In a graceful celebration of culture and artistry, the Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT) marked its nationwide pilot project by showcasing a series of classical ballet performances at the St. La Salle Coliseum on September 24 and 25.
The premiere classical ballet company highlighted its well-known and acclaimed performance “Ibalon: The Love of Handyong and Oryol”, a two-act show based on a famous Bicolano epic love story, during the first night.
“As we formally continue the 38th season of PBT, we are proud and excited to bring their performances around the country and abroad. [Ibalon] is the first full-length original Filipino ballet. We are back stronger and more excited,” PBT Chairperson Dr. Patricia Sison, RPsy shared in her opening remarks.
“Ibalon” follows a mythological love story between a warrior and a cursed princess, choreographed by Ronilo Jaynario and adorned with music composed by Paulo Zarate.
On the second day, PBT performed “On the Wings of Song”, an interpretative show spotlighting the repertoire of renowned music icon Jose Mari Chan and other OPM artists, together with “Serye at Sayaw”, another performance about Filipino stories on love and passion.
The shows were graced by PBT Chairperson Dr. Patricia Sison, RPsy and the company’s board of directors. The pilot project was brought to Bacolod City by Atty. Ria Villanueva-Dam, PBT board member and a Lasallian alumna from De La Salle University and USLS College of Law.
Notable organizations and institutions that attended the performances include Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center, Sacred Heart Seminary, Kalipay Negrense Foundation, Bacolod Boys' Home Foundation, Inc., and St. Joseph School - La Salle.
photo by Darilyn Buerom | MediaLab
Besides the performances of PBT, a ballet masterclass was held on September 25 at the St. La Salle Coliseum and was attended by beginner, junior, and senior Lasallians and external participants interested in developing their skills, refining their techniques, and expanding their repertoire.
The events were part of a series of fundraising activities initiated by University President Br. Joaquin "Kenneth" Martinez FSC, DMin to support projects such as the renovation of Gallaga Theatre, USLS Granada EcoPark - Biodiversity Center, and faculty development at St. Joseph School - La Salle.
PBT is the first Philippine national performing arts company for dance designated by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture. It has a mission to deliver classical and contemporary ballet to the Filipino audience and develop an appreciation of Filipino culture, artistry, and dance technique.