Fil-Am Miami Heat dancer is proud of her Pinoy roots

By Marjorie Gorospe
Nation and World
August 25, 2010
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QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA–Maria, a member of the Miami Heat dance group, says she is proud of her Filipino roots and culture her mother instilled in her.

“I know that whenever Filipinos see another Filipino, they feel very proud for that someone representing their country. So I feel honored to be a Filipina with a chance to represent every Filipinos for the Miami Heat,” she says.

Maria, who politely declined to give her full name, shares that her last visit in the country was when she was six years old when she visited Davao, her mother’s hometown.

“I was really young back then, but even if I was away from the Philippines, my mom brings her culture in our house. I grew up in an environment surrounded by Filipino culture and food like lechon and lumpia,” says Maria.

She says that one of the most important lessons she learned from her mom is to be respectful to elders. “It’s her constant reminder when I was growing up,” says Maria.

Maria says as much as she wants to visit her family in Davao, she only has a few days with the NBA crew in Manila. She adds that the few hours of free time she had was spent shopping at Greenhills with her co-Miami Heat dancers.

Out of more than 400 girls who auditioned to be a member of the Miami Heat dancers, she was one of those selected to undergo boot camps, rigorous training, and dancing sessions to stay fit.

“I felt so honored being in a great team. I love dancing and this is the best way for me to express my passion for dance,” says Maria, who started dancing at the age of 15.

Aside from her stint as a member of the group, Maria is also taking up a theater and dance course at Broward College. In her free time, she is a dance instructor for kids and a child-care giver.

As for the rest of talented Filipinos, she hopes that more will show to the world what Filipinos are capable of and that more will embrace their God-given talents.

“For every Filipino across the globe, you should embrace your talent and don’t be afraid. If it’s something that you love to do, then it’s something meant for you so don’t give up.”