Alice Reyes Dance Philippines Unveils "Mga Kuwento ni Juan Tamad": A New Dance Adventure for Young Audiences

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MGA KUWENTO NI JUAN TAMAD is the latest addition to Alice Reyes Dance Philippines' expansive repertoire of Filipino works, this time designed specifically for Children's Dance Theater.

This new offering marks a significant milestone for one of ARDP’s talented choreographers, Erl Sorilla, who has crafted both the book and his first full-length choreography.

The production is brought to life with a captivating musical score by award-winning singer-songwriter Toto Sorioso, and magical sets and costumes designed by the renowned Filipino Director and Broadway Designer, Loy Arcenas.

Under the mentorship of National Artist for Dance, Alice Reyes, and ARDP Artistic Director, Ronelson Yadao, this production promises to be a magical experience for young audiences.

The story follows the adventures of Juan Tamad, the misunderstood boy in town, and his loyal monkey companion, Matsing. Aided by Juan’s unique ability to converse with animals and his innate love for nature, they set out to find the village’s most prized treasure, the fruit of all their hard-work and labor stolen by the greedy ‘Buwaya,’ the ‘Gintong Niyog.’ A challenge he must complete to win the hand of Maria Masipag.

Along his journey, Juan encounters a variety of animals, including those from the stories of ‘Pagong at Kuneho,’ ‘Ang Gamu-gamu at ang Lampara,’ and ‘Buwaya at ang Paboreal.’ Through these encounters, Juan learns valuable moral lessons that guide him on his path. With the help of the animals, Juan grows in character, and ultimately finds the ‘Gintong Niyog.’ Inspired by the classic Filipino children’s stories of ‘Juan Tamad,’ this production brings a new twist to the beloved tales.

The new work will feature ARDP company dancers Renzen Arboleda as the titular Juan Tamad, with Karla Santos as Maria Masipag. Dan Dayo will take on the role of Juan’s trusted sidekick, Matsing, with John Ababon as Pagong, Monica Gana as Kuneho, Earl John Arisola as Buwaya, Krislynne Buri as Paboreal, and Francia Alejandro as Lampara,. Also featured are ARDP trainees Gianna Hervas and Crizza Urmeneta as the Gamu–gamu.

This production is specifically created for students, as it aligns with Grade 1-10 and High School subjects, including Filipino, Arts, Music, Humanities, Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, Personal Development, Araling Panlipunan, Physical Education. Through dance and storytelling, MGA KUWENTO NI JUAN TAMAD offers an enriching, multidisciplinary educational experience.

MGA KUWENTO NI JUAN TAMAD premieres on November 10, 2024, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater as part of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Children’s Biennale. Admission is on a Pay-What-You-Can basis. Please stay tuned on Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Social Media Pages for registration links.

BAYAN KO – A Filipino Concert by Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe all set on November 26 – 27

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Come and celebrate the 76th anniversary of the Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe in a concert dubbed as BAYAN KO on November 26 (7 pm) and November 27 (3 pm and 7 pm) at the CCP Main Theater Lobby.

BAYAN KO is a depiction of the true identity of the Filipino people, showcasing the colorful and unique indigenous tribal and folk cultures with their customs and traditions, through music, song, and dance.

The artistic team of BAYAN KO is led by Ronnie Del Barrio (Director / Artistic Director of PBFDT); Mariano Santiago (Associate Artistic Director) and Jun Arandela (Musical Director).

Originally ‘barangay’ meant boats used by the Malays arriving on the shores of the Philippines during the pre-Spanish times. Later, the name came to connote the unit of government known as the ‘Pueblo’.

The word ‘barangay’, with its connotation of friendly association and harmonious living, was adopted by the Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe (PBFDT) to reflect its objectives of developing the physical, mental and social life of the individual through the cooperative effort of the members.

For the past seven decades, the PBFDT has traveled to the different stages of the world across Asia, Europe, and North America, providing a window to the complex and culturally rich history of the Philippines.

The troupe continues to research, preserve and showcase the diverse multicultural Philippine life, with its customs, traditions, various religions, depicting the gaiety and friendliness of its people through its performances of the native arts in their authentic form.

The folk-like and unaffected atmosphere of the performances have won the world over as they present the story of the Philippines through a panorama of songs, dances and music.

The troupe has received many citations and awards both nationally and internationally.

The most prestigious of these is the Philippine Presidential Medal of Merit Award ‘Patnubay ng Kalinangan sa Sayaw’ (1971)—a truly distinguished award of recognition for the important contribution the troupe is making to its home country.

In 2021, the PB proudly celebrated its 75th Anniversary, a testament to the pioneering leadership of the founding Artistic Director — the late Dr. Paz-Cielo A. Belmonte, awardee of the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining at Sayaw (1990), Philippine Centennial Awards (1999) and the Gintong BAI Awards (2005).

The PBFDT continues to excel as one of the leading dance companies in the Philippines, playing an important role in folk dance education, with most of its members being teachers and educators.

