Philippine Ballet Theatre will officially open their 37th season with an all-Filipino ballet called Ibalon. Lifting from the full-length epic from Bicol, Artistic Director and Choreographer Ronilo Jaynario focuses on the love story of Handyong (The Warrior) and Oryol (The Cursed Creature). Indulging in creative liberties, he created nuances and plot twists to make the story a powerful display of love in movement. He hopes to leave audiences captivated with colorful dances inspired from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
This ballet is the brainchild of a seamless collaboration between PBT artistic director Ronilo Jaynario a visionary who has redefined the boundaries of ballet and Paulo Zarate a renowned composer who has the power to weave emotion into every scene. Jaynario who hails from Bicol himself wanted to take a step towards immortalizing Filipino stories. When he met Zarate, he was so moved by his compositions and the dancers that the choreography was so organically created. Zarate himself committed to making a Filipino story make a mark in this day and age. He wanted a clear emotional pull that would sound remarkably Filipino. He would attend all the big rehearsals and adjust to insert nuances that he believed would help highlight the ballet’s biggest moments with cinematic appeal.
The dancers have been so excited to breathe life to this ballet. Jessa Tangalin who plays Oryol said “I saw how our Director and Choreographer crafted this ballet. Sir Ron comes from Bicol which is why I think he’s much more particular on how he translates the epic story of his hometown into movement. He has given us volumes of challenging choreography but has given us so much room to explore our respective characters. The experience of seeing passionate choreographer collaborate with us with a story so ingrained in his childhood is enough motivation to do good. Matthew Davo who plays Handyong said “ I feel so privileged that I was given a chance to play a hero in a story that shows Filipino values and identity. Creating his character was one of my career’s milestones”.
With Ibalon generating interest, the company has had multiple legends share their wisdom about Philippine dance and roots. Rosky Hilado and Monette Co both principal dancers of the Bayanihan Dance Group took the time to coach the young PBT dancers explaining the meaning behind the aesthetics. Former PBT artistic directors Julie Borromeo and Gener Caringal, renowned choreographer Paul Ocampo, and former dance stars Maritoni Rufino, Lucas Jacinto and Liza dela Fuente have likewise shared their knowledge to this fleet of dancers. The dancers seem to display a thirst for knowledge and have reciprocated the kind gesture with great energy in their rehearsals. Weekly this ballet has been viewed by industry experts and the rave reviews have started to pour in even if the company has not yet reached production week.
With all the players giving their all and the encouraging words of many, this ballet shows promise. I believe that it seeks to show the world that there is power in the ability to create and collaborate. All it needs is a little bit more fairy dust to fly. A few more days before we find out if this ballet will be as good as it seems.
PBT’s Ibalon will run on July 28, 2023, 8pm and July 29, 2023, 8pm at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater. Tickets are P2500 (Orchestra Center), P2,000 (Orchestra Sides), P1,500 (Loge), P500 (Balcony I), and P350 (Balcony II).
For ticket inquiries and reservations, contact 86711697, 0968-8708887, or message their social media platforms on Instagram or Facebook.
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