Cover Photo: Ernest Sarino Mandap
Photo: Ernest Sarino Mandap
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The philanthropist and patroness of the arts gets candid about her contribution to the art scene
For the past two decades, Sofia Zobel-Elizalde has been dancing, teaching, and supporting dancers at her Steps Dance Studio and through the Steps Scholarship Foundation, which she established in 2017 in partnership with the Ayala Foundation’s Center for Excellence (CENTEX). Renowned for her brilliance in the discipline, Elizalde was consulted in the construction of the Samsung Theater about the physical specifications of the stage to suit dancers' requirements.
See also: Her World: Sofia Zobel Elizalde
With a deep appreciation and passion for the arts, the philanthropist has paved a way for young Filipinos with big dreams to reach their goals. She opened a dance school in Centex Batangas where aspiring artists and dancers could learn music and dance for free. The foundation also runs scholarship programmes for disadvantaged children.
As the vice president of the Museo Pambata, Elizalde also helped renovate the interactive children's museum which reopened to the public in 2022.
Learn more about the philanthropist below:
Above Photo: Ernest Sarino Mandap
Photo: Ernest Sarino Mandap
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Who do you look up to for guidance, inspiration or mentorship?
My family.
What are your projects in the last two years that you are most proud of? Why?
In the last two years, we worked very hard to keep Steps Dance Studio and Steps Foundation afloat during the pandemic. Plus, our Steps Foundation was able to build a dance school in Centex Buan Batangas that is free for its students to learn dance and music. We very proudly were able to start its operations this year.
As for Museo Pambata, we also had to keep the Museum afloat during the pandemic and have been working hard to reimagine and build the exterior of the Museum. The museum finally re-opens to the public after an almost three-year lockdown.
Above Sofia Elizalde and Bambi Mañosa-Tanjutco
Sofia Elizalde and Bambi Mañosa-Tanjutco
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What challenges do you see now in your respective industry? How do you intend to help address these challenges?
The challenges are always in fundraising for both the Steps Scholarship Foundation and Museo Pambata. But over the years, we are finding creative ways to do this and I believe we will continue to achieve our goals.
Read more: A Look at the All-New Museo Pambata and a Glimpse of its Three-Year Reimagining Project
What can you say to those who’d like to follow in your footsteps?
If you are passionate and sincere about the work you do, you will succeed! Very important to always have a clear vision of what you want to achieve for the next generations to enjoy, and of course continue.
Above Sofia Elizalde (Photo: Ernest Sarino Mandap)
Sofia Elizalde (Photo: Ernest Sarino Mandap)
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What are your plans for the coming years and what keeps you going?
Passion and my belief in the arts and in our country keep me going.
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