A Tribute to a Prima Ballerina, Joji Felix Velarde

Studied Ballet under Totoy de Oteyza and at 17 went to London where she was the first Filipina given a scholarship by Alicia Markova. She went to New York to further study at Rambert Academy at Nothing hill Gate, with the master teachers Vitale Fokine and Vera Nemchionova. She returned to the Philippines and opens her own studio. In 1950 she started teaching ballet in her own home and in the apartments that they owned; eventually she opened her studio at Philippine Women’s University at Taft Avenue. In 1965 she also opened another studio at the University of the East Sta.Mesa. She opened other dance classes in her studio such as Hawaiian, Jazz and Modern Ballet. In 1980, In 1980, the Joji Felix Velarde Ballet and Dance Workshop was then re-named the Gigi Felix Velarde Ballet and Dance Workshop for Joji turned over her studio for her only daughter Gigi, and since then under the direction and guidance of Gigi.

     At a very young age of four, the illustrious Joji Felix- Velarde began her ballet training under  Madame Aineit and Totoy de Oteyza. The discipline which goes with ballet was something she was able to developed thru rigorous training. For this reason, she became the first Filipina to have won the prestigious "Alicia Mackova Scholarships" and studied abroad at the Ballet Art Studio at Carnegie Hall in New York. The Reambert Academy in London; with Karein Marie Taft in Madrid; with Julia Barashkova and Vitale Fokine in New York.

       When she was younger, she modelled as Mis Mobil. She travelled with Karilagan Tours to Seattle and New York World's Fair for three years. As head of the Pacific Fashion Group, her tours included Asia, United States, South America and Europe. She eventually became one of the recipients of the Ten Best Model Awards. On television, she produced and hosted "Sight and South Pacifica" and Joji which features events in the fashion world. She was once the official chairperson for Miss Asia Quest and was then the only female of the board of social directors.

       Choreography has been part of Joji's life. Topping her list was the First Filipino Show, "Giting Kayumanggi", she was the production supervisor and choreographer at Lincoln Center in New York. She was the choreographer of "Walang Sugat" under the Zarzuela Foundation of the Philippines. In addition, she choreograph some musical presentation under the direction of Fr. James B. Reuter.

       Having a strong desire to further develop her choreography she founded the Joji Felix Velarde Ballet and Dance Workshop at Philippines Women's University. Simultaneously, she was the directress and instructor with the dance school of the University of the East. It was thru her effort that the workshop produced great dances and choreographers and also helped into the development of dance in the Philippines.


       Joji is also known for her charitable works, especially operations by her husband in blind indigents; she was the former Public Affairs and Protocol Manager of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). She acts as spokesperson for all the NAIA general managers since JUly 1986. She gives her best and full attention in situations needing her presence. Presently, she is connected with Malacanang.

       In private life, she is married to an opthalmologist named Dr. Herminio T. Velarde Jr. and had three children. A true lover of dogs. As a matter of fact, there was a time she owned twenty three dogs. She plays the piano, organ and drums. She can sing and paint as well.

       Surely no one will deny that Joji is one of the outstanding ladies in the Philippines today. From a ballerina, model, choreographer, wife, mother, and a public servant.

a tribute video for Joji Felix Velarde

Messages to her for the 30^th Anniversary of Joji and Gigi Felix Velarde Ballet and Dance Workshop

When I hear the name of Joji Felix Velarde, I see wood nymphs dancing with ethereal grace, gliding with effortless motions, hands, arms moving like waves in a peacefuloceans. Nobody but her can evoke that kind of image in my mind.

Lourdes E. Fernandez

As a partner

She was a Gem, a rare Gem

As an artist

She was hard to equal she possessed that was and still most exclusive star, “Star Quality”

As a friend

She is one of the few you can really trust and depend on

As a person

“Cowboy talaga” She deserves all the happiness in this world and the next, in the same way I am sure she has prayed for each and everyone of us.

