PBT revives, celebrates 30 years of Gener Caringal's Andres Bonifacio KKK

Hoping to cultivate nationalism, empower the common man, and awaken the spirit of what it means to be a nation, the Philippine Ballet Theatre brings back Andres KKK this August 22-23, 2026 at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati.

Matthew Davo

Choreographed by Gener Caringal, this ballet about Andres Bonifacio had its premiere back in 1996 in commemoration of the centennial of the Philippine Revolution. One of PBT's most widely toured productions, Andres KKK boasts a libretto by Lilia Quindoza Santiago and an original score by Jesse Lucas.

Jessa Tangalin

Dancing the lead role of Bonifacio are Matthew Davo and Dominador Delmo while Jessa Tangalin and Sophie Tiangco portray his wife Gregoria "Oryang" de Jesus.

Matthew Davo & Jessa Tangalin

PBT's Artistic Director Ronilo Jaynario, who originated the role of Bonifacio during the 1996 premiere, says that the ballet has stoot the test of time because "PBT's version of history is not just pages of history in dance. It is a touching tribute to the struggles of the Filipino."

Sophie Tiangco

Jaynario still remembers how Caringal framed the hero: instead of portraying Bonifacio as an untouchable icon or an invincible warrior, Caringal reveals the man behind the monument. His Bonifacio struggles, questions, sacrifices, and perseveres. He is not defined by superhuman strength but by an unwavering belief in his people and their shared dream of freedom.

Dominador Delmo & Sophie Tiangco

Gener Caringal explains his Andres Bonifacio as a product of poverty, suffering, and love for his country. A hero was born because Bonifacio cared deeply for this land and its people. Moreover, in Caringal's vision, Bonifacio's greatest power does not come from standing above the people—it comes from standing among them. They were all heroes of their time, with Bonifacio serving as the symbol of their resolve.

Matthew Davo & Philippine Ballet Theatre

In revisiting Bonifacio's story, Philippine Ballet Theatre invites audiences to reflect on a question that remains as urgent today as it was more than a century ago: What kind of hero does our nation need—and what kind of people must we become to stand behind one? What would it take to make heroes of all of us?

PBT's Andres KKK will have a limited one weekend run on August 22-23, 2026 at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell Makati. Tickets are available through TicketWorld. For ticket inquiries, call 0968-870-8887.

Philippine Ballet Theatre headlines Insular Life fundraiser

For the very first time, Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT), the country’s National Performing Arts Company for Dance, will perform in the south through Insular Life’s special fundraising event, Passion and Purpose.The show will only have one performance at Insular Life, Tanghalang Haribon, Alabang on September 20, 2026, 6:00 PM.

Jess Tangalin and Dom Delmo

The landmark evening brings together world-class Filipino artistry, beloved Original Pilipino Music, and a meaningful cause supporting education and the arts. At the center of the program is On the Wings of Song, otherwise known as the Jose Mari Chan Suite—a signature mixed-bill production celebrating the timeless music of Jose Mari Chan through ballet and contemporary movement.

Matthew Davo and Gabrielle Jaynario

Audiences can expect to hear some of Chan’s most beloved classics, including Please Be Careful With My Heart, Can We Just Stop and Talk Awhile, Perhaps Love, Beautiful Girl, Movie Fan, Tsuper ng Aking Buhay, and more—transformed into expressive dance narratives that celebrate Filipino warmth, romance, humor, and family life. Company artist Gabrielle Jaynario shares her thoughts about the show: “Passion and Purpose will allow the audience an opportunity to become grounded for a moment and revisit our local culture. Everyday stories, all told through a fusion of Filipino song and dance, are interesting ways to capture the Filipino spirit. Our JMC Suite is a crowd favorite, always eliciting heartwarming applause because of it’s relateability. And when we can make audiences relate to us artists, it becomes a much more rewarding experience. That said, we are always excited to perform in Muntinlupa”

Philippine Ballet Theatre

Adding a local dimension to the evening, Hampton Court Ballet School will present a special guest performance featuring the young dancers of Muntinlupa City in contemporary ballet works choreographed by award-winning choreographer Fred Fernandez.

