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An old man wearing the salakot enters the stage, warning others not to fall prey to the machinations of the tiyanak. A kapre smokes his cigar. The manananggal flaps her wings with her entrails hanging. And the bungisngis leers down the audience who are horrified at the dark creatures of Philippine folklore.
Dance, movement, music and national heritage fuse in Philippine Ballet Theatre’s 30th season offering, “Filipino Masterpieces,” which runs Sept. 23-25, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Portrayed as a humanoid with the head and legs of a horse but with the physique of Manny Pacquiao, the tikbalang of Philippine folklore has captured the imagination once again of 21st century readers, thanks to a local comic book series produced by writer Mervin Ignacio and artist Ian Sta. Maria.
If you are a Filipino worth your sun and stars, you better make sure you have taught your children/grandchildren our folk song “Bahay Kubo.” Shame on you if all they know is “Eensy Weensy Spider!”
The passengers heard a splash on the side of the ship, which has slowed down as it prepared to dock. It was barely dawn, and the town had not yet stirred from slumber.
