The country’s creative powerhouses bring to life - Ballet Manila’s Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang

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Ballet Manila once again unearths the magical baul of Lola Basyang as it transports its audience to a world of fantastic dance, music and spectacular visuals with Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang set to happen at Aliw Theater from May 11, 2024 at 8PM and May 12 &18, 2024 at 5PM.

Ballet Manila stages a beloved Filipino children's classic in

Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang

The second show among the repertoire for Ballet Manila’s 26th Performance Season aptly titled “Ballet Masterpieces,” Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang is based on the retellings of Severino Reyes’ stories by Christine Bellen Ang. Published by Anvil Publishing, the three stories are an engaging mix of romance, adventure and comedy, touching on such universal themes as loyalty and commitment to family, the power of humility and of course, love conquers all.

“We chose three stories out of twelve (12) Lola Basyang books. It was an interesting process because there were so many great tales that were worth sharing. But in the end, we felt that the themes we chose can truly resonate with an audience across many generations,” shared Lisa Macuja Elizalde, artistic director and chief executive officer of Ballet Manila.

“As a publishing company that’s known for producing books about Philippine culture, we feel it is part of our duty to ensure that the magic of these stories is not lost among the younger generation. “Ang Mga Kwento Ni Lola Basyang” is among the books that have mesmerized generations of Filipino children and we are confident they will love the ballet version,” shared Xandra Ramos Padilla, Anvil Publishing president. ”We’re so thrilled that these stories will once again be brought to life through compelling performances, thanks to our partnership with Ballet Manila.”

Bringing life to the enduring character of Lola Basyang is Mitch Valdes – the acclaimed performance artist who has been active in the theater and entertainment industry for over 50 years. Best known for her award-winning roles in Lunes, Martes, Miyerkules, Huwebes, Biyernes, Sabado, Linggo where she won a Gawad Urian Award for Best Supporting Actress, Mitch has also starred in highly-acclaimed movies such as Oro, Plata, Mata; Manila by Night; and Bulaklak sa City Jail.

Mitch’s captivating performance of Lola Basyang will open the production. Not surprisingly, the role has evoked a sense of patriotism in the actress. “We’re familiar with all the international classics but this one is a rare chance to see one of our beloved folklore come to life in classical ballet. It will be beautiful because the story is one of our own.”

The cast of Ballet Manila’s Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang standing from left: John Ralp Balago, Stephanie Santiago, Ris Camaclang, Gerardo Francisco, Jessica Pearl Dames, Jasmine Pia Dames, and Romeo Peralta; along with (seated from left) Singer-actress and comedienne Mitch Valdes as Lola Basyang, Ballet Manila artistic director and CEO Lisa Macuja Elizalde and Anvil Publishing Inc. managing editor Jordan Santos

Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang will then unfold with the first story, Ang Prinsipe ng mga Ibon which tells the tale of a princess who wishes to marry her beloved bird against her father’s disapproval. In the end, the princess decides to turn into a beautiful bird to join her beloved bird who happens to be a prince in his kingdom.

Breathing life into the characters are principal dancers Jasmine Pia Dames/Shaira Comeros as Prinsesa Singsing and Romeo Peralta/Joshua Enciso as Prinsipe ng mga Ibon. Choreographed by the late Osias Barroso Jr., Ballet Manila’s co-artistic director until his passing in December 2023, the production hopes his legacy will live on through the choreographies he has created.

Barroso once said, “I want Ang Prinsipe ng mga Ibon to be very romantic. I want people to fall in love after watching it.” Complementing his vision is the award-winning musical arranger Mon Faustino who arranged music for the production using compositions of national artists for music.

From the soaring magic of enchanted birds, the production moves on to focus on the dark ramifications of greed in Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Maria which tells the story of a couple who are folk healers, thanks to the leaves of a magical tree that their three daughters would pick every morning. Because of the couple’s greed, they were punished by the serpent living in the tree, taking their three daughters to marry them off to beastly animals. The couple soon had another child, this time a son, and before the father’s death, he requested his son to look for his three sisters.

Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Maria is a collaborative partnership between Lisa Macuja Elizalde as the choreographer, and Filipino Music legend, Joey Ayala who composed the music for the entire ballet.

“For Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya, I wanted to merge the movements of the folk dances of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to represent the three worlds to show the cultural diversity and color of our nation,” explained Macuja Elizalde.

Apart from the magnificent ballet, the production is an auditory treat as it will feature a rare combination of raw sounds from kawayan and metal, complemented by orchestral synthesizer sounds to stimulate the imagination of the audience. For this story, Anselmo Dictado/Sean Pelegrin will perform the role of Pedro, while the Tatlong Maria will be played by Rissa May Camaclang (Maria Trining), Stephanie Santiago (Maria Loleng) and Jessa Balote/Jessica Pearl Dames (Maria Upeng).

No less than National Artist Ryan Cayabyab composed the lively and catchy music that will accompany the dancers in Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin. The last installment in the trilogy, its tells the story of a young man named Rodrigo who is rewarded with a magical violin for his kindness to an old woman.

Completing the creative powerhouse for this final tale is the late award-winning Filipino ballet dancer Tony Fabella, whose amazing choreography reaffirms his belief that, while the story is easy enough to understand, audiences will have a deeper appreciation for the beautiful message of Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin if told through ballet. True enough, theater goers must prepare to be enthralled by the performances of Gerardo Francisco Jr./Anselmo Dictado as Rodrigo and John Ralp Balago/Junmark Sumaylo as Ahab.

From the brilliantly written word to the wonderful stage of ballet, Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang is a production mounted with the heartfelt intention of giving birth to a newfound appreciation for our vibrant Filipino culture: “We hope that they come out of the theaters having learned so many valuable life lessons,” said Macuja Elizalde.

