Turning 50: What Lisa Macuja-Elizalde has learned

Krista Garcia

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Turning 50: What Lisa Macuja-Elizalde has learned

OCS ALVAREZ

Offstage, Lisa is equally passionate about her role as a mother. “There’s really nothing like leading and teaching by example,” she says
 

MANILA, Philippines – This month, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde joins the “Golden Girls” club. 

Most women who turn 50 celebrate by hosting a party. Some would consider getting cosmetic makeovers. Others would quietly commemorate it with their loved ones.

Meanwhile, Lisa celebrated the milestone by performing in a birthday concert, aptly dubbed “Gold.”

“I think turning 50 and being able to celebrate 30 years of a professional ballet career needs something extra special,” she says.

At the time of our interview, Lisa was busier than she’s ever been. In between rehearsals, she was also guesting on TV and radio to promote the concert, personally darning many pairs of pointe shoes for her performances, preparing for another concert for her students, and overseeing operations at Ballet Manila and the Project Ballet Futures program.

We asked Lisa if she still has time left for her family, especially for her teenage children Missy and Mac. Her eyes light up and her face breaks into that beautiful smile that has never changed since we all met her as the country’s first prima ballerina in the 80s.

As a dancer, Lisa learned the value of hard discipline in earning success (read Lisa’s commencement speech to the Ateneo graduating class of 2015). But as a mother, Lisa saw that being strict wasn’t the only way to raise her kids well. 

Her kids seem to have taken after her relentless passion. But they’re also individuals who are starting to discover different paths.

Lisa, then, is more than happy to teach them how to dance to their own beat.

A moving example

Because of all her years dancing, Lisa is still very fit and toned for her age. She never stopped since she began. Naturally, she wants her kids to grow up physically active as well. But Lisa is quick to insist that she never forced it upon them.

“I just tried to show a good example with my own way of life,” she explains. Lisa’s children have grown up accustomed to her active routine: she is always doing rehearsals, eating right, and making sure her body is in tip-top shape.

Sixteen-year-old Missy is the one who takes after Lisa’s footsteps. When she was 11, Missy expressed her wish to dance ballet like her mom. Now, she and Lisa bond over rehearsals and yoga. But Missy is also interested in many other things – painting, film, theater, and modern dance.

STRETCHING HER LIMITS. Lisa says that it's challenging to be both mentor and mother to Missy. Photo courtesy of Lisa Macuja-Elizalde

“Last semester, she also finished with high honors,” Lisa says with pride. “She’s very bright, driven, and a hard worker… sometimes, she wants to split herself into three parts!”

So Lisa is not just mom to Missy, but also her mentor and artistic director. “Sometimes it’s hard to find a balance… kasi siyempre, as a mom, you want to give her everything, especially if she wants a role,” Lisa explains. “Sometimes I have to stop myself, because she might not be ready, or she might get injured. She’s like me, she pushes and pushes.” Of course, Lisa wants Missy to excel in her craft. But she also wants her daughter to enjoy her teenage years like any normal kid.

Making quality time count

Meanwhile, 14-year-old Mac seems like the polar opposite of his older sister. Mac is the one more inclined to stay indoors. Like most boys his age, he is fond of going online or playing console games.“He’s very laid-back, and very observant… He’s the kind of boy who can empathize and make the other person feel comfortable,” Lisa says.

But that doesn’t mean he didn’t enjoy an active childhood. Lisa has always made sure that Mac and Missy were exposed to different sports, went on regular playdates, and did outdoor activities like horseback riding. Now that they are a little older, she makes sure to set aside quality time for them, from things like bringing them along on her overseas concerts, or simply playing board games in the living room.

MAKING TIME COUNT. Lisa and Mac in a recent trip to Bali. Photo courtesy of Lisa Macuja-Elizalde

When asked how she finds time: “I wake up early,” Lisa answers with a laugh. “And you really have to create a schedule. Plan, even if it’s just for something like what to do for the weekend.” For her, quality time is not about the amount of hours or days, but the value of what you do with it. An hour spent having a heart-to-heart or playing a quick game of tag around the house is more valuable than bringing her kids to Disneyworld (although she’s thankful that she has been able to do that with them as well).

Lisa also makes sure that they always eat healthy. Again, however, she believes that it’s not about setting a strict regimen for her kids. “For me, it’s not about setting rules and making them strictly follow it. It’s more of making them see how the correct diet and exercise leads to a healthier lifestyle,” she says.

Fortunately, both her kids are already conscious about eating right. “They have all of these information available on the internet now. They have wellness in classes in school. Mac learns about protein and carbohydrates in Spanish class!” Lisa laughs.

Passing it on

Just like any mother, Lisa only has the biggest dreams for her kids. “Fred [Lisa’s husband] would love for any of his two kids to go into Harvard,” she says. But for now, Missy dreams of studying dance in New York, and Mac is very interested in the sciences. Lisa is more than happy to support them in whatever field they end up pursuing. She just hopes that, when the time comes, she has already passed on enough wisdom to help them make the right decision.

ALL SMILES. Lisa with her kids and husband Fred. Photo courtesy of Lisa Macuja-Elizalde

Lisa’s advice to other mothers is simple. “There’s really nothing like leading and teaching by example,” she says. “If you live your life making the right choices for yourself, vicariously the kids will respect you for it, and they will value your opinion. You make your children critical and independent thinkers… and assure them that you’re always there to support, and to help. That’s how my own parents raised me.” – Rappler.com


Let your own kids discover the benefits of active play. Visit NESTLÉ Chuckie on Facebook to find out more.

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