The group has had a significant impact on the development of the Filipino youth’s values in appreciation of their own culture, arts and traditions, particularly folk/traditional dance and music.

The PBFDT have traveled to Russia’s Red Square, climbed the Great Wall of China, visited the land down under in Australia, crossed the Berlin Wall and basked in the shadows of London’s Big Ben and Paris’ Eiffel Tower while criss-crossing all of Europe, danced on the stages of Las Vegas and Broadway and performed alongside Mickey Mouse in Disneyland.

Inspired and guided by the ‘Baranggay Spirit’ and discipline, members and alumni have organized folk dance groups in their respective schools/universities and communities worldwide, with the continued support of the mother company, previously under the leadership of Administrative & Creative Director, the late Mr. Eugenio C. Ticzon, or ‘Kuya Eugene’ as he is fondly remembered by most.

Indeed, the PB has expanded a thousand folds in its 76 years of existence — the longest running folk dance group in the country — and it will continue to expand to attain its mission of educating the Filipino youth towards appreciation, preservation and promotion of their Philippine cultural heritage.

Today, the dance troupe is under the new leadership of Administrative & Creative Director, Ronnie del Barrio, who joined the PB in 1982 as a Principal Dancer during his time at the PNC (now PNU). Ronnie’s career spans the past three decades, working as a creative director and choreographer, and a performer in London West End shows. Ronnie has worked closely with Philippine Embassies and communities across Europe as an arts consultant, collaborator and facilitator for cultural projects worldwide. Ronnie co-founded PB’s sister company, the Lahing Kayumanggi Dance Company (LahingKayumanggi.com), which has become widely recognized as Europe’s foremost Philippine cultural performance company.

Minamahal Kita: The Art Of Filipino Love Songs (A Tribute To The 2022 National Artists) all set on September 15

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A crossover artist generally refers to an artist who has had substantial success in multiple genres of music. It’s been used particularly to refer to a handful who have marketed themselves as performers of the classical and pop repertoire.

One can make the argument, however, that most of them are simply pop artists who try to sing in a classically trained style.

Going by its definition, or at least by its generally agreed notion, a crossover artist must be someone who, let’s say, has professionally performed operatic roles or oratorio solos while concurrently rocking pop music establishments.

If we go by this definition, then Rogelio B. Peñaverde Jr. is a bonafide crossover artist par excellence.

Peñaverde is a homegrown Filipino who moved to the US to pursue a scholarship at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City for a Master’s Degree in Voice. After graduating, he carved a career in opera, sacred music and musical theater with critical acclaim.

The New York Times praised his “sweet sound” while Opera Magazine lauded him as an “incisive tenor”.

Some of his career highlights include the role of Ferrando from Cosi Fan Tutte (W. A. Mozart) with the Martina Arroyo Foundation, tenor solo in Missa Solemnis in C(L. Mozart) at the Saint Patrick’s Cathedral of New York, and the role of Basel in the Off-Broadway run of Figaro 90210 by Ragman Ventures.

He has also performed as a featured artist at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Carnegie Hall, the Manhattan Center, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

When the pandemic hit in 2020 and wiped away all his engagements, Peñaverde rediscovered his passion and gift for songwriting. While it began as an outlet for anxiety, it became a serious creative endeavor as he churned one pop song after another.

By 2021 he was sitting on 12 compositions that he collectively called the Pearl Drive Project. When Covid restrictions eased, he debuted selections at Pete’s Candy Store in Brooklyn, an institution in New York’s independent music scene.

It was so well-received that the show was picked up by the iconic Mercury Lounge in New York City, a hallowed ground of pop music that has featured the likes of Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran.

Performing as Ilustrado (his pop alter ego), Peñaverde became the first homegrown Filipino to play a full set of his compositions in this hall. He is scheduled for a repeat after the commercial release of 2 singles from the Pearl Drive Project this fall.

Catch the artistry of Rogelio B. Peñaverde Jr. as this consummate crossover musician visits home in a featured performance on September 15 (Thursday), 5:00 p.m. cocktail reception 6:30 p.m. show proper, at the Main Theater Lobby of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Entitled MINAMAHAL KITA: THE ART OF FILIPINO LOVE SONGS (A TRIBUTE TO THE 2022 NATIONAL ARTISTS), the show was conceptualized by Peñaverde and produced by the Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines (FCCP) under the leadership of its current president, Martin Lopez.

It will also feature the following guest artists, most of whom are FCCP Scholars:

• Athena Macatangay (Soprano),
• Giuseppe Diestro (Cello)
• Kris Gonzales (Baritone)
• Lance Capitan (Guitar)
• Madeline Jane Banta (Piano)
• Myramae T. Meneses (Soprano)
• Nathan Gemina (Piano)

Directed by Manolet Garcia, the ensemble will be performing Filipino love songs from both the classical and contemporary repertoire.

The gala is part of Peñaverde’s advocacy to present quality performances of Philippine music here and abroad that educate as much as they entertain.

Proceeds will go towards funding the tuition or travel expenses of the 26 FCCP scholars studying in local and foreign schools.

