Ballet Philippines' Monica Amanda Gana and Earl John Arisola in Sarong Banggi — Ballet Philippines’ Monica Amanda Gana and Earl John Arisola in “Sarong Banggi.” CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/Ballet Philippines

Rediscover local musical treasures in a new ballet about the Filipino family.

Ballet Philippines’ “Sarong Banggi” features new works by six exciting Filipino choreographers set to classic folk songs from around the country, arranged and orchestrated by Ryan Cayabyab, the country’s best-loved composer. This show is co-presented by the Province of Albay.

The show features choreography by Carissa Adea, Ronelson Yadao, Cyril Aran Fallar, Paul Alexander Morales, Nonoy Froilan and Carlo Pacis.

Each choreographer brings to the stage his/her unique impression of the Filipino family in a new contemporary ballet with the cast led by Jean Marc Cordero, Earl John Arisola, Rita Angela Winder and Monica Amanda Gana.

“’Sarong Banggi’ will tug at the audience’s heartstrings with its nostalgic music and earnest look at traditional Filipino values,” says Ballet Philippines Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales”. “It will be interesting to see these choreographers’ different takes on familiar themes; love, loss and reconciliation that cements the Filipino family”

When asked by Morales to create two pieces for the show, Hong Kong-based choreographer Carlo Pacis was thrilled at the chance to come home and work with Ballet Philippines again.

Earl John Arisola in Ballet Philippines' Sarong Banggi — Earl John Arisola in Ballet Philippines’ “Sarong Banggi”. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

“As a Filipino living overseas, I felt that it was my responsibility to give back.” Pacis, former soloist of the Hong Kong Ballet is a two-time awardee for Outstanding Choreography at the Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards.

“Sarong Banggi’s” opening night on October 16 is a Filipiniana Gala featuring the live performance of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Cayabyab himself.

BP’s Jean Marc Cordero. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/Ballet Philippines

The music of the show was recently created by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in the special Collector’s Edition CD entitled “Serenata: Well-loved Philippine Folk Songs and Melodies”.

Ballet Philippines Rita Angela Winder. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Included in the album are the Kapampangan “Atin cu Pung Singsing”, the Hiligaynon “Ay Kalisud”, and the Tagalog “Dalagang Pilipina” and “Saranggola ni Pepe”, among others.

“Sarong Banggi’”s libretto is by Dennis Marasigan, lighting design by Meliton Roxas Jr., sets by Ohm David, and costume design by Rajo Laurel.

Maestro Ryan Cayabyab. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

“Sarong Banggi” will be performed from October 16 to 18 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).

For inquiries, visit www.ballet.ph, send an email to [email protected], or call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003. For tickets and reservations, call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.

Major sponsors of Ballet Philippines’ 46th Season include Globe Platinum, San Miguel Corporation, and Belle Corporation.