I thought I was through with all my duties and responsibilities to my surprise. While I did plan the pre-event to TANGOXPOSED very well, what I missed out was the post event scenario. I was caught red-handed when I still have to pull-out all the paintings at Upper Club. Of course I do know about the pull-out, but I didn’t prepare for its’ logistics because of the wave of things that has transpired during this last three days. Things were just happening

one after another. I immediately put my act together and started directing everyone concerned. I called-up Albert to immediately pull-out the paintings and his panels from Upper Club as Stefani watched over and instructed them to handle the paintings carefully. I called up Annie to pull out said painting within the day to avoid any discussion with Collin. By 5:00 pm all these were done and Stefani’s paintings are now in Annie’s stockroom. There were bills that need to be settled so I have to schedule a meeting again with Collin the following day which was what I told him. I have to account the sales and instructed Philo to hand me her chart as I list down collections from my side until we figure or tally the over all sales generated by TANGOXPOSED. And of course, I must not forget that Roberto and Tamara will still be here for one more week for lessons and workshop and that I would still be very much at the helm attending to their schedule. Gee! It ain’t over yet.  
 
 
 
 

Dateline: Singapore November 22-30, 2006,  
 
 

                                                           WEEK 4 
 

Tuesday, I went to the gym to get back into my fitness exercise again which I have neglected for almost three months. That’s why there is every reason why I am looking bloated these days because of lack of exercise and maybe because of the stress that I’ve been through during these months and it incurred a reaction to my body. I was just surprised really at how rounded my face have become. I was never eating too much but I cannot fathom why I have to bloat this way.  
 

I felt good after the morning exercise and then went back to BG ‘s house to meet up with them . As usual Roberto is to conduct private lessons from 2:00-6:00 pm today and so is Tamara who will have a one our lesson with Jack at 2:00 pm. Since my life is getting back to normal again like I said, I am also slowly getting back into teaching as I teach Cindy at 2;00 pm at Helena’ studio. After lunch at SICC, BG dropped us all at Dalvey Court for our respective lessons. Tamara and I will join later to go back home as we take a walk from the studio to BG’s house.  
 

My lesson with Cindy was still on the introductory part emphasizing the need to obtain good posture to be able to dance the tango. Cindy is not difficult to teach. In fact she’s very receptive to new ideas to improve on her dancing. She told me she like’s tango very much and she would appreciate if I can make her dance the tango very well. I can see in her eyes how she really loves the dance. But I have to be clear with my position that it’s not just about liking and loving but a commitment must go alongside to be able to focus and understand the dance. We went through the walking exercises I gave her and made her define her axis to be more grounded on the floor. She was set to leave this evening for Jakarta as soon as we finished our lesson. Bon Voyage ! 
 

In the evening, we tendered a farewell dinner for Stefani as she leaves for Bali the next day. Using BG’s car, we drove off to Changi Club at 7:00 pm together with Roberto, Tamara, Stefani, BG, me and Angeline who’s at the steering wheel. We arrived an hour after and there we enjoyed the cool breeze coming from the sea as we took our dinner a la carte.  
 

After dinner we drove back to the city to go dancing as we are to meet the group, Nurdi, Henry, Mynne, and the rest who are all waiting for us at the Ballroom in Dempsey road. When we arrived everyone was there and the receptionist ushered us into the table where they are seated. I can see it is party time once more the third time around since the gala dinner. And there’s no stopping this merriment because tonight is Ms. Colleen Chong’s birthday celebration. It was dancing time and the usual ballroom flair is what one can expect when you are in place such as the Ballroom. The dancing was interrupted when the DJ played a birthday song to our birthday girl Colleen Chong. Everyone in ballroom gathered around her to giver her salutations. The DJ then played tango and guess who will take our birthday girl to dance but no less than the maestro himself, Roberto Herrera. Colleen was seen grinning from ear-to-ear as she relishes every moment of her dancing with Roberto. It was another fun night to remember and I just can’t help but keep partying as I entertain Roberto and Tamara with the help of friends Angeline and BG to make their stay in Singapore memorable. 
 

Wednesday and Stefani flies back to Bali this afternoon Bon voyage! It will be another hectic day of lessons for Roberto as I was also seen trying to arrange a ladies’ embellishment class for Tamara over the weekend. I met up with Collin this morning at 11:00 to finalize the remaining balance for last Saturday’s event. Last night, I managed to convince Alvin to put up Stefani’s paintings in his club and share the profit we could derive from the sales. He immediately said yes to my proposal and what I did was instructed Annie to deliver the paintings to Dempsey road.  
 