For more information, or to buy tickets, please visit the Facebook page of the Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines or call Angie Godoy at +63927-2292128.

Visa Launches interactive play “Lukot-lukot, Bilog-bilog” and uses National Heroes to provide Financial Education to young Filipinos

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International digital payment provider Visa launched Lukot-lukot, Bilog-bilog (Crumpled, Round), an interactive play featuring national heroes, developed with Tanghalang Pilipino (TP), the resident drama company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) designed to educate and empower the Filipino youth to make informed financial decisions. 

This is the first program of its kind launched by Visa in the Philippines in support of the government’s National Strategy for Financial Inclusion spearheaded by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Lukot-lukot, Bilog-bilog will showcase common scenarios faced by a Filipina senior high school student protagonist named Gwyneth who is challenged to make decisions between her needs and wants. Native Filipino heroes such as Jose Rizal and Apolinario Mabini will also ‘come alive’ from the crumpled bills and rounded coins to help the main character make wise decisions.

Starting October, the show will be performed in close to 10 different schools to make financial literacy education more accessible to the students. This program is aligned with the government’s National Strategy for Financial Inclusion, in particular, the pillar on financial education and consumer protection. 

The launch also included a panel discussion on the importance of financial literacy in the Philippines, including panelists such as Dan Wolbert, Visa Philippines Head of Sales, Pia Roman-Tayug, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Head of Inclusive Finance Advocacy, Nanding Josef, Tanghalang Pilipino Artistic Director, and Patricia Feria-Lim, Teach for the Philippines Chief Strategy Officer.

“At Visa, we strongly believe in the importance of financial literacy and it is a key area of focus as part of our corporate social responsibility efforts. Hence, with the support of BSP, we created this financial literacy program and interactive play through Lukot-lukot, Bilog-bilog where the Filipino youth can relate to various scenarios on making money management decisions. With millennials forming a large population in the Philippines, we believe it is crucial to spread the knowledge of how to manage their money at a young age, and to highlight the importance of making smart monetary decisions,” said Stuart Tomlinson, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines and Guam. 

“We believe that financial education should be introduced to learners early on, especially key concepts including budgeting, investing, and setting financial goals. Innovative approach such as blending education and art are most welcome and can help the existing programs of the government. This is a tangible support from the private sector of the objectives of the NSFI, particularly the pillars on financial education and consumer protection,” says Pia. 

Nanding Josef, Tanghalang Pilipino Artistic Director

“The informative and interactive performances will stimulate creativity and challenge its audience on their perception of money,” says Nanding Josef, Tanghalang Pilipino Artistic Director. 

With the creative direction of TP, the play will spark critical thinking in these youths on the value of money. “By presenting economic concepts in realistic and entertaining situations, we hope that audiences will find it easier to apply their learnings in their daily lives,” added Nanding. 

Visa’s financial literacy initiative also aims to reach out to students under Teach for the Philippines, a program Visa has been actively involved with previously. 

"Experiential learning has been proven to be an effective method for encouraging mastery and understanding. At Teach for the Philippines, we believe that programs which incorporate financial literacy and theater arts in academics develop the critical life skills of our learners. We look forward to a continued partnership with Visa Philippines, BSP, and Tanghalang Pilipino to bring our learners closer to their full potential and enable them to contribute meaningfully to nation building," said Patricia. 

“We want to secure the future of the Filipino youth and are committed to forging the path to financial literacy and inclusion. We envision the program to reach more students throughout the country in the coming years,” added Stu.

For more updates and information, visit www.visa.com.ph , http://visaapnews.asia/ and @VisaNews

TP presents “Pangarap sa Isang Gabi ng Gitnang Tag-Araw” by William Shakespeare

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TANGHALANG PILIPINO (TP) presents  William Shakespeare's “Pangarap sa Isang Gabi ng Gitnang Tag-Araw” traslated by Rolando Tinio and will be on September 30 to October 16, 2016

William Shakespeare’s PANGARAP SA ISANG GABI NG GITNANG TAG-ARAW (Midsummer Night’s Dream) in a Reimagined, Provocative Staging 

Carlos Siguion-Reyna, director of TP production “Walang Sugat” and known for his films “Azucena,” “Kahapong May Dalawang Bata,” and “Ang Lalaki sa Buhay ni Selya,” brings his thought-provoking creative interpretation of Shakespeare’s Pangarap Sa Isang Gabi ng Gitnang Tag-Araw (Midsummer Night’s Dream) translated by national artist Rolando Tinio for a limited three-weekend run from September 30 to October 16, 2016.

Presented by Tanghalang Pilipino, the company behind “Mabining Mandirigma,” “Zsazsa Zaturnah,” and “Himala The Musical,” the production’s strong cast will be led by Audie Gemora, Liesl Batucan, Teroy Guzman, Skyzx Labastilla, Richard Cunanan, Kristofer Kliatchko, Rafa Siguion-Reyna and Jackie Lou Blanco, with the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors’ Company.