More than a performance, Passion and Purpose also serves as a fundraising initiative benefiting:

• Insular Life’s Education Program for the Youth
• Philippine Ballet Theatre’s Adopt-a-Dancer Program
• Hampton Court Ballet School Scholarship Fund

Organizers hope the event will further establish Muntinlupa City as an emerging center for arts and culture while providing more opportunities for young artists and students. Moreover, this is a chance to inspire young audiences to get up and dance as they see relatable art on stage.With limited seating available, organizers encourage you to check out the show and buy their tickets through Ticketmelon.

Sophie Tiangco and Julafer Fegarido

Ticket Prices:

P2,500 Front Orchestra Center

P2,500 Front Orchestra Side

P2,000 Back Orchestra Center

P1,500 Back Orchestra Side

P1,000 Balcony

ARDP brings Tales of the Manuvu to Proscenium at Rockwell

After a well received one weekend run at UP Diliman last February, Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP) brings the Tales of the Manuvu at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati this March 28-29, 2026.

Presented in collaboration with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and with the generous support of Pinay In Action, ARDP's Tales of the Manuvu is the country's first ever rock opera ballet that premiered at the CCP back in 1977.

Telling the creation story of the Manobo tribe in Mindanao, Tales of the Manuvu is choreographed by Alice Reyes, National Artist for Dance from the libretto written by Bienvenido Lumbera, National Artist for Literature. OPM icon Dero Pedero composed the music with the rock band Afterbirth providing additional music.

Photo ©Erica Jacinto

As a rock opera ballet, the production features a powerhouse ensemble of singers and dancers, continuing the tradition of featuring live vocalists and a rock band alongside technical brilliance. The original staging boasted a who's who of Philippine theater and music with the casting of Boy Camara, Anthony Castelo, Haji Alejandro, Celeste Legaspi, and Leah Navarro who made her debut with this production.

For the 2026 restaging, the singers include Joshua Cadeliña, alternating with versatile theater artist Adonis Villanueva for the role of Manama/First Man; international a cappella sensation Almond Bolante and distinguished baritone Greg De Leon sharing the role of Ogassi; Christy Lagapa and Toni Carm Santos alternating the role of First Woman; and the UP Concert Chorus returning as the ensemble continuing an almost 50 year tradition.

ARDP dancers taking on the lead roles include John Ababon, alternating with Renzen Arboleda for Manama and Earl John Arisola and seasoned choreographer/dance artist Erl Sorilla sharing the role of Ogassi. Renzen Arboleda and James Galarpe alternate for the First Man while Krislynne Buri and Francine Beltran alternate dancing the First Woman.

Photo ©Erica Jacinto

The 2026 production is restaged by ARDP Ballet Master Lester Reguindin. This iteration features new set and costume designs by award-winning director and designer Loy Arcenas, and lighting design by Barbara Tan-Tiongco.

The March 28, 2026, 8:00 PM performance is a fund raising gala that will be a direct investment in the future of ARDP, providing vital support for our dancers and the preservation of the works of National Artists like Alice Reyes and Agnes Locsin.

Regular performances are set on March 29, 2026 with a matinee at 2:00 PM and an evening performance at 6:00 PM.

All proceeds from ticket sales will cover production expenses and provide essential financial support to ARDP dancers, musicians, and the artists involved in bringing this epic production to life. By purchasing tickets, patrons directly contribute to sustaining the legacy of Filipino dance and supporting the livelihoods of dedicated performing artists.

Manila Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Manila present joint season opener with Sleeping Beauty

The Manila Symphony Orchestra formally begins its Centennial Season by joining forces with Ballet Manila with the staging of the ballet Sleeping Beauty happening on March 13-15, 2026 at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex in Pasay.

Ballet Manila's Sleeping Beauty features the choreography of Lisa Macuja Elizalde, the company's Artistic Director and CEO Lisa Macuja-Elizalde and is the final installment of her Princess Trilogy following Cinderella and Snow White.

Shapira Drapete and Joshua Enciso

The music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky will be brought to life by the Manila Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Alexander Vikulov. The MSO, BM, and Vikulov have been frequent collaborators since 2011.

Music highlights of the ballet include the Rose Adagio and the popular Waltz known to most as Once Upon a Dream from the animated feature by Disney. Both the Tchaikovsky music, completed in 1899, and the ballet, premiered in 1890, predate by six decades the Disney adaptation that was released in 1959.

Alexander Vikulov

Another music highlight to look out for is Aurora's Variation featuring a special violin passage to be performed by MSO's concertmaster Alessio Benvenuti.