Eddie Elejar

She loved to teach

Tony Fabella

An unforgettable experience was a recital in 1963 soon after my father passed away. Tita Joji embrace me after the curtain call crying and saying, “Your father would have been so proud of you”. You see, my papa was always around taking movie films and photos of all our rehearsal and performances.

Tita Joji always seemed so tall to me. She has a beautiful legs and feet and I wish I would grow to have long legs like hers.  I was very proud to see her pictures in the newspaper when she was a model and made it a point to tell everyone that she’s my ballet teacher.

During the ballet ban in the 60’s, Tita Joji and my mother fight nuns in convent schools with the help of a doctor’s letter saying that I would get sick if I did not attend my ballet classes. It’s true! Punishment for me was not to go to ballet class.

Joy Coronel

We have worked closely with Joji during her productive years, both at Puri at the defunct UE School of Music and their earliest “pirouettes”, “plies”, and “arabexques” under Joji’s dedicated and encouraging guidance.

As she marks her “nearly years”, ably assisted by her own Gigi, we join in the celebration by expressing our thankful joy for her nculcation of grace and beauty into many dance talents consciousness. Bravo, Joji… and my Gigi ably continue to tradition.

Vilma Felipe

When it comes to classical ballet, Joji is still number one. I have always wanted to be like her but showbiz snatched me.

Inday Badiday

Joji Felix Velarde founded the ballet school of Philippine Women’s University. Her daughter, Gigi, directs it now.

Joji I is a great dancer, a superb choreographer, a magnificent teacher, and  abeautiful person.

One remarkable thing about her is that she has kept herself in good physical condition, through the long years. When other girls her age were considering the possibility of retiring from the the field of dancing, because it is so strenuous, Joji was not only dancing, choreographing and teaching—she was modeling.

On the silver jubilee of her graduation from Assumption Convent she was not only the spectacular lead dancer, but she taught her classmates—all matrons over forty—to do a dance routine that made their children jealous.

She choreographed the original Paulinian production of Showboat, where her pupils were Celeste Legaspi and Robert Arevalo, June Keithley and Vic Sison, Tina Santos and Tommy Abuel, Maribel Singson and Dick Chua, Alfred Xre\erex Burgos and Roger Chua. One of her dancers in the chorus, Jun Dalit, late became an excellent choreographer and dancing instructor. She filled the stage with energy, and with vibrant beauty of youth.

When I was directing the blind chorus of Ephpheta, for a show at the Manila Garden, Joji choreographed and trained the singers. These boys were not dancers, they were trying to dance for the first time, with absolutely no experience; and they were blind! Joji had trained each individual, muscle by muscle, for every movement. It was Operation: Impossible. She did it. She got them all moving together, looking like the Lettermen. 

She did this with incredible patience, with gentleness, and love.

When she took on public relations for the International Airport, the job suited her. 

She has always had a genius for dealing with people. Her genius does not consist in shrewdness, in calculation, in psychology—she is just naturally kind. She likes people. She has a warm heart and a spontaneous smile. She has charm.

She does not put on the charm, like make- up. It springs from.

When I learned that she was in the hospital, it was a shock. Joji, to me, was the original Fountain of Youth… But she is not made out of steel.. she is not made of youth… she suffers, like the rest of us… and weeps, like the rest of us.

This concert, and the ballet school of Philippine Women’s University, is a tribute to Joji. Some people leave footprints on the sands of time. Generals leave monuments on the battlefield, when they were victorious. Philosophers leave largew books, on the shelves of libraries. Architects leave great buildings, standing strong against the sky.

Joji leaves young dancers, swirling on the stage, smiling, vibrant, alive.

Her gift to the world, at Christmas time, is youth and beauty. Her gift to the world, through the long years has been—herself.

Fr. James B. Reuters, S.J.

I would like to thank TITA JOJI and cousin GIGI for giving me a very good foundation in dance.

Mari Felix

Today my mother will have the shock of her life since this tribute was a secret all along until tonight.

