Ogie Mendoza, The Man Behind Manila Tango

When I was in high school ballroom dancing became a big hit in events, parties and gatherings, even my aunties 30th birthday that time hired a dance instructor (DI) for us to enjoy and dance our hearts away the whole time and I really enjoyed it a lot. There are various dance like ChaCha, Waltz, Swing, Tango and many more which the instructor thought us that night. The one I remembered most is the steps of ChaCha which I had until now whenever ballroom dancing comes in.

Tango is one of it with sweeping across Asia and one man has quietly worked the room to make this passionate dance the craze it is now known to be. With only passion & dedication tucked under his sleeves, he created two major Tango events which have now become the barometer for quality Tango promotion in Southeast Asia.

Ogie Mendoza's expertise on Argentine tango spans for seventeen years of experience from three aspects of the dance. As a teacher, performer and an organizer he enriches the arts of dancing through tango.

As a teacher, he learned from all the important names in the world of tango where he had condensed the best from every master he has learned with and incorporated it with his own understanding, then eventually formulating his own syllabus that now defines his pedagogy.He has honed his teaching skills from conducting numerous workshops to tango communities in almost all the major cities in Southeast Asia.

As a performer, he did countless performances in cities like Manila, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Brunei, Dubai & Kota Kinabalu. The most notable of which, were two performances at the KLCC-Petronas with his violinist student,Ms. Runa Baagoe, in a symphony orchestra with musicians from the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra in 2007 & 2008. The opportunity to perform at the prestigious KLCC-concert hall with a thousand spectators watching, is one defining moment in his colorful career.

As an organizer, he has brought tango promotion in the region to new heights and dimension under his event company Tango Oriental, creator of Tangoxposed, Tangoblitz, and Oriental Visit. The influx of genuine Argentine talents through his initiative benefited a whole region in need of tango expertise. It gave the region's tango communities improved skills and techniques from the expertise of the teachers/performers he has brought over the last six years.

The founder of the Manila Tango Club, one of the very first tango clubs in Southeast Asia which actively pursues the promotion of tango in the Philippines. He is still currently engaged with a lot of activities where he closely works with the major tango clubs around the region spear-heading workshops, performances and private coaching by visiting teachers and musicians.


This year, Ogie has gathered an impressive line-up of top-caliber tango artists from Buenos Aires for the avid aficionados here in Manila, From May 17-20, a 4-day event beginning with a Tango competition; and a Gala Masters show, both at the Makati Sports Club; Filipiniana-themed and farewell milongas at the Ristorante L'Ambasciata D'Abruzzo and Society Lounge, respectively; workshops, private coaching and more.

The region's well-loved couple Laila & Leandro Oliver together with Forever Tango star Tamara Bisceglia with Federico Paleo head the line-up for this year's presentation, with Analia Carreno & Luiggi Ramirez of Conjuro Tango fame, and salon maestros Noelia Coletti & Pablo Giorgini. 

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with not just one or 2 couples, but 4 fantastic Argentine tango couples. They will not only enthral you with this passionate dance that has been taking the world by storm, but they will be here to hold workshops starting on 15May2012, and dance with all the tangueros and tangueras during the nightly Milonga parties.

For the 4^th Manila Tango Festival program and packages, please email manilatangoclub@gmail.com  or call +632-895-4576. You  may also visit the following websites:  www.manilatangofestival.com or www.tangoblitz.com  for information updates, as well as Facebook pages: Manila Tango Club or Tango Philippines.