Manila Symphony Orchestra

Below is Manila Symphony Orchestra's updated Centennial Season Lineup.

Concert I: Centennial Opening: Sleeping Beauty

March 13-15, 2026

Aliw Theater

Ballet Manila

Alexander Vikulov, conductor

Concert II: From Mozart to Mahler

May 30, 2026

Proscenium Theater

Emanuel John Villarin, violin

Christian Wrona, viola

Joshua Dos Santos, conductor

Concert III: Concert Celebration: 80 Years of Filipino-American Friendship

July 4, 2026

Metropolitan Theater

Jeanne Marquez, violin

Jason Marquez, clarinet

Jose Lorenzo Reyna, Jr., conductor

Concert IV: Opera and Kundiman: The Legacy of Maestra Conching Rosal

August 29, 2026

FEU Auditorium

Rachelle Gerodias-Park, soprano

Michelle Mariposa, mezzo-soprano

Byeong In Park, baritone

Marlon Chen, conductor

Concert V: Cellist Camille Thomas with the MSO

October 24, 2026

Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University

Camille Thomas, cello

Marlon Chen, conductor

Concert VI: World Premiere: Filipino Master Composers

January 2027

Venue: TBA

New works by Ryan Cayabyab

Marlon Chen, conductor

Alice Reyes Dance Philippines premieres Juan Tamad ballet at CCP Children's Biennale

No time for slacking as Alice Reyes Dance Philippines' presents its newest addition to its ever expanding repertoire, Mga Kuwento ni Juan Tamad, that is set to premiere at the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Children's Biennale on November 10, 2024 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit, Makati.

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.

Rebzen Arboleda as Juan Tamad

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 BroadwayDesigner, 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.

Karla Santos as Maria Masipag

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.

Dan Dayo as Matsing

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 will have its debut performances on November 10, 2024, 10:00 AM, and 4:00 PM 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. Register to the various activities by scanning the QR code below.

Beyond O Fortuna: Reasons why music lovers must watch Alice Reyes' Carmina Burana

After the curtains have descended on Mithila in Rama Hari comes the next Alice Reyes magnum opus: Carmina Burana which is set to ignite the Samsung Performing Arts Theater stage on June 14-15, 2024.

With the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philippines Madrigal Singers, and guest soprano Lara Maigue, the Kilyawan Boys Choir and dance trainees from the University of the East’s Silanganan Dance Troupe, collaborating with Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, this dance event is also a treat to music lovers.

Here are some reasons why music lovers, especially orchestral and choral music, should check out this upcoming production.

Carmina Burana

Monica Gana and EJ Arisola

Most people's knowledge of Carl Orff's Carmina Burana is limited to the iconic O Fortuna, one of the most recognizable pieces in the "classical music" repertoire. In the ballet, National Artist for Dance, Alice Reyes crafts a story of a community experiencing the joys of life, drinking, and love, through exuberant, erotic, and pagan movements utilizing the other parts of Orff's composition apart from O Fortuna.

Sinking one's teeth into the music can be greatly aided as well by seeing the sets and costumes by National Artist for Theater Design, Salvador Bernal.

Dusgo

Dugso

National Artist for Music, Dr. Ramon Santos' orchestral work Penomenon was performed recently by the UP Symphony Orchestra and it increased the clamor of having his other works heard as well. Here is a chance to hear his choral piece Ding Ding nga Diyawan performed by the Madz in the Alice Reyes choreographed Dugso. This collaboration between two National Artists was last staged on 1990 so its return is already long overdue.

Summer's End

The second movement of Frédéric Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 is not marked as Romance for nothing. This heat melting music just begs to be a pas de deux and Norman Walker's Summer's End does just that bringing this music to life as a dance duet.

After Whom

This piece by Augustus "Bam" Damian III has been staged numerous times since its premiere in 2005 and for good reason. Touching upon the power struggle between the sexes and the subjugation of women, this electrifying piece, superbly scored by Jerrold Tarog, has always brought the house down.

Since Carmina Burana and Ding Ding nga Diyawan feature a choir, choral groups get to enjoy discounted rates for the performances. Contact ARDP via e-mail at ardancephilippinesinc@gmail.com and Viber at (0967) 153-6173 to avail of the choral group discount.

Alice Reyes' Carmina Burana is presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines through the initiative of Senator Pia Cayetano.