They say tributes are usually only given to sick or dead people but I believe today it shall be different for my mother. When you are proud of the person, when you want to give credit where credit is due, you do not wait for the last minute. So today mother, I want you to know that I am proud of you. You have always been an idol when it comes to career. You have always shown me your determination to make it good in everything you do, and to be strong to make it through against all odds. Mommy, congratulations for the many fruitful years you have given us and will still give us.

I LOVE YOU
GIGI

Tribute Articles to Ms. Joji

JOJI FELIX-VELARDE  AND  MEMORIES  OF  TRAVEL

MANILA, October 15, 2004 (STAR) CITIZEN OF THE WORLD By Edu Jarque - Joji Felix-Velarde & memories of travel with Chona Kasten, Amading Araneta & Mother Teresa

Joji Felix-Velarde. A gifted child film actress, an accomplished prima ballerina, much-admired holder of several national beauty titles, a perennial cover girl, a sought-after fashion model, the ultimate toast of the town among the sterling social circles, a driven-but-velvet gloves fundraiser to noble causes, a hardcore street parliamentarian, a valued adviser to international beauties, a full-of-ideas organizer of unique events, praise deserving consultant to several institutions on beautification and protocol matters and the list goes on and on.

Chances are you have seen her, or at the very least heard of her – for the gracious, gentle lady, has been in the limelight most of her life.

Today, the faithful widow of a once leading ophthalmologist, the devoted mother of three and the caring grandmother of four gladly takes a back seat. She serves as a consultant at the Manila International Airport Authority and is the vice president for external affairs of Carousel Productions, Inc. involved in television productions, events management and in beauty pageants such as the selection of Miss Philippines and the Miss Earth competition.

"I am a very curious individual," she declares. "Even at my old age – more so it seems – I read any printed page I can lay my hands on – be it books, magazines or newspapers. I likewise watch television for hours, always trying to learn something new."

A lover of all things beautiful, she trained with Don Amorsolo, a nephew of the gran maestro and likes to paint life’s imperfection. "I adore Salvador Dali," she confesses.

Joji, the epitome of beauty and femininity, grace and elegance, truly cherishes a day spent at any of the amusement parks around the world. "I just don’t walk around and observe the side shows. Believe it or not, " she admits, "I get on all the rides – the more adventurous the better – and my favorite has consistently been the roller coaster. The higher it gets, the greater the thrill."

"Surprisingly enough," she smiles, "I tend to remember everything – most especially the events and affairs, incidents and happenings of way back when. It seems I have a bottomless pit of a data bank in my head – it’s all here," touching her temple. "It’s rather frightening."

So let’s listen to Joji Felix-Velarde, an engaging dame who has walked with royalty and heroes, statesmen and dignitaries, religious leaders and business tycoons, celebrities and newsmakers who has remained a real person with a heart – a genuine original.

What do you remember most of your first trip abroad?

The thrill and excitement of attending my first class in ballet on full scholarship under the legendary Alicia Markova at the Rambert Academy at Nottinghill Gate in London. I was only 17 and the year was 1953. Six months later, upon the invitation of Miss Markova, I enrolled at the New York’s Carnegie Hall and trained with master ballet teachers Vitale Fokine and Vera Nemchitnova.

What won’t you leave home without?

Mi scapulario y mi rosario – two valued possessions I have had with me with since my days at the Assumption Convent.

Other than a member of the family, who would you like to be seated next to on a flight?

Mother Teresa. Though I have met the soft-spoken nun who is full of cariño, several times before – moments that are so preciously special to me, where I always get goose bumps all over without fail – I never seem to have enough of her.

Who is your ideal traveling companion?