We experience a juxtaposition of two worlds—Athens, the home of the powers-that-be, all rigid and structured vis-à-vis the home of the enchanting creatures, the forest, a place where unbridled passions run free. The double entendre of Shakespeare's comedies lends itself to bouts of mild sexual humor. “The rich text from both Shakespeare and Tinio has allowed us to use a mishmash of English and Tagalog – using these two languages to reflect the conflict between order that has gone fascist and the idea of passion gone chaotic,” says Siguion-Reyna. There is a study of contrasts: ‘fakery vs. authenticity,’ ‘reason and sanity vs. emotional lunacy,’ and ‘ego vs. evil’ among the revolving theme of the play. Siguion-Reyna shares, “We’re going with that kind of schizophrenia and it’s coming out organically.”

THEME and MOOD

“Pangarap sa Isang Gabi ng Gitnang Tag-Araw is not a whimsical story for me. It’s not about harmless fairies having fun, nor a Victorian-setting / Peter Pan type of story. There are lots of dark elements in this play. We went for thematic manifestations and the suggestion of fascism and passion instead of constricting the play to a certain period. In fact, I even thought about setting it in a mental hospital, a 19th century Spanish precolonial period, traditional Philippine mythology, or a totalitarian state – but that was reducing the play. ,” shares Siguion-Reyna.

SETTING

Siguion-Reyna continues, “We are keeping the woods – its sense of wonder and magic in the woods’ acts.” The foggy woods bring that certain kind of lunacy distinctly found in Midsummer’s Night’s Dream and its otherworldness. “This allows the audience to analyze the play – which is abstract enough and open to interpretation. They can read the circumstance that’s relevant to themselves – politically or from another point of history.” See what the woods are in your life; what the court is in your own life. With costumes not period specific, this play crosses time and culture. It’s a think piece that allows your imagination to run wild. “It’s very liberating.”

CHARACTERS

Theseus is the force of order in the first place, bringing that cold, sterile feeling. Puck and Oberon will do anything to enforce certain magic. Free-spirited Puck is an assemblance of the courtlife. In the woods, the characters are unpredictable in what they will do.

CAST 

“I went into rehearsals as if the two great playwrights, Shakespeare and Tinio, were in the room with me. I had so much fun exploring this play with the cast and I’m enjoying the fact that I can’t fully grasp the entirety of the play. We’re finding it out together. Here, we are exploring the roles of men and women, and sexual and gender politics, among others. I’m working with a great cast,” Siguion-Reyna fondly shares.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Between the horror and the comedy, the mix results in to a provocative staging where you can find yourself in your very own “woods,” a place filled with uncertainty, magic and wonder - anything can happen there; and when you come out of the woods, how does it change you?

Pangarap sa Isang Gabi ng Gitnang Tag-Araw opens on September 30, 2016, 630pm at the Tanghalang “Watch Pangarap and experience virtual love, rejection, and emotional transformation,” invites TP artistic director Nanding Josef. 

Pangarap sa Isang Gabi ng Gitnang Tag-Araw, an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s classic, A Midsummer Night’s Dream from Rolando Tinio’s Filipino translation, follows one of Shakespeare’s most controversial works. 

Notable members of the Artistic Staff are: Rody Vera (Dramaturg), Toym Imao (Set Designer), John Batalla (Lights Designer), TJ Ramos (Sound Designer), and James Reyes (Costume Designer). 

Pangarap sa Isang Gabi ng Gitnang Tag-Araw runs at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on these dates and times: 

September 30, 2016 (Friday) – 8PM  

October 1, 2016 (Saturday) – 3PM & 8PM 

October 2, 2016 (Sunday) – 3PM 

October 7, 2016 (Friday) – 8PM 

October 8, 2016 (Saturday) – 3PM & 8PM 

October 9, 2016 (Sunday) – 3PM 

October 14, 2016 (Friday) – 8PM 

October 15, 2016 (Saturday) – 3PM & 8PM 

October 16, 2016 (Sunday) – 3PM 

For more information, contact Tanghalang Pilipino Foundation, Inc. at (02) 832-1125 loc. 1620/1621| Direct line: (02) 822 6920 |Lorelei Celestino: (02) 915 607 2275 

Workshop on Vocal Production for Musical Theater at the CCP

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An intensive Workshop on Vocal Production and Interpretation for Live Stage Performance for musical theater actors will be held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on April 26-May 1, 2016. The Workshop will be conducted by musical director, vocal coach, composer, pianist and educator from New York Carmela Sinco. The Workshop will be limited to only 15 participants.

The Workshop module will be conducted in the manner of a masterclass and will focus on each of the particular abilities of the 15 individual participants who will receive intensive training on vocal production and interpretation for live stage performance. The participants may choose to focus on songs sung in musicals, operas, and/or art songs. The Workshop will end with a Culminating Program on May 1, 2016.