Performances will be on June 14, 2024,7:30 PM and on June 15, 2024, 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM.

Alice Reyes' Rama, Hari: Savoring a masterpiece

Going on its second and final week, constant reminders not to let the remaining performances of Alice Reyes' Rama, Hari pass by were not hard to miss. The primary reason is that it would be at least a decade until this epic rock opera ballet gets seen on stage again.

With this in mind, I made it a point to savor every moment viewing this production that boasts the collaborative works of five National Artists namely Alice Reyes (direction and choreography), National Artist for Dance; Ryan Cayabyab (music), National Artist for Music; Bienvenido Lumbera (libretto and lyrics), National Artist for Literature; Salvador Bernal (set and costume design), National Artist for Theater Design, and Rolando Tinio (English translation), National Artist for Theater and Literature.

I also made sure to catch the performance where the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth was led by Ryan Cayabyab himself, taking over conducting duties from his son Toma Cayabyab who had another conducting engagement on the same night

With the 2023 run still relatively fresh on my mind, I was now able to focus on the dancers a lot more considering that my attention was more on the singers and the music during my previous viewings.

The show this time around went smoother, tighter, more polished and it also looked like the dancers did savor the final week of performances. The usually reserved Ejay Arisola was able to express more now as Rama allowing him to keep pace with the ever expressive Katrene San Miguel.

Veterans John Ababon (King Dasaratha), Dan Dayo (Hanuman), and Sarah Alejandro (Kooni/Gintong Usa) delivered solid performances having already eased into their roles. This staging also gave Ricmar Bayoneta the spotlight as the antagonist Ravana.

On the other hand, Karla Santos (Kaikeyi) and Krislynne Buri (Soorpanakha), who were both new to me back in the previous staging, continued to make their mark as future leads in Alice Reyes Dance Philippines.

For two seasons now, Renzen Arboleda has positioned himself as one to watch, not just in ARDP, but also in the local dance scene as well. It was a delight to see yet another noteworthy outing from him as Lakshmana. This young man is destined to be one of the leading danseurs in the country, that is if a foreign company doesn't snag him first.

The dance numbers with the entire company on stage looked too crowded and at times a bit messy. But this owed more to the smaller size of the Samsung Performing Arts Theater stage compared to that of the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Main Theater Stage. The smaller stage also resulted in the reduced size of the Salvador Bernal sets. This just didn't have the wow factor compared to how grand the original scale was as seen at the CCP during the last Rama, Hari staging there back in 2012.

There is nothing left to be said with the singers that performed on this night. Arman Ferrer and Shiela Valderrama-Martinez as Rama and Sita were in their finest. Jonel Mojica (Ravana), Audie Gemora (King Dasaratha), Rafflesia Bravo (Soorpanakha/Kooni), Katrene Sunga (Kaikeyi/Gintong Usa), and Paw Castillo (Lakshmana/Hanuman) all sounded well rested and one just wished that they, along with the other singers did an original cast recording. But no recording was made for this run as far as I know. Thank goodness that I savored every moment of the dancing, singing, and the music to get me through for at least ten years until the next staging.

Philippine Ballet Theatre: Setting 2024 ablaze with 38th season performances

Philippine Ballet Theatre

Last year, the Philippine Ballet Theatre made a welcome return to live performances with it's 37th season that premiered a new work with Ibalon, saw the company mount a US tour, and brought back a perennial audience favorite with The Nutcracker. Now, the PBT is poised to set 2024 Ablaze with their 38th season lineup.

The season starts with Sarimanok, a new ballet by the same creative team of Ibalon namely PBT Artistic Director Ronilo Jaynario for choreography and Paulo Zarate for music. The ballet is about the legendary bird of the Maranaos, normally depicted with colorful and vibrant feathers that finds itself in between a love story between a mortal and a moon goddess.

Matthew Davo and Gabby Jaynario

Next in the lineup is Music in Motion, a mixed bill of neoclassical works by Ronilo Jaynario set to Philippine music performed by pianist Raul Sunico. Presented in a dinner and dance format, this production will be held in September.

Sophia Tiangco, Matthew Davo, and Jessa Tangalin

Lastly, the company caps its 38th Season with yet another staging of The Nutcracker. This ballet, boasting a cast of more than a hundred dancers, has become a Christmas holiday tradition not just of the PBT but also of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. In October, PBT will also embark on a tour of select cities in the US. Exact dates and venues of the performances of the 38th season will be announced soon.

