LOOK: Philippine Ballet Theatre’s ‘Ibalon’ enthralls audiences

Photo by Joe Cobilla

CERRITOS, Calif. – The Philippine Ballet Theatre dancers enthralled audiences with their exquisite performance of the Filipino epic “Ibalon” at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts Saturday night.

It was a unique chance to see why the Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT) has been 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.

Photo by Joe Cobilla

“Ibalon” is a Bicolano legend of a cursed princess, Oryol (played by Jessa Tangalin) and Handyong, the warrior (played by Matthew Davo) who saves her from the curse of being a half-woman/half-snake.

Photo by Joe Cobilla

“This legend is celebrated in Legaspi, Albay, during the Ibalong Festival in August every year,” PBT President Marilou Magsaysay told Inquirer.net USA.

The music was composed by Paulo Zarate and beautifully directed and choreographed by Ronilo Jaynario.

Rosie Chua, producer of the US show, said the ballet performance of “Ibalon” resonates deeply with the Filipino American audience “as it celebrates our rich cultural heritage through the art of ballet, offering a unique and immersive experience to our community.”

From left: Rosie Chua, Rocio Nuyda and Marilou Magsaysay. Photo by Joe Cobilla

The show was very special for community leader Rocio Nuyda – whose grandfather, Mariano Goyena del Prado, was the author of the book “Ibalon Ethnohistory of the Bikol Region.”

“I totally enjoyed the evening for the artistic value of it. I think the dancers of PBT are really, really good, but at the same time, there is a sentimental reason to it: “Ibalon” being written by my grandfather,” Nuyda said.

“It means a lot to me, and it speaks of the culture and the historical background of the Bicol region.”

Photo by Joe Cobilla

Margie Moran-Floirendo, CCP’s interim vice-chairperson, said it was an innovative way to “bring the Bicolano epic to the consciousness of the Filipino people.”

“From brainstorming the concept to creating new choreography and music that tells the story and down to putting production design and technical requirements, it really takes a village to premiere a new ballet production,” she said.

A bonus pre-show exhibit, free to the public, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., showcased authentic fashion ensembles by designers Len Cabili and Ditta Sandico, with Filipino ethnic music in the nearby Sierra Room.

The fabrics were created from indigenous materials.

Photo by Joe Cobilla

Photo by Joe Cobilla

Also present were Filipino artisans demonstrating how to loom and embroider the fabrics. A fashion show by the ballet dancers followed.

Photo by Joe Cobilla

An added musical treat,  Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo of the Apo Hiking Society wowed the crowd with their popular hit songs.

Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo / Photo by Joe Cobilla

In addition, internationally acclaimed concert pianists Raul Sunico and Rene Dalandan rendered Filipino classics.

Raul Sunico and Rene Dalandan / Photo by Joe Cobilla

It was also an early Christmas treat, with the Immaculate Heart of Mary Children’s Choir parading on the stage with Christmas lanterns and performing melodious songs.

“Ibalon,” presented in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, is co-presented by Philippine Airlines, Arko Foods Market in Glendale and American Seafood Ranch Market in Cerritos.

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

Marilou Magsaysay shared that she wanted to “elevate our shows into a different level, one that uplifts us, and has a beautiful and strong cultural values that I know all of us will be truly proud of.”

Marilou Magsaysay / Photo by Joe Cobilla

Jim Paredes summed it all up: “It was a complete grand exhibit of Philippine culture – dance, art, fashion and music.”