Ballet Philippines' A Christmas Carol

Our Christmas Season started by watching Ballet Philippines' A Christmas Carol at the CCP.

This ballet show, choreographed by Ms. Edna Froilan is based on Charles Dickens' popular novel, A Christmas Carol.

What I love about it is the modern twist and fresh approach on the novel and ballet dance. Both the music and choreography are excellent!

Combining classical ballet, contemporary dance and hip hop is such a genius idea! Its unique and cool concept kept us interested throughout the show. The dancers, even the little kids, are amazing as always.

Despite the grim theme of ghosts and loss, the show is far from being dull.

It will bring you as Ebenezer Scrooge journey through the past, the present and the future to find the spirit of Christmas.

The Ghost of Christmas Past brought him to his boyhood days, the delight of seeing his sister Fran, up to the day he was sent to be an apprentice at a warehouse. In Fezziwig's warehouse, he found happiness, friendship and love... but turned to bitterness after breaking off with Belle because of this chase for wealth.

with the Ghost of Christmas Past

The arrival of the Ghost of Christmas Present in his lively Christmas tree costume is such a joy (didn't get to take a photo with him after the show).

He took him to the homes of Bob Cratchit's and to his nephew Fred's. It's fun to watch the lively dance with hip-hop showdowns of the villagers.

Here, Scrooge gets to see how they had fun and celebrate the season; but gets shocked when he learned how people sees and makes fun of him.

The Ghost of Christmas Future shows him the death of Tiny Tim and his dismal future.

with the Ghost of Christmas Future

In the end, the cold-hearted Scrooge changed and rekindled his good-natured spirit. He traded his "Bah, Humbug!" with warm Christmas greetings.

See, there's still hope!

This is a must-see production.

A Christmas Carol will let you journey through sadness, comedy, hope and fear. But in the end, the spirit of the Christmas season - love, giving and sharing, rule above all.

Don't let those bad stuff and misfortunes that happened in your life be an excuse to like "Scrooge" or feel grouchy. The Christmas Season is a time to be grateful and yes, there's always a reason to celebrate.

You still have time to catch this show until December 8.

December 5: 3 PM
December 6: 10 AM & 3 PM
December 7: 6 PM
December 8: 2 PM & 6 PM

Ballet Philippines' A Midsummer Night’s Dream

thanks for the tickets Special Education Philippines

My daughter and I had a wonderful time watching Ballet Philippines' A Midsummer Night’s Dream last February 16 at the CCP Theater.

It's remarkable how Ballet Philippines' gave twist to Shakespeare's timeless romantic comedy. I could not believe that it had been a light, comedy performance done with so much grace, youthful intensity and passionate movement.

I initially thought that my daughter would have a hard time appreciating this classic. Yet no matter how complicated the plot of the story may seem, glad that my daughter understood its sense somehow.

I say kudos to Hong Kong-based choreographer Carlo Pacis. The contrasts and mythical fusion between the fairies and the human characters; and the city versus the Asian fairyland forest was amazingly recreated.

I love how the multimedia screen brings a different appeal on the whole ballet production. The great costume (fairies are without wings!) and lovely music makes the whole performance truly magnificent. The whole stage and the 3D illusions were stunning.

I can commend the precise movement and the classically sensual and modern dance steps. Titania and Oberon were magnificent in all forms. Helena, a mortal who's hopelessly in-love with Demetrius (who loves someone else), was splendid. She gave a comedic appeal yet with the poise of a ballerina. Her movements were full of emotions, which would make you love her from start to finish.

Puck was mischievously funny; his movements were unpredictable, interesting and powerful. Whenever he's on stage you knew that something funny was going to happen. Love-in-Idleness flower delivers a delightful and romantic energy. Her character made me smile whenever she comes on stage with all those hand stretching and wiggling movement. It was her "juice" that made the characters fall in love with the first person they see.

Puck’s mischievous ways causes chaos to couples and brought the audience to an unforgettable romantic comedy of errors. Funny how Puck made Titania set her eyes on a man with a donkey’s head!

Yet, it's also great to see how Puck and Love-in-Idleness share a splendid adventure and how lovers are reunited in love. Everyone, including the rustics, fairy ladies and men, all deserves a round of applause.

The story ends with Oberon and Titania blessing the marriages with their solemn pas de deux, and Puck giving a heart-warming close. Bravo!

the cast

This ballet performance depicts how the silly game of love can spin us into a complicated web. The language of love and music made this ballet performance truly splendid.

daughter adores Titania :)

carried by Oberon!

there's Puck :)

I'm glad that my daughter and I were able to witness this exquisite production. It gave my daughter another great experience and a whole new appreciation for ballet.

Thank you so much Special Education Philippines, especially to Teacher Ia, for this ballet tickets. We really had a great time!