Ms. Sinco has a Master of Arts in Music Theory and Composition (New York University), a Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance (University of Hawaii) and years of private studies with composers and pianists (solo and collaborative) in New York City, Hawaii and Europe. Ms. Sinco has worked in various musical theater and operatic productions, cabaret and vocal concerts in Europe, Asia and in the USA. As a composer, her credits include having composed and produced the music for documentary film and television series aired on PBS, CUNY TV, various local stations and film festivals in the USA and abroad. She has also composed works on commission by musicians of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Her one-act opera, Raya and Sag-In, with music, story and libretto by Ms. Sinco, had its world premiere production in NYC in 2009. As an educator, Ms. Sinco has worked with students of all levels and ages privately, semi-privately and in classes throughout the tri-state area, addressing her students’ goals and aspirations be they professional or simply for enjoyment and fun.

As a pianist, her performances have taken her around the US and across borders into Europe, Asia and Africa playing in music festivals and other concerts and events. As a music director, band leader, orchestrator, music arranger and keyboardist, she has worked with modern music production companies and off-Broadway productions in New York City. Experiencing New York City and all its music activity, she has also been keyboardist and vocalist for various independent original rock and funk bands performing in the New York City and New Jersey club scenes.

She has run her vocal workshop for live stage performance twice in Manila, first during the New York-Manila Musical Theater Workshop organized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 2014 and again for Tanghalang Pilipino in 2015, targeting advanced and professional level performers. Most recently she ran a version of the same workshop for vocalists in Kampala, Uganda in December 2015 where she has also been developing music educational systems addressing different levels and cultural influences for the last two years. Recently she has also served as a consultant for a NYC education company, helping them develop a music academy curriculum in Vietnam.

Ms. Sinco is composing the music for her second opera on commission, with a world premiere performance scheduled for February 2017 in Manila, Philippines.

Acceptance to the Workshop will be based on the merit of submitted applications. Deadline for submission of applications is on April 12, 2016. For fees and other information, please contact the CCP Artist Training Division at 832-1125 loc. 1604/1605 or email (ccp.artist.training@gmail.com).

Choose art this Valentine’s Day with Ballet Philippines’ Opera

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As a special Valentine’s treat, young professionals aged 30 and below may avail of a 30% discount on the 6pm shows of Ballet Philippines’ Opera - February 13 and 14 at the CCP Main Theater. Tickets may be purchased with this discount at the CCP Open House, the Pasinaya Festival on February 7, the Ballet Philippines office or through BP at 5511013.

Ballet Philippines “Opera” is choreographed by French dance maker Redha based on Gabriel Barredo’s acclaimed installation of the same title. The unique show seamlessly merges contemporary art and dance into a new groundbreaking production.

“Opera is a special production for lovers of contemporary art and dance, it breaks many barriers and transcends our expectations of a dance show” muses BP’s Artistic Director, Paul Alexander Morales. “We are offering this special promotion for the young art loving generation to give them a special option for Valentine’s”. 

The original “Opera” exhibition was first presented at Silverlens Galleries in January 2015, and was recently toured to Singapore last November in time with the opening celebrations of the National Gallery Singapore. For the ballet, Barredo is creating a staggering array of new sculptures, which will comprise the production’s set design. 

Redha

Redha’s choreography will guide us along a journey into a new experience of art. Envisioning his dancers on bare feet, pointe shoes, and stilettos, he is set to present a work that is stimulating, sensual, and groundbreaking.

Presented by Ballet Philippines with Silverlens, “Opera” features a libretto by Yvette Tan and Erwin Romulo, original music by Malek Lopez, lighting design by John Batalla, costumes by James Reyes, and videos by Pabrika. This production is in cooperation with the Embassy of France.

“Opera” will be staged at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) on February 13 & 14 at 1:00PM and 6:00PM, with a Fundraising Gala on February 16 at 8:00PM. For inquiries, visit www.ballet.ph, send an email to info@ballet.ph, or call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003. For tickets and reservations, call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.

Major sponsors of Ballet Philippines’ 46th Season include Globe Platinum, San Miguel Corporation, and Belle Corporation.

Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/balletphilippines

Twitter: @balletph

Instagram: @balletphilippines

YouTube: balletph

To join in the Ballet Philippines conversation, use our official hashtags: #balletph, #dancespring, #operaballetph

Sarong Banggi, Ballet Philippines’ tribute to Filipino music and dance on October 16-18

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Rediscover local musical treasures in a new ballet about the Filipino family. Ballet Philippines’ Sarong Banggi features new works by six exciting Filipino choreographers set to classic folk songs from around the country, arranged and orchestrated by Ryan Cayabyab, the country’s best-loved composer. This show is co-presented by the Province of Albay.

The show features choreography by Carissa Adea, Ronelson Yadao, Cyril Aran Fallar, Paul Alexander Morales, Nonoy Froilan, and Carlo Pacis. Each choreographer brings to the stage his/her unique impression of the Filipino family in a new contemporary ballet with the cast led by Jean Marc Cordero, Earl John Arisola, Rita Angela Winder, and Monica Amanda Gana.