La Chona Kasten. We were forever roommates whenever we traveled abroad for the many fashion shows we modeled for. She was completely out of her mind – say, half crazy – but was loads of fun and I loved her dearly. Let me tell you what happened one night while we were in Bangkok. After a successful show before a standing room only audience, we retired to our room, had a shower, washed our hair with shampoo and all. Then we realized we were both hungry. Starving was more like it we very quickly traded our bathrobes for our trench coats and opted to search for food. It was late and no restaurants remained opened at our hotel. At the lobby we bumped into our friend the late Colonel Lee Telesco who offered to join us. The globetrotter that he was, he knew exactly where to go. Together we took a cab, crossed town and found a full-of-ambiance place to eat. Being a true gentleman, he asked, "Dear ladies, may I take your coats?" Chona and I looked at each other and simply froze. How could we? How could we when we had very little on us – almost nothing at all. Que barbaridad. We all then just laughed.

Name your favorite city abroad?

New York – no hay otro egual – even if only for the Broadway musicals. That’s where most of my funds go. A show here, another show, the matinees, evenings. Besides, I am a woman eternally on the go, y me gusta el gulo de Nueva York.

What is the first thing that you do upon checking in at a hotel?

I fervently go on my rounds, carefully spraying Lysol all over the room, concentrating on the specific areas where people came in contact with. I don’t miss electric switches that have been touched by human hands. Inasmuch as sprays are a no-no when traveling by air, surprise, surprise I still do it from a bottle this time with a trapo.

Let’s talk favorites now. Favorite restaurant?

Two easily come to mind. First is the Le Scoglio de Friscio in Rome. Without a doubt, they serve the best antipasta in the world and their seafood is fresher than fresh. Another favorite is La Cote Basque, which was introduced to me by Tito Amading Araneta, a true lover of excellent food. Centrally located in the heart of Manhattan, it has the most desirable Spanish dishes.

Favorite museum?

The Guggenheim in New York.

Favorite hotel?

The Kahala Hilton in Honolulu, the choice venue of some of our most memorable fashion shows.

Favorite resort?

Dos Palmas in Palawan. Es absolutamente precioso.

Favorite landmark?

Corcovado – the oversized Christ outstretched on top of the highest mountain, overlooking the enchanting bay of beautiful Rio de Janeiro.

Favorite store?

I have many favorites and I continue to count. Serendipity in New York is one. The Neiman Marcus in San Francisco is another. Any store can bring joy if they have something I care for. You’re right, even a K-Mart!

What is the best travel advice you were given?

Be careful, vigilant, watch your steps, be on your toes. My mom constantly reminded me not to overspend – as if there is no tomorrow – while on a holiday. Sad to admit, I seldom heeded her advice – not totally anyway.

Describe your most memorable trip?

My very first trip – that’s understandably why – and my last trip – it’s always so – please don’t ask me why.

What is the strangest thing you have done on a trip?

Travel alone – at my age – to the States right after 9/11.

Who would you like to bump into – dead or alive – during your travels?

Bin Laden – just to ask why, why, why has he so much hatred in him, to turn the entire world upside down, like no one has ever done before. El gran porque.

Name an event anywhere in the world you would like to participate in?

Be a living witness to experience the end of the conflicts of war.

Let’s fill in the blanks. "Where in the world …… only in the Philippines."

"Where in the world, most specially in catastrophic times, will you still see people smiling and waving before cameras, only in the Philippines."

If I had more time, I would ….."

"….climb the Himalayas – as inspired by Shirley MacLaine’s Climb Every Mountain, a book I read many years ago."

Name a city you have never been to, but would like to visit someday?

Lhasa in Tibet and Kathmandu in Nepal.

Name a country you wish to explore?

Any country on the African continent that offers a safari with no guns and no shooting – a safari where one only observes the call of the wild at close range

If you could be transported anywhere in the world right now, where would you like to be?

Rome. I have always been lucky in Rome – una buena suerte – as every time I am there, I get to see or at least catch a glimpse of the Pope.

What is your favorite spot in the Philippines?

Sin duda, mi casa.

If you could reside anywhere in the world, where would it be?

You guessed it right – New York!

Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Joji Felix Velarde, an icon in the fashion and beauty pageant scene, died last Thursday at the age of 73.