Founded in 1987, Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT) has established itself as the pre-eminent classical ballet company in the Philippines today. It was borne out of an alliance of leading dance groups in the eighties but immediately won recognition as a resident ballet company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Matthew Davo and Jessa Tangalin

Philippine Ballet Theatre has now expanded its vision and pursues the goal of bringing the upscale art of dance to general appreciation among Filipino audiences. With its concurrent preservation of the rich and elegant classical story ballets, such as Swan Lake, Giselle, Nutcracker, and Raymonda, PBT also launches contemporary ballets that are of emotional depth, dramatic realism and stark inventiveness like the critically acclaimed Carmina Burana and Daughters of Mourning (Bernarda Alba). Its repertoire continues to dazzle and amaze various audiences with its distinct and poetic delicacy and refined sophistication.

Contact Philippine Ballet Theatre at (02) 6328848, (0912) 9455151, (0949) 3252545, (0995) 1580538, and at secretariat@pbt.ph

Alice Reyes' Rama, Hari set to return this February

Take a journey back to Mithila as Alice Reyes' Rama, Hari returns, due to popular demand, this February 16-18, 23-25, 2024 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit, Makati.

Photo ©Geo Yu

Presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, this quintessential Filipino Rock Opera Ballet boasts the collaborative works of five National Artists namely Alice Reyes for direction and choreography, Ryan Cayabyab for music, Bienvenido Lumbera for lyrics/libretto, Salvador Bernal for costume and set design, and Rolando Tinio for the English translation of the lyrics.

Arman Ferrer,Monica Gana
Photo ©Geo Yu

Also returning are some of Philippine theater's most promising artists reprising their singing roles led by Arman Ferrer and Vien King alternating as Rama, and the trio of Karylle Tatlonghari, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, and Nica Tupas alternating as Sita. Poppert Bernadas, Jonel Mojica, Miah Canton, Raflesia Bravo, Katrine Sunga, Paw Castillo, Jon Abella, and Audie Gemora also return while Marynor Madamesila joins the cast for this run.

Arman Ferrer, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Paw Castillo
Photo ©Geo Yu

Also reprising their dancing roles are ARDP's Richardson Yadao and Ejay Arisola alternating as Rama and Monica Gana and Katrene San Miguel alternating as Sita.

Monica Gana, Karylle Tatlonghari
Photo ©Geo Yu

ARDP company members with featured roles include Ricmar Bayoneta, Erl Sorilla, Renzen Arboleda, Sarah Alejandro, Krislynne Buri, Lester Reguindin, John Ababon, Karla Santos, Michaella Carreon, and Dan Dayo.

Poppert Bernadas
Photo ©Geo Yu 

For this 2024 run, all performances will have live music by the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth with Toma Cayabyab conducting.

Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Monica Gana
Photo ©Erica Jacinto

Apart from Rama, Hari, the 2024 Dance Season of Alice Reyes Dance Philippines also includes productions of Mga Kuwento ni Juan Tamad, Gomburza, Tales of the Manuvu in June; Carmina Burana in September; and Puso ng Pasko in November-December.

CCP Dance Series welcomes the holidays with Puso ng Pasko full length version

From an online video at the height of the pandemic in 2020, then the first post-pandemic live performance at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 2021, Puso ng Pasko returns this 2022 Christmas season as a full length ballet with performances on December 2-4, 2022 at the CCP's Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater).

Featuring the artists of the Professional Artist Support Program and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, Puso ng Pasko, conceptualized by Ronelson Yadao, is about the unique Filipino Christmas experience told through the eyes of Lolo Val, a Pinoy immigrant living in California, as he reminisces to his granddaughter Angelita memories of the holidays back with his friends back home in Tres Reyes.

Under the mentorship of National Artist for Dance, Alice Reyes, Puso ng Pasko boasts an all Filipino creative team led by choreographers Ronelson Yadao, Erl Sorilla, John Ababon, AL Abraham, Dan Dayo, Bonnie Guerrero, and Lester Reguindin.

The ballet also features the music arrangement of National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab using the Christmas recordings of the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra and the San Miguel Master Chorale.

Other members of the creative team include Eric Cruz for production design, Barbara Tan-Tiongco for lighting design and technical direction, Eljay Castro Deldoc as co-librettist with Yadao, and Carlos Siguion-Reyna as film director.