“Sarong Banggi will tug at the audience’s heartstrings with its nostalgic music and earnest look at traditional Filipino values,” says Ballet Philippines Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales”. “It will be interesting to see these choreographers’ different takes on familiar themes; love, loss and reconciliation that cements the Filipino family”

When asked by Morales to create two pieces for the show, Hong Kong-based choreographer Carlo Pacis was thrilled at the chance to come home and work with Ballet Philippines again. “As a Filipino living overseas, I felt that it was my responsibility to give back.” Pacis, former soloist of the Hong Kong Ballet is a two-time awardee for Outstanding Choreography at the Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards.

Sarong Banggi’s opening night on October 16 is a Filipiniana Gala featuring the live performance of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Cayabyab himself.

The music of the show was recently created by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in the special Collector’s Edition CD entitled “Serenata: Well-loved Philippine Folk Songs and Melodies”. Included in the album are the Kapampangan “Atin cu Pung Singsing”, the Hiligaynon “Ay Kalisud”, and the Tagalog “Dalagang Pilipina” and “Saranggola ni Pepe”, among others.

Sarong Banggi’s libretto is by Dennis Marasigan, lighting design by Meliton Roxas Jr., sets by Ohm David, and costume design by Rajo Laurel.

Sarong Banggi will be performed from October 16 to 18 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). For inquiries, visit www.ballet.ph, send an email to info@ballet.ph, or call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003. For tickets and reservations, call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.

Major sponsors of Ballet Philippines’ 46th Season include Globe Platinum, San Miguel Corporation, and Belle Corporation.

Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/balletphilippines

Twitter: @balletph

Instagram: @balletphilippines

YouTube: balletph

To join in the Ballet Philippines conversation, use our official hashtags: #balletph, #dancespring, #sarongbanggi

Ballet Philippines opens its season with Body Positive + from September 12 to 19

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DANCE ARTS TREATS 2015:

BE POSITIV+

SEPT. 12 and 19

CCP TANGHALANG AURELIO TOLENTINO

Swans, Queers, and the rise of AIDS take the spotlight in Body Positive + from September 12 to 19

Ballet Philippines opens its season with Body Positive +, A Dance Gala for HIV Awareness. Featuring excerpts from Swan Lake, Mark Bogaerts’ Bolero, Enrico Labayen’s Cloth, and other landmark pieces, the show celebrates the dancers’ innate athleticism in the context of the alarming rise of HIV in the Philippines.

The prevalence of HIV in the country has risen by over 50% in the last 3 years, yet the general public remains largely unaware. Males having sex with other males (MSM) remains the predominant mode of transmission among males and comprised 84% of infections through sexual contact from the study period of January 2010 to April 2015. With around 20 newly reported cases of HIV per day in 2015, Ballet Philippines was compelled to raise its voice about the matter.

On why BP decided to adopt this particular advocacy in its season opener, Ballet Philippines Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales says, “When the HIV/AIDS epidemic struck many countries in the 80s, the Philippines was mostly unaffected. Now it’s here, and it’s spreading at three times the rate that it was in 2012, but it’s hardly being talked about. Body Positive + is our small contribution towards changing that.”

One of the featured dances in the Body Positive + program is Enrico Labayen’s award-winning choreography, “Cloth”. It is a dance of two men that investigates missed opportunities for meaningful connections and unrequited emotions. Labayen’s works comment and inform “how society, politics and cultures deals with the plague from the black death in the dark ages up to the plague that haunts us at present such as HIV/AIDS, SARS and the H1N1 virus.” In 1997, “Cloth” won Labayen his first Isadora Duncan award for “Outstanding Achievement in Choreography”, and in 2011, he received the same award for his design and work entitled “en-Gulf-ed”. He is an alumnus of Ballet Philippines and is a staunch AIDS advocate.

At the end of the day, this is still a Ballet Philippines production, and that means having some fantastic dancing. We’re giving some of our young ballerinas a chance to shine, with the White Swan and Black Swan Pas de Deux, as well as the iconic Cygnets pas de quatre from Swan Lake. Monica Amanda Gana and Garry Corpuz dazzle in the romantic White Swan, while Jemima Reyes and Jean Marc Cordero showcase their bravura in the Black Swan Pas de Deux.

These classical swans will also be joined by contemporary counterparts in Erl Emmanuel Sorilla’s “Requiem to a Cygnet”. Last performed in April 2015 at BP’s Young Dancers and Choreographers Showcase for International Dance Day, the piece features three male dancers in white tutus, mourning the death of their sibling.

In addition to the show. Artletics Inc., a group of painters and visual artists convened by the social realist painter, Manny Garibay will join Ballet Philippines and show support by holding a 50-painting exhibit. The exhibit will highlight health and well-being. The exhibit will be displayed at the CCP Little Theater lobby during the Body Positive +’s first weekend and will then be toured to public venues all around Metro Manila.

Body Positive + will be performed at the CCP Little Theater from September 12 to 19, 2015 at 6:00PM. For inquiries, visit www.ballet.ph, send an email to info@ballet.ph, or call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003. For tickets and reservations, call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.