Fondly called Tita Joji, she was the vice president for external affairs of Carousel Productions, producer of the Miss Philippines-Earth and Miss Earth beauty pageants.

An accomplished ballerina, child actress, top fashion model and perennial cover girl, Velarde was considered a second mother by many national and international beauty queens.

A beauty queen herself, she won the first Miss Caltex RPM in the 1950s and her image was used in every Caltex station in the country.

Velarde was also crowned the first Miss Aviation in 1954 and after her career as a model, she got involved and active in the Mutya ng Pilipinas and Miss Philippines-Earth beauty pageants, honing many aspiring national beauty queens until the very end.

The STAR’s entertainment’ Funfare “beauty experts” led by the quartet of Felix Manuel, Joey Cezeare, Gery Yunping and Francis Calubaquid regard Velarde as a woman of substance whom they constantly run to for beauty advices and life lessons as well.

“We will miss those small conversations during rehearsal lulls wherein she would advice us how to instill discipline among the ladies without becoming overpowering, like the way she does it; Or how pageant experts should archive clippings in order for the next generation to see then; her views on politics and life in general. Every moment that we spent with her were filled with lessons that we would forever cherish,” they said.

Manuel, a registered nurse in New York, remembered his last conversation with Velarde who told him to chase his dreams but never forget to look back at the friends and people who helped him along the way.




“On a personal note, during my last conversation with her after the finals of the 2008 Miss Philippines Earth pageant, before I left to work here in New York, Tita Joji told me, ‘Felix, you should enjoy what life offers you; you may be away from your family, friends and your beloved pageant scene, but always remember to look back, remember the people who worked with you here, think of all the good times all of us shared during the different pageants, I am sure it will make you smile. I love New York and I will cherish my stay there but I love my country more’… that’s why I am so proud that the Miss Earth pageant is always held here in the Philippines, it shows our country to the rest of the world, giving people an idea how beautiful this country is,” Manuel said.

In Memoriam: Joji Felix Velarde

 Posted by jefp on May 22, 2009 at 11:47 AM    

Joji Felix Velarde

October 4, 1935 - May 22, 2009

It was a sunny afternoon. The November sky was blue with blotches and wisps of white clouds. The afternoon sky was still high and the charcoal shadows and shades of trees were still short. Beneath a tree that lined the pavements of the Finance Building of the National Museum complex in Rizal Park sat an old mestiza, Coke in can on one hand and a cigarette on the other. This was how I met Joji Felix Velarde.

 

That first encounter in November of 2006 would soon be a twice a year occasion as I entered the world of beauty pageant as a writer for Ms. Philippines and Ms. Earth. Tita Joji as we fondly called her was Vice President for External Relations of Carousel Productions and was the mother hen of the Ms. Philippines and Ms. Earth candidates. She always brought laughter with her during meetings and had many anecdotes and funny stories to tell. Her lightness and her light, she brought with her at all times.

But Tita Jojie was more than a wrinkled smile, fashionable clothes and a hearty laughter. In the recently concluded Ms. Philippines pageant, we paid homage and honored her great contributions not only in the pageant world but more so, to the world. It was an honor to be able to interview her as she told the story of her life. I learned that she was a child actress. At the age of three, she was the daughter of Fernando Poe Sr. in a movie entitled ?Punit na Bandila.? She also became the first Ms. Caltex and Ms. Aviation. She was a prima ballerina, one of the first Filipinas to study ballet abroad. She was a model and a painter in her younger years and a valued adviser of Filipina beauty queens in the Ms. Universe, Ms. World, Mutya and recently the Ms. Earth pageants.

"I am a Filipina, and I want to help my fellow Filipinas to reach their goals" she said with great love. Her eyes reflected the light in her heart as she said this. She molded thousands of young Filipinas, thought them everything they had to know in beauty contests and in a bigger contest we call life. For me, that was her legacy.

A devoted artist and a lover of all things beautiful, Tita Joji remained an epitome of grace and elegance, of beauty and femininity to the very end.