Ballet Philippines’ “Sarong Banggi,” which will be mounted at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Oct. 16-18, will feature new works by six exciting Filipino choreographers set to classic folk songs from around the country, arranged and orchestrated by composer Ryan Cayabyab.
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 their 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 exciting 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 Pacis was excited at the chance to come home and work with Ballet Philippines again.
“As a Filipino living overseas, I felt that it was my responsibility to give back,” said Pacis, former soloist of the Hong Kong Ballet.
“Sarong Banggi’s” opening night on Oct. 16 is a Filipiniana Gala featuring the live performance of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Cayabyab.
The music of the show was recently created by the CCP in the special collector’s edition CD titled “Serenata: Well-loved Philippine Folk Songs and Melodies.” 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., and sets by Ohm David.
Fashion designer Rajo Laurel designs the costumes for this ballet.
Visit www.ballet.ph, e-mail info@ballet.ph or call Ballet Philippines at 5511003. For tickets and reservations, call the CCP Box Office at 8323704 or TicketWorld at 8919999.