Ballet Philippines (BP) is the flagship professional classical and contemporary dance company in the country. A resident company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, it was founded in 1969 by Alice Reyes and Eddie Elejar. It is widely recognized today as a cornerstone of the contemporary Filipino identity. The Ballet Philippines Dance School continues to produce dancers of international caliber.

Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/balletphilippines

Twitter: @balletph

Instagram: @balletphilippines

YouTube: balletph

To join in the Ballet Philippines conversation, use our official hashtags:‪#‎balletph‬, ‪#‎dancespring‬, ‪#‎bodypositive‬, ‪#‎bepositive‬

BP celebrates its 46th anniversary season under the direction of Paul Alexander Morales. Witness the rise of a new generation of Philippine dance in Dance Spring [Pagsibol].

Summer Workshop Treats 2015 : Hip Hop Dance Workshop with Margherita “Meg” Vasselli at Ballet Ph Dance School starting April 8

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Learn New Style Hiphop with Margherita Vasselli

Looking for a way to up your hip hop game? Grab this opportunity to train under Italian choreographer and Hip Hop International Elite Judge Margherita Vasselli.

As part of the 46th annual CCP Summer Dance Workshop, Margherita “Meg” Vasselli joins in the Ballet Philippines tradition of bringing together budding dancers who are eager to learn. In this case, she will enrich advanced hip hop students’ vocabularies in New Style Hiphop.

Vasselli started her dance training at the age of 6 in ballet, contemporary, and modern dance. In 1999, she started studying hip hop with Italian and foreign choreographers. She also became a teacher in dance schools and a Hip Hop Presenter in Italy, Europe, and Brazil. In 2003 she started to work with Hip Hop International. This was the most important moment in her professional life, because she started to met the most important names of the Hip Hop movement, in USA and around the world. That same year, she became a certified international hip hop judge in Miami (Florida) and every year since then she attended the international course, focusing her attention both on the artistic side as well as on the technical side of the competition routines. She became an Elite Judge for Hip Hop International in 2014 and is currently is the judge director of Hip Hop International in Italy, Brazil and UK.

Train with HHI Elite Judge this summer at Ballet Philippines Dance School

New Style Hip Hop emerged with the rise of hip hop choreography in music videos. Dancers alternately move through and hit the music’s beats and typically utilize their flexibility and isolate specific body parts. With the fundamental hip hop techniques as guidelines, they can learn how to freestyle with musicality, at the same time stay true to the hip hop genre.

Margherita Vasselli will hold classes every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at Ballet Philippines Studio One starting April 8 until May 2, 2015. A special master class for choreographers will be held on May 9, 2015.

The Ballet Philippines Dance School (BPDS) is the professional training ground of the country’s most promising young talents in dance. With a unique curriculum that encompasses various dance styles and techniques, the systematized method and approach to instruction takes highly into account children’s anatomy and psyche at various ages and levels so that the training is physically safe, technically effective and artistically enriching for students of all ages.

Connect to the Ballet Philippines Dance School online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ccpdanceschool

www.facebook.com/bpdanceschoolaura

Twitter: @balletph

Instagram: @ccpdanceschool

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/balletph

See you at the studio!

“Beauty and the Beast” is staged in Manila in January, 2015

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Celebrating its 20th year, the Disney Theatrical Production is bringing to the Philippines the “Beauty and the Beast” international tour. The hit Broadway musical that drew record audiences during the past 20 years with its wonderful songs and music, spectacular production, fabulous costumes and superb acting will awe and enthrall Filipino music and theater enthusiasts when Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is staged in Manila in January, 2015.

The beautiful and timeless story of love and transformation behind one of the most-loved fairy tales of all time will hold fans spellbound when the original Broadway musical spectacular makes its debut on January 9-25, 2015 at the Main Theater (Nicanor Abelardo Hall) of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City.

Disney Theatrical Productions, NETworks, Broadway Entertainment Group are collaborating together with Ovation Productions in bringing to the country the Broadway musical as part of its ongoing 10-country first-ever international tour in celebration of its 20th anniversary on the stage.

After debuting in Istanbul (Turkey), the musical will play in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), Thessalonik (Greece), Trieste (Italy) and Milan (Italy) before heading to Manila (Philippines), Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore, Jakarta (Indonesia), Kazakhstan and, finally, Macau, marking the first time it will be seen in these areas.

The selection of Manila as part of the musical’s international tour is in recognition of the Philippines’ stature as a promising area in mounting huge productions of live entertainments, according to Liz Coops, producer for Broadway Entertainment Group.

“The Philippines is today’s premier Asian market in theater production,” she said, “that’s why our team have decided to make Manila the first stop in the Asian leg of the international tour of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.”

Renen de Guia of Ovation Productions, which is observing this year its 35th anniversary in music and entertainment promotion, expressed elation over the opportunity to handle the Manila staging of “Beauty and the Beast,” as he thanked Disney Theatrical Productions, NETworks and Broadway Entertainment Group for their trust and confidence in Ovation’s capability to mount the production.

“’Beauty and the Beast” is simply an incredible theatrical experience that will tug on everyone’s emotions,” De Guia said. “All the characters – from Lumiere, Gaston, Belle and the Beast – are spot on, captivating and brilliant in their roles.”

