Philippine Ballet Theatre’s ‘Ibalon’ coming to California Oct. 27

Philippine Ballet Theatre, designated as the national performing arts company for dance by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, brings “Ibalon,” to the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts on Oct. 27.

NEW YORK – Filipino Americans who watched Philippine Ballet Theatre’s “Ibalon” at the LaGuardia Performing Arts Theatre in New York earlier this month are raving about the show, which will be presented on Oct. 27 at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts in Cerritos, Calif.

Esteemed community leader Loida Nicolas Lewis said “Ibalon,” a Bicol epic legend written by Mariano Goyena del Prado of Albay in the early 20th century and turned into an exquisite ballet performance by the Philippine Ballet Theatre, is a cultural masterpiece.

Loida Nicolas Lewis / CONTRIBUTED

“The inclusion of Igorot and Muslim dance patterns was brilliant. And the Filipino ballet dancers were world-class performers,” she said.

“Mabuhay, Philippine Ballet Theatre! “Bravo for the exciting program on October 27!”

Nicolas Lewis is a pioneering Filipina lawyer, businesswoman, philanthropist, AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) advocate, community leader and author.

The New York staging that Nicolas Lewis watched also drew raves from the audience at the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center.

Everything is set for the must-attend Filipino and Asian American cultural and social event this fall season, “Ibalon,”  by PBT, recently designated as the national performing arts company for dance by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

The acclaimed troupe from the Philippines is excited to bring “Ibalon” to Southern California.

As an extra musical treat to an event that’s shaping up to be an exhilarating show, Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo of the Apo Hiking Society, internationally acclaimed concert pianists Raul Sunico and Rene Dalandan are the featured guest artists who will perform numbers.

Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo / CONTRIBUTED

In addition, “Ibalon” show-goers will have an additional treat. Philippine Airlines (PAL) will distribute discount promo codes on the day of the show, October 27, to “Ibalon” ticket holders present at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.

Purchase PAL tickets for flights to the Philippines on the event day and use the promo code to avail of the discount. PAL representatives will be at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts to distribute flyers and discuss the discount promo codes with the show-goers.

Another bonus is a rare pre-show exhibit, free to the public, from 1 to 5 pm, which will highlight breathtaking fashion ensembles by designers Len Cabili and Ditta Sandico created from indigenous materials, with Pinoy ethnic music. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

“Ibalon,” presented in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, is co-presented by Philippine Airlines, Arko Foods Market (Glendale) and American Seafood Ranch Market (Cerritos). It will be a spectacular evening staged by PBT.

With the full production and dance company coming to SoCal, the audience will be treated to a rousing night showcasing Philippine culture.

“Ibalon” is the latest production of PBT whose mission is to express, through dance, the age-old tales and culture of the Filipino people, to create and perform stories deeply rooted in the Philippines’ heritage.

Ted Benito is producing the show for LXV Enterprises, LLC. Emmy and Telly Award winner Lisa Lew’s P & L Media provides the creative video marketing concept and campaign production.

PBT’s artistic director and choreographer Ronilo Jaynario focuses on the love story of Handyong (The Warrior, played by Matthew Davo) and Oryol (The Cursed Princess, portrayed by Jessa Tangalin). The entire PBT company will take SoCal on a voyage into the heart of the Philippine culture and history.

Tickets at $250, $200, $150, $100 and $75 are available from Rosie (818) 859-3108; Gilbert (213) 458-0582; and Gerald (909) 851-6406. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts is at 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos, California 90703.