Puso ng Pasko will have its Gala Night on December 2, 2022, 8:00 PM. Other performances will be on December 3 & 4, 2022 at 3:00 and 8:00 PM. The December 3 evening performance is sponsored by the Rotary Club and UP Delta Lambda Sigma.

For the duration of the ballet's run, the CCP Main Lobby will be transformed into a Church plaza where audience members can avail of local holiday treats like puto bumbong and bibingka before the evening performances.

Puso ng Pasko, the year end offering of the CCP Dance Series (live) is among the final performances to be held at the CCP Main Theater before the main building shuts its doors for major rehabilitation and renovation starting January 2023.

French choreographer Redha Benteifour to debut new work in CCP Dance Series' Premieres and Encores

The commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Philippine-French Diplomatic Relations continues with CCP Dance Series' Premieres and Encores this October 28-29, 2022 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater).

Co-presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Embassy of France to the Philippines, Premieres and Encores will feature artists of the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP) and the Artists of CCP's Professional Artist Support Program (PASP) performing pieces by French choreographer Redha Benteifour and young Filipino choreographers.

Front: Redha Benteifour
Back: Alice Reyes and Eva Marie Salvador

The show sees the premiere Benteifour's L'espoir Des Lendemain/The Hope of Tomorrow and the restaging of L'homme Assis Dans Le Fauteuil/The Man on the Armchair.

Other works to be performed are Visayan Suite of Dances by John Ababon, AL Abraham, Erl Sorilla, and Ronelson Yadao and I Wanna Say Something by JM Cabling.

Alice Reyes, Eva Marie Salvador, and Redha Benteifour 

Premieres and Encores will have its Gala Night on October 28, 2022, 8:00 PM. Other performances will be on October 29, 2022, 3:00 & 8:00 PM.

Ballet Manila, Aliw Theater to stage grand comeback with Rise!

Ballet Manila is set to stage a grand comeback with Rise! a double bill presentation incorporating ballet, opera, pop music and orchestral music happening on October 7, 2022, 8:00 PM and October 9, 2022, 5:00 PM at the newly renovated Aliw Theater.

Lisa Macuja-Elizalde 

Rise! is significantly important for Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Ballet Manila's CEO and Artistic Director. For years, she has celebrated her birthday in October with a special performance by her company at the Aliw Theater, which in itself was a gift from her husband, Fred J. Elizalde. But the October 2019 fire that gutted Star City, coupled with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, have put this birthday tradition to a stop.

Romeo Peralta

Now, three years later, Ballet Manila's dancers are ready to go on stage in front of a live audience. Joining the dancers for Rise! are multi-awarded recording artist Bituin Escalante, classical singers Jade Riccio, Ivan Nery, and Chris Arceo, a 12 member opera ensemble, and a 60 piece orchestra to be conducted by Gerard Salonga.

Bituin Escalante

The first half of Rise! will be the latest iteration of Ballet & Ballads with Bituin Escalante as the featured vocalist performing songs of hope in keeping with the overall theme of this part of the program.

Abigail Oliveiro and Mark Sumaylo

The show's second half will be the return of La Traviata. This opera by Giuseppe Verdi was turned into a ballet by Lisa Macuja-Elizalde and was staged to cap Ballet Manila's 24th season shortly before the pandemic forced everything into lockdown. Back then, with the company still reeling from the fire, the production held at the Samsung Hall at SM Aura was downscaled with the dancers performing to recorded music. With Rise!, the production will be closer to her original vision of having live singing and a live orchestral accompaniment.

Jade Riccio

Soprano Jade Riccio will sing the role of Violetta with tenor Ivan Nery as Alfredo, and baritone Chris Arceo as Giorgio Germont. Veteran opera singer Andrew Fernando, who suddenly passed away in mid-August, was originally tapped to sing the role of Giorgio Germont.

Bituin Escalante, Jade Riccio, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Luna Inocian, Abigail Oliveiro,
Mark Sumaylo, and Gerardo Francisco, Jr. 

The creative team for Rise! is led by Lisa Macuja-Elizalde as overall Artistic Director, theater artist Michael Williams as the Stage Director, playwright Luna Inocian as the Scriptwriter, Gerard Salonga as Music Director, and Gerardo Francisco Jr. and Martin Lawrance as Choreographers.