Pusong Wagas and Remembering Sleeping Beauty

Ballet Philippines' 42nd Season will end with undying love as it stage "Pusong Wagas." This all-new contemporary ballet will be shown on February 17 to 19 at the CCP Little Theater.

Pusong Wagas

"Set in pre-colonial Manila, the story highlights the exemplary love of Luyong, a gifted carpenter, and Manda, a tribal princess, and their sacrifice in the face of the coming foreign invaders. This work is co-produced by the City of Mandaluyong and Hon. Mayor Benjamin Abalos Jr. "

Schedule:
February 17 at 3PM & 8PM, February 18 at 3PM & 8PM and February 19 at 10AM & 3PM
Venue: Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)
Tickets: P1000 and P600

For tickets call:
Ticketworld at  891-9999
Ballet Philippines at 551-1003, 551-7919
CCP Box Office at 832-3704

This would be a great show to see this coming Valentine's Day weekend!

+ Remembering Sleeping Beauty

"A ballet in a prologue and three acts."

Last December, my daughter and I watched Ballet Philippines performance of the Sleeping Beauty, one of the most beloved classical ballets.

I am thankful for the tickets from Ballet Philippines and the good seats as well. We were given the 3rd row front seats, making my daughter enjoyed the show even more.

Based on the popular story, the ballet begins with the Christening of the newborn Princess Aurora. She receives gifts from fairy godmothers and  guests from all over the land.  When the  dark evil fairy Carabosse makes a sudden appearance, the royal festivity comes to a halt. Carabosse was furious because she was not invited. She cast an  evil curse on the Princess. Lilac Fairy  softens the curse. Princess Aurora will not die but sleep for a hundred years and the curse will only be broken by the kiss of true love.

with Caraboose

with Lilac Fairy

Sleeping Beauty had truly enchanted everyone. Aside from the dances, the sets, costumes, live  orchestral music and international guest performers were truly magnificent.  The royalties, fairies, cavaliers and all the royal guests in the halls of the grand palace were spectacular. The Bluebird pas de deux dance is equally amazing. Some well-loved fairy tale characters such as Little Red Riding Hood and Puss n’ Boots and the White Cat were also present to brighten the festivities.

with The White Cat

with Red Riding Hood and The White Cat

After the Lilac Fairy led Prince Desire to where Seeping Beauty is, and the prophecy was fulfilled, the rest of the royals and courts awaken. The great hall was then filled with the grand wedding of Princess Aurora to Prince Desire.

with Sleeping Beauty

Again, thank you Ballet Philippines for the show tickets!

Ballet Philippines' Inamorata: A Woman in All Her Glory

Ballet Philippines presented Inamorata, its second season offering, last September 23 to 25 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Main Theater. My daughter and I was able to watch the September 23 evening show.

Inamorata is the heart of its 42nd Season: Faces of Eve. It highlights the 100th years of International Women’s Day by presenting the many facets of woman as it gives tribute to woman through her triumphs and travails.

The show starts with "Harlequinade", a pas de deux comedic dance that shows a woman's wit and fanciful ways.

“Hardin ng Balo” (Garden of the Widow) depicts an old widow reminiscing the happy life she had lived with her family and how she yearned to be with her husband who had gone before her. It ends with a sweet note as she finds her husband summoning her to join him, but this time, for eternity.

The vocal performance of soprano Rachelle Gerodias was amazing! She also gave a powerful rendition in Quando Me'n Vo (Pagputok ng Dibdib).

"Flames of Paris" is a fascinating pas de deux. It shows a woman's strength and virtuosity.

I find "Everywoman" very forceful and interesting. It is dramatized by a woman, a serpent, a pope, and several priests. It shows that a woman can assert herself amidst the sexual repression by men.

“Japayuki” (Always Be in My Mind) depicts the grief, suffering and emotions of an OFW mother, who choose to be parted from her child to give him a better life, but a terrible accident ended her child's life.

"Moving Two" and "Mithi" shows the romantic love and relationship of a man and woman. "Mithi" looks at the relationship of two individuals who love each other and 'experienced loss at its keenest level.' I find it emotionally-wonderful. Soprano Camille Lopez Molina gave an amazing performance as well!

"Amar Como El Mar" highlights the woman's beauty and magnificence. It's a great segment where you can almost feel the breeze, the waves and the stormy weather. I love how the program expresses it:

A man is spit out of the sea. Playing with the waves, it is summer in his memory. A woman appears. Their kiss tastes like brine. When a stone is hurled in the water, meteors fall from the sky. Time turns everything to sand. Every speck, the dried skeleton of the sea.

There are segments that appears sensual, but it is innovatively-choreographed and cleverly manipulated by the ballet dancers. Inamorata was well-received by the audience. Dancers, choreographers, singers, fashion icons Ito Curata, Jojie Lauren, and Rajo