Philippine Ballet Theatre debuts in UCLA for Filipino-American History Month

Promotional poster for the Philippine Ballet Theater show at UCLA. PHOTO FROM PBT WEBSITE

LOS ANGELES—The Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT), the renowned ballet company with revolutionary beginnings, is set to present stories deeply rooted in Philippine history as it debuts at Royce Hall on the UCLA campus this Saturday, October 21.

The 26-member company will present “Music in Motion” – a stunning program that weaves classical ballet with indigenous and traditional Filipino dances.

The show, which marks Filipino-American History Month, also features acclaimed concert pianist Raul Sunico and the Concert King of the Philippines, Martin Nievera.

The show opens with Ibalon, lifted from a well-known Bicolano epic and described by PBT president Marilou Magsaysay as “a story of love and kindness, the very things our world needs the most.” It features Ronilo Jaynario’s choreography of colorful dances from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao accompanied by original music from Paulo Zarate.

Jaynario has described the choreography as a re-imagination of a love story against a backdrop of Philippine mythology.

Martin Nievera to perform original Christmas song

“It will be an unforgettable night of entertainment,” said executive producer Rosie Chua. Nievera will sing his most popular songs, accompanied by acclaimed concert pianist Raul Sunico. They will be joined by the PBT dancers on stage for “a spectacular celebration of the upcoming holiday season,” Chua said.

“I always look for an excuse to sing before an LA audience,” Nievera said. “And to be able to sing my hit songs, including a Christmas song that I wrote myself and put to dance would be a treat, especially for me.”

A pre-concert VIP reception will showcase the contemporary designs of Cora Manimbo, who has created wearable fashion from indigenous Philippine textiles. The reception will also present traditional Philippine cuisine prepared by Arko Foods. The VIP reception package includes priority seating.

During the holiday celebration segment, the stage will be decorated with Philippine-made parol (Christmas lanterns). Audience members will have the opportunity to purchase these lanterns after the show and can also enjoy traditional Christmas treats and delicacies from Arko Foods.

The evening show, hosted by ABC7 reporter Christiane Cordero, will support the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Revolutionary beginnings

The Philippine Ballet Theatre was formed in 1986 after the EDSA Revolution as a response to the clamor to support ballet artists and their companies that felt left out by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) during the Marcos regime. The CCP Dance Company was the sole company that received support during the Marcos era. The PBT is now under the aegis of CCP.

“The Philippine Ballet Theatre’s triumph over daunting obstacles and hardships is a celebration of the company’s resolute spirit that continues the revolutionary fighting spirit of its founders,” said PBT on its website.

Discount for UCLA students, staff

UCLA students, faculty members, staff and administration can get a $5 discount by showing a valid UCLA ID at the ticket office.

“We hope the Bruin campus population can support this fantastic ensemble of artists who are coming from the Philippines to share their talents in this unforgettable show,” said UCLA alumnus Ted Benito, who is producing the show for LXV Enterprises, LLC.

“It’s rare for audiences to experience this magical mix of traditional classical ballet and indigenous Philippine dance. It’s going to be a phenomenal performance.”

For tickets or more information, go to ROYCEHALL.ORG or call 818.859.3108 or 213.458.0582.

TSB