Ballet Manila opens 17th season with environmental tale

MANILA, Philippines - To open its 17th performance season, Ballet Manila brings back Alamat: Si Sibol at si Gunaw, an all-Filipino original production that combines magic, myth and a message of love for Mother Earth.

Presented by the Manila Broadcasting Company, Bookmark, Aliw Theater and Star City, with Manila Hotel as major sponsor. Alamat: Si Sibol at Si Gunaw goes onstage on Aug. 24, 25 and 26, and Sept. 1 and 2 at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City.

“Alamat is a call to nurture the environment as told through dance, music and special effects, making it both a timely and entertaining treat for the whole family,” says prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s artistic director.

Taking on the lead roles are Macuja-Elizalde as the goddess Luningning, Nazer Salgado as the mortal Kapuy whom she falls in love with, and Francis Cascaño and Yanti Marduli as the twins Sibol (Bloom) and Gunaw (Doom) who become locked in a battle over Mother Earth — one intent on its protection and the other on its destruction. Dancing as the young Sibol and Gunaw are Missy Elizalde and Elmoe Dictado, respectively.

Alamat: Si Sibol at Si Gunaw is based on the children’s book by Palanca hall of fame awardee and STAR columnist Ed Maranan, published by Bookmark with illustrations by Ronaela B. Maranan. The author has described Ballet Manila’s interpretation of his work to be “fantastic, spectacular, fully realized, truly inspired and profoundly innovative.”

Missy Macuja Elizalde plays young Sibol while mom Lisa Macuja-Elizalde essays the role of Luningning

With choreography by Ballet Manila artistic associate Osias Barroso and junior principal dancer Gerardo Francisco, Alamat: Si Sibol at Si Gunaw features music by various Filipino artists including George Canseco, Willy Cruz and Edru Abraham. Musical arrangement is by Mon Faustino and Noel Zarate.

“The material was enriched, especially with the new ending suggested by Lisa Macuja, while retaining the central theme of the story,” says Maranan. “The greatest satisfaction, of course, was seeing the enthusiastic reception by the mostly young audiences who came to Aliw Theater. They were entertained, and they got the environmental message.”

For tickets, call Ballet Manila at 525-5967 or 400-0292 or visit www.balletmanila.com.ph or Ticketworld at 891-9999 or ticketworld.com.ph.