All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. To know more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph

Okada Manila's Child’s PLAY - ‘Purposeful Learning and Activities for the Young

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“PLAY stands for ‘Purposeful Learning and Activities for the Young.’

It is Okada Manila’s family- friendly indoor fun facility where child’s play is elevated to an engaging and enriching experience,” says Ivaylo Ivanov, Vice President for Hotel Operations.

PLAY, Okada Manila's highly innovative and incredibly exciting kids' play and games facilities was unveiled last Saturday, Feb. 10.

We all know that creative, sporty, exploring activities provide a positive outlet for children (and adults) to express their emotions, and this starts at a very young age. 

When inspired learning is all fun and games and will set the children up as a creative thinker in all walks of life.

Parents are often told that the best way to help their kids learn is by allowing their little warriors to explore and experience things first hand through play. Learning starts from the moment kids are born, so it’s very important for parents to be able to provide them with tools and platforms that will allow them to unleash their potential.

Play is one, if not the most effective way for children to learn more about themselves and the world around them.1 It is through play that kids start building a sense of self-worth and where they begin to learn the ability to concentrate and let their imaginations run free. Drawing, doodling, or even playing with dough or dolls, for example, encourage children to become more creative and express themselves more freely. Letting them build their own structures through blocks, shapes, and puzzles, on the other hand, help them organize things and develop their sense of logic.

 Allowing them to interact with other kids through free play help them polish their social and motor skills while also improving their strength and immunity.

These are just a few of the things inspired learning through fun and games can do to children. Interestingly, this is also the very same approach Okada Manila is taking as it promotes the holistic development of kids of all ages with the opening of the latest inclusive and multi- functional entertainment and leisure facility within their expansive location: PLAY at Okada Manila.

Inspired approach to creative learning

Just when you thought you’ve seen and experienced basically everything that established play spaces in the metro can offer, along comes a new “play arena” that promises a lot more for your children than just a fun-filled playday.

Kids, toddlers can move around the cushioned play space, they all have great fun as they slide down mini and giant chutes, conquer padded obstacle courses, put basketballs through a hoop, play pretend grocery shopping with other kids their age, and sing and dance to their hearts delight at PLAY, Okada Manila’s latest play space and multi- functional learning arena.

PLAY at Okada Manila goes beyond with a full line of dedicated learning programs aimed at enhancing the holistic development of children.

PLAY’s management team is led by certified expert coaches and licensed teachers trained to provide guests the highest standard of care and fun learning.

The facility offers dedicated learning programs designed to address the developmental needs of children, which include:

(1) Colors and Creations, An arts and crafts program designed to develop creativity and imagination by improving the use of fine motor skills through detailing, color coordination and artistic impression plus work behavior like sitting tolerance, focus and concentration;

(2) Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, a program aimed at enhancing the child’s development as they explore the world around them. This also includes sessions for caregivers to stay updated and improve their communication, child-minding and domestic engineering skills, as well as one-on-one sessions for specific academic tutorial (e.g., math, science, and reading) and special needs therapy (i.e., occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy);

(3) Music and Movement, which help harness and showcase the natural talent of kids through group sessions focused on dance, music, and the performing arts; and

(4) Life Skills, where kids are trained on classes that focus on practical matters, such as social graces, good housekeeping, creative writing skills, anti-bullying, natural remedies, aromatherapy, and personal nutrition.

PLAY is an All-out fun for kids, tweenies, and teens

“We know for a fact that allowing children to play, explore, and interact with other children, either in a free or structured manner, rewards them with a lot more beyond just a few moments of fun,” adds Vikki Aquino, Director of Spa, Fitness and Recreation. “That’s basically the idea we had for PLAY. We want to have a space where they can learn, grow, and understand more of the world around them, all while they are having fun and simply being the kids that they are.”

PLAY is designed to become a multi-functional platform that addresses the recreation and learning needs of kids aged 1-16 years old. PLAY boasts of eight (8) purpose-built play areas that will reward kids with the fun and adventure they crave for, no matter what age they are in.

At Okada Manila, there's :

• Wizard’s Den, an interactive video game space where kids use gestures to defeat mythical creatures;

• Mini Steps & Mini Me, a dedicated play and learning space for children aged 0-3 years old;

• Little Town, which allows children hands-on play in a banking, postal, school, grocery and home environment to gain valuable learning and practical experience of every day grown-up life;

• Little Park, a two-level playground and maze where toddlers can spend their limitless energy and explore their physical strength;

• Sports Zone, an active zone with artificial grass court for sports games;

• Janguru, a multi-level playground and maze for kids over 110 centimeters

• The Stage, where kids can unleash their inner performer and cultivate their singing, dancing, acting, and public speaking skills;

• My Party Place, a gaming and events space that can host birthday parties, corporate events, team-building activities, or any special occasion.

The facility, which can be accessed via the Coral Wing lobby of Okada Manila, can accommodate up to 300 guests at a given time. It will also have several other features, like child-friendly comfort rooms, an emergency response team composed of first-aid qualified PLAY coaches and marshals, a snack bar, a kiddie gift shop, and over 30 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to ensure that kids will have all the fun they want within a convenient, safe, and secure environment.

Every child grows and develops at a pace that’s uniquely their own. See them fulfill early life milestones while they slide down giant chutes, conquer padded obstacle courses, put basketballs through a hoop, play pretend grocery shopping with other kids their age, and sing and dance to their hearts delight at PLAY, Okada Manila’s latest play space and multi- functional learning arena.

PLAY is at Coral Wing lobby of Okada Manila., open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday to Thursday and from 10a.m. to 12 midnight, Friday and Saturday. 

Visit Okada Manila’s official website at http://www.okadamanila.com and take the first big step towards enjoying purposeful learning and activities for your young warriors at PLAY.