To Becca, Ted, Margie, Paul, Victor, Allie, Jairo & Roman – Applause! Applause!

Applause! Applause! To “Impressarios” Becca Godinez (Executive Producer “GODINUSMUSIC)),  Ted Benito, (Producer PAE Live), Paul Alexander Morales (Artistic Director), Victor Usabia (Ballet Master), Allie Eguia (Company Manager), Jairo Ibarrientos (Stage Manager) and Roman Cruz (Technical & Lighting Director for collectively leading “Ballet Philippines” in its stellar performance, along with its five principal dancers: Carissa Adea, Jean Marc Cordero, Katherine Trofeo, Richardon Yadao, Earl john Arisola; five soloists: Cyril Aran Fallar, Emanuelle Guillermo, Rita Angela Winder, Timothy Paul Cabrera; and other company members: Gillianne Therese Guequinto, Edana Mae Labitoria, Ma.Celina Dofitas, Lester John Reguindin, Victor Maguad, Monica Amanda Gana, Eri Emmanuel Sorilla and Jemima Sanielle Reyes,

Celebrating its 45^th Anniversary since it was founded in 1969 by Alice Reyes with the assistance of Eddie Elejar and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, “Ballet Philippines” is currently recognized worldwide with its classicial ballet presentations as well as ethnic, indigenous performances of “Filipino folklore and social issues” intertwined with a “colorful tapestry of the Philippines’ rich and diverse cultural heritage – uniquely and distinctly Filipino.”

Some of the laudable masterpieces presented were: “Farandole,” a Spanish-inspired “neo-classical piece set in the music of Bizet” where dancers were dressed in dramatic red and black “flamenco” style outfits reminiscent of the FIlipino’s Spanish heritage. Choreographed by Russian-born George Birkadze, a resident choreographer of BP who danced throughout Europe but currently is a US resident.

“Bungkos Suite,” choreographed by “Ballet Philippines” founder, Alice Reyes and music by the Philippine Madrigal Singers, is a conglomeration of FIlipino native folk songs such as: “Dahil Sa Iyo,” “Chitchiritchit,” “Dandansoy,” “Manang Biday” and “Telebong.” The dance showcased Filipino humor and “amorousness” along with colorful pastel-inspired native outfits.

“Halik,” choreographed by Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales and music by Jed Balsamo, this dance is from a riveting excerpt in Ballet Philippines’ “Crisistomo Ibarra” which depicted the “Noli Me Tangere” novel of our National hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, portraying the emotional scene of Chrisistomo Ibarra’s escape from prison to briefly bid farewell to his beloved Maria Clara..

“For the Gods,” choreograqphed by: Denisa Reyes, former Artistic Director of BP and music by Fabian Obispo, this piece was “inspired by the Dugso folkdance of Bukidnon, which featured tribal women celebrating the rites of birth and sacrifice.”

“Moriones,” choreographed by Agnes Locsin, former Artistic Director of BP who is recognized as the “pioneer of neo-ethnic dance” and music by Ken Aoki and Jed Balsamo, presented the colorful masked Moriones Festival in Marinduque.

“Lahat Ng Araw,” choreographed by Alden Lugnasin and music by maestro Ryan Cayabyab, this Chinese – inspired dance with its red fans and ruffled shirts represented an “abstract work of art,” incorporating the “balance of all things in the universe and the yin and yang of masculinity and femininity.”

“Tambol at Padyak,” reminiscent of the Filipino’s love for revelry, this mesmerizing denouement and finale dance was choreographed by “master craftsman”: Tony Fabella with music by: Samuel Asuncion, Malek Lopez and Pinikpikan. It portrayed the versatile use of “bakya” (wooden slippers), to amplify its unique rhythm which only Filipinos would know.

Standing ovation after the performance, this writer, along with friend Danny Bajet wanted to see how people in the audience rated the entire show and here are some of their feedback:

“Ballet Philippines was worth travelling to (for two hours from Orange County). The whole production was heartwarming from beginning to end. It was wonderful to see Filipino ballet talent creatively showcased for the world to see. I specifically liked the interpretative dances interspersed with Asian influence along with modern Jazz and classical ballet. I walked out of there feeling so proud of “Ballet Philippines.”  – Yogi Dominguez-Zaragosa.

“It was an awe-inspiring, culturally-charged dance performances. The talented and wonderfully gifted dancers were uplifting to watch inspite of their grueling dance routines!” – Jed Dizon

I’d like to share “impressario” Ted Benito’s Facebook page’s soulful reaction to BP’s astounding performance as truly meaningful when he said  “I rarely comment as a spectator on any production I am involved with, allowing the artist (s) and their work to speak for themselves. However, I am still in a state of much amazement at what I saw on stage at the Pasadena Civic last Saturday night. Ballet is perhaps the most expressive and interpretative genre of dance….it was an evening of ballet burned forever in my soul; it was an evening of pride I had never appreciated before and it was an evening of affirming our Filipino identity and spirit.”

Thank you Ted, Becca, Margie and the rest of the “Ballet Philippines” company for sharing a spectacular evening of history, culture and tradition with the rest of us here in Los Angeles. Mabuhay kayong lahat!

For those who missed this year’s performance of  “Ballet Philippines” you may log on to their website at: www.ballet.ph.