The family is a very strong unit of society especially in countries like the Philippines where familial values continue to be observed. Ballet Philippines celebrates the Filipino family with a new ballet, “Sarong Banggi,” which features exciting new works by six Filipino choreographers set to classic folk songs from around the country, arranged and orchestrated by the inimitable composer Ryan Cayabyab, with renowned fashion designer Rajo Laurel designing the costumes for this ballet.
Featuring choreography by Carissa Adea, Ronelson Yadao, Cyril Aran Fallar, Paul Alexander Morales, Nonoy Froilan, and Carlo Pacis, the production will highlight each choreographer’s unique impression of the Filipino family in this new contemporary ballet with the cast led by Jean Marc Cordero, Earl John Arisola, Rita Angela Winder and Monica Amanda Gana.
Nostalgic music in Sarong Banggi will tug at the audience’s heartstrings, 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,” he adds.
Hong Kong-based choreographer Carlo Pacis admits that he was excited at the chance to work with Ballet Philippines again. “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. The music of the show is in the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ special Collector’s Edition CD entitled “Serenata: Well-loved Philippine Folk Songs and Melodies.” Included in the album are the Kapampangan “Atin cu Pung Singsing,” the Hiligaynon “Ay Kalisud,” the Tagalog “Dalagang Pilipina” and “Saranggola ni Pepe,” among others. Sarong Banggi’s libretto is by Dennis Marasigan with lighting design by Meliton Roxas Jr., and sets by Ohm David.
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.
Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks: Facebook: www.facebook.com/balletphilippines; Twitter: @balletph; Instagram: @balletphilippines; YouTube: balletph. To join in the Ballet Philippines conversation, use official hashtags: #balletph, #dancespring, #sarongbanggi