MANILA, Philippines--I was introduced to the movies during Hollywood?s golden era, which explains my bias for grand musicals.

I love ?An American in Paris? because it exhibits the impeccable taste of director Vincente Minnelli, along with the terpsichorean genius of my favorite screen dancer, Gene Kelly.

Since I adore Minnelli?s savoir faire and visual sense, I also like ?Gigi,? the megman?s answer to ?My Fair Lady? (although I find Louis Jordan?s copy of Rex Harrison?s singing delivery unnerving).

I love Cecil Beaton?s fashion sense in ?My Fair Lady,? along with director George Cukor?s grasp of the film?s dignified period. Despite the brouhaha over Audrey Hepburn?s replacement of the musical?s original Broadway star, Julie Andrews, I thought Hepburn was more credible as the cockney flower vendor who transforms into a ?swan.? She was simply breathtaking.

I was captivated by the energy and ingenuity of the dances in ?Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.? I was never a fan of Jane Powell?s coloratura voice, but, in this film, she stood her ground against baritone Howard Keel.

Whenever I?m feeling blue, I watch ?The Sound of Music? for the charm and beauty of Andrews? voice, as well as Robert Wise?s breathtakingly lovely shots of the Austrian landscape. Nevertheless, I find Christopher Plummer?s portrayal of the strict military father rather stereotypical and predictable.

Another favorite musical of mine is ?A Star is Born,? because it combines singing, dancing and drama, and stars Judy Garland. However, every time I watch it, it angers me to think that she didn?t receive a well-deserved Oscar for her performance in it.

Energetic songs

The energetic songs and dances in ?West Side Story? are exemplary. Rita Moreno delivers an unforgettable portrayal. I love the film, though pretty Natalie Wood and wooden Richard Beymer pale beside Moreno, George Chakiris and Jerome Robbins? trendsetting choreography.

?Singin? In the Rain? is pure delight, with awesome dancing performed by Kelly, Donald O?Connor and Cyd Charisse. I also love Gershwin?s music, as well as the notable performances of Sidney Poitier, Dorothy Dandridge and Sammy Davis Jr. in Otto Preminger?s ?Porgy and Bess.?

Similarly unforgettable is Kern?s ?Showboat,? starring Howard Keel, Kathryn Grayson and Ava Gardner, as well as Rodgers and Hammerstein?s ?Carousel? and ?Oklahoma.? With their exhilarating song-and-dance sequences and infectious rhythms, you simply can?t ask for anything more!