“The stage props are fabulous and as are all the colorful and cheery costumes. The music, the songs, the choreography are spectacular. Everything about it is mystical and magical and fun for both children and adults. It will have you want to watch the musical every night,” he added.

“Beauty and the Beast” is the classic tale of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. The story goes that if the Beast can learn to love and be loved in return, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But if the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed forever.

The international touring production is directed by Rob Roth and choreographed by Matt West. Completing the original Broadway creative team in the tour are Tony Award-winning Ann Hould-Ward, costume design; Natasha Katz, lighting design; Stanley A. Meyer, scenic design; John Petrafesa, Jr., sound design; and Michael Kosarin, music supervision.

Behind the music of the stage production is Alan Menken (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin”, “Tangled”), with lyrics written by the late Howard Ashman (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin”), additional songs with music by Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice (“The Lion King,” “Jesus Christ Superstar”).

The book is written by Linda Woolverton (screen writer of “The Lion King,” “Alice In Wonderland” and the upcoming “The Maleficent”). 

Based on the 1991 Academy Award-winning animated feature film of the same title, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” premiered on Broadway in 1994 and was nominated for nine prestigious Tony Awards and ran for 13 years. It still ranks as one of the longest-running and highest-grossing Broadway shows of all time.

(Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” will be staged at the CCP Main Theater on Jan. 9-25, 2015 at 8 pm with matinees at 2 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. It is presented by Disney Theatrical Productions, Inc., NETworks, Broadway Entertainment Group, MKFAE and Ovation Production and supported by GLOBE BUSINESS, VISA, FOX International Channels, DIAMOND HOTEL, the Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, and BusinessWorld. Tickets are priced at P7,895, P6,845, P5,790, P4,740, P4,210, P3,160 and P2,105, plus applicable service charges. They are available at Ticketworld outlets (891-9999) and online at www.ticketworld.com.ph, beautyandthebeast.com.ph and Facebook.com/beautyandbeastph.)

Ballet Philippines celebrates 45th Anniversary – The Sapphire Season with the much-awaited homecoming gala set on Sept. 28

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PROMISES TO BE AN UNFORGETTABLE ONE-NIGHT ONLY TRIBUTE CONCERT LIKE NO OTHER

Ballet Philippines, the country’s flagship dance company is celebrating its 45th Anniversary – The Sapphire Season with the much-awaited HOMECOMING GALA set on Sept. 28, 2014 – 8 p.m. at the Cultural Center of the Philippines – Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo.

How will a 45-year old ballet company celebrate its ‘homecoming gala’? With the return of around 20 distinguished alumni with a whopping total of over 200 students in tow, no less!

45 years of sharing the gift of dance is a rare feat. And to mount this concert, Ballet Philippines will share the stage with the different ballet companies, dance schools and artists who have sprung from the company’s rich tradition of excellence.

In the BP Company Room in 1974

The participating artists are from Ecole De Ballet Manille, Seven Contemporary Dance Company, De La Salle Zobel Ballet Program, Portland Festival Ballet, Quezon City Performing Arts Development Foundation, Inc.; Edge N’ Pointe Dance Centre, Dance Theatre Arts, Locsin Dance Workshop, Tlg Ballet, Far Eastern University Dance Company, Maquiling Ballet, Effie Nañas Ballet, Airdance, Dancepull Project, Inc.; Garcia-Sanchez School Of Dance (Bacolod City); Perry Sevidal Ballet; Daloy Dance Company; Steps Dance Studio, Annie Divinagracia-Sartorio School Of Performing Arts (Iloilo City); and the CCP Dance School.

The biggest names in the field of Philippine dance shall present their works from various genres --- classical ballet, modern, pop and ethno-modern.

The who’s who list comprises of distinguished alumni of the company and includes: Eddie Elejar, Agnes Locsin, Effie Nañas, Perry Sevidal, Luther Perez, Eduardo Malagkit, Robert Medina, Dwight Rodrigazo, Georgette Sanchez, Annie Divinagracia-Sartorio, Annette Cruz-Mariano, Ela Rodriguez, Verna Fajilan-Brazil, Ryan Bautista, Brezhnev Larlar, Toni Lopez Gonzalez, Nina Anonas, Christine Crame, Ava Maureen Villanueva-Ong, Ea Torrado, and Sofia Zobel-Elizalde.

Annette Cruz-Mariano

Dwight Rodrigazo

Eddie Elejar

Effie Nañas

Georgette Sanchez in Alden Lugnasin's Aku

Luther Perez

The 45th Anniversary Sapphire Season. Rare scenes of power and grace. Love, valour and redemption. Under the artistic directorship of Paul Alexander Morales, this is a toast to 45 years of dance excellence!

Verna Fajilan-Brazil

Don’t miss this rare treat!

For bulk reservations, show buys, and inquiries, visit www.ballet.ph or call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003.

For tickets, call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.

Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/balletphilippines

Twitter: @balletph

Instagram: @balletphilippines

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/balletph