At 4:00 I saw Rahma, a friend of Ivana, who came to watch the gala performance last Saturday. She said she wanted to learn the tango and so she arranged this meeting today to start her first tango lesson. Rahma was a conscious at first which is quite understandable, coz this is the first time she’s working with somebody whom she has met the first time and now she’s going to learn to dance the tango with him. I made her relax and feel comfortable as I started explaining to her the basic steps of the dance. She is quite a natural and like Ivana, she was one time a ballerina. I would say she’s not difficult to lead, but like any other students I have in the beginning the problem will always be on posture and discipline. I mentioned discipline because while she has the form of a ballerina and as such has a very good posture, but the discipline she imbibes while dancing is that of her ballet background which definitely won’t work with tango. So I have to bring her to several exercises from walking to breathing to make relax her shoulders and she did very well during the one hour lesson she had with me. 
 

In the evening, I brought Roberto to Jannie Tay’s mansion where she is to take lesson with him. Roberto and I arrived at 8:oo pm and Ms. Tay was already at the living room waiting for us. She said she prepared dinner and that we’ll join her at the dinner table after her lesson. I left them to do their task as I waited inside the music room while I listen to some classical music. An hour after a maid came to inform that Jannie and Roberto are waiting for me at the dinner table. I went to join them as we feasted on this special chicken rice Jannie bought at Balmoral Plaza called Big Bird and some added foods while we savored the culinary delights in between discussions concerning the possibility of bringing in Roberto’ tango show next year.  
 

Tomorrow’s Thursday and in a few days more Roberto and Tamara will be off to Vienna for their next destination. The succeeding days until Sunday Roberto will be fully booked with lessons. I decided to just take mine on Monday when he’s done with almost all his schedule. On Friday evening we brought them to the night safari. It was my first time too to be in this tourist spot. We took our dinner there and then later went for the ride. The place might be interesting to see in the day as viewing the animals is hardly visible at night. But who am I to go against the concept of a night safari that’s why it’s called as such because this is the time when most of this animals are awake as they are nocturnal creatures. Well it’s alright. After all, Roberto and Tamara enjoyed it and that’s what matters. 
 

It’s amazing how time flies. On Saturday evening Annie tendered a farewell dinner for Roberto and Tamara who I said will leave on Monday. She brought us to this very good Chinese restaurant called Golden Dragon and enjoyed the sumptuous Chinese delicacy chosen by Annie herself. Roberto loves to eat. In fact he is adventurous and would try out different things to satisfy his palette. Having traveled to Asia many times in the past, he is no stranger anymore to the Asian taste. While Tamara is the opposite, quite choosy with her food and always going for her usual green salad and fruits and she’s fine. But tonight I was surprised that she tried tasting and eating the delectable Chinese cuisine served on the dinner table. Angeline and Shirely joined us for dinner too and we all have a good time.  
 

I’m beginning to feel so much relief by now because today is Monday and tonight Roberto and Tamara are set to leave at 11;00 pm. In the morning I settled the fees that need to be paid to them and after that brought them to SICC for their final lunch at the club. SICC has been the site of their many lunches and dinners since they arrived two weeks ago. After lunch we went back home to pack their things as they prepare for a long journey this evening. By 5:00 pm Tamara reminded me of my scheduled lesson and immediately we proceeded to the dancing room and started with the lesson. I asked them to go over the lessons that were discussed during the workshop and asked for additional combinations to work on. I asked them to teach me “chacarera” as well. I was very pleased at the way both of them conducted my private lesson. They’re very attentive to my needs as a student and will see to it that I get their point.. 
 

BG prepared a light meal tonight before they leave. At 8:30 we left BG’s house as she sent us to the door to a waiting cab downstairs. BG hugged and kissed both of them as they said their goodbyes. Thirty minutes after and we were at Changi airport. I brought them inside and waited until they have checked in and then ushered them into the immigration entrance as we said our goodbyes. Finally I am totally relieved of obligations. Everything about TANGOXPOSED turned out very well. My friends BG, Angeline, Philo, Shirley, and Annie played important roles to make TANGOXPOSED the success that it is. The support I got from the people who participated was something I will always cherish and would be deeply grateful of. Thank you so much. Till the next presentation…. 
 

Well I’m set to fly to Jakarta in a few days en route to Bali. While I’ve discharged all my duties and responsibilities as an organizer, but there is still one issue that needs to be addressed. Yes I still have to submit the final account to my producer Ms. Annie Goh. With Philo and Angeline providing the full support, we manage to finish the report before I leave on Sunday December 3. We then called for a meeting with Annie on Friday evening and turned her over the status report and whatever money on hand that needs to be relinquished. In sum, while it looked like we just broke- even, there should still be some little profit generated from the presentation of TANGOXPOSED. While a break-even point is really more than good enough for a first time, but the thought of having an event of this magnitude survived unscathed, and considering the hype and energy it created in Singapore, I would say TANGOXPOSED is indeed a winner.  
 

I think I’m ready to fly now. I’ve done my best to make TANGOXPOSED happen. My days as an organizer and tango impresario are over until the next presentation. I am going back to my life as a tango teacher as I board my plane GA825 that will take me to Jakarta. 
 

  
 

For more information about tango in Singapore visit:

www.ogiemendozatango.com or www.tangosingapore.com