Former street children turned "Royal Ballet School" Scholars!

John Edmar Sumera and Benedict Sabularse are two young boys who currently reside in the TULOY SA DON BOSCO STREET CHILDREN'S VILLAGE. The Tuloy Foundation provides board, lodging, education and skills training for children in need from age 9-18, and helps them get on their own two feet as young adults. The foundation believes strongly in the role that Performing Arts can play in the growth, development and rehabilitation of a child and one of the vocational programs the foundation currently offers is Ballet. Students who pass the audition process are given scholarships to the Academy One Music and Dance Centre where they train under Cherish Garcia and Jeffrey and Pamela Espejo, with the goal of placing them in professional dance companies later on.

Both Edmar and Benedict were chosen to join the scholarship program in 2014. Both John Edmar and Benedict showed great promise immediately and after only a year of training, Edmar was accepted into THE ROYAL BALLET SCHOOL l in White Lodge at Richmond Park. This is where selected 9-14 year olds are sent for the summer program.

Both boys continued to improve immensely, progressing faster than usual. This year not only was Edmar accepted into the Royal Ballet School again for the summer, but so was Benedict. Both were given full scholarships to attend the summer school in London in Covent Garden (Upper school for 15 years and above). Both boys are also competing in the Asian Grand Prix in Hong Kong in August. This is an elite ballet competition where directors from all over the world will be offering scholarships to prestigious ballet schools around the world.

Three years ago, these boys could not tell a plié from a pirouette and knew nothing about ballet. These opportunities can open doors for the boys and very possibly be the next steps in the pursuit of their dreams to become professional ballet dancers. However, they do not come without costs. Currently funds are being raised for travel expenses, competition fees and other expenses that will be incurred. We appeal to the generosity of kind souls who would like to support these boys and their hope for a better, brighter future.

Support John Edmar and Benedict by taking part of their upcoming TAKING FLIGHT: A Benefit Show on Sunday, May 15, 5pm at the TULOY SA DON BOSCO CULINARY ARTS CENTER in Alabang, Muntinlupa. For ticket reservations, please call Ms. Bubut delos Santos at (0917) 8121015 or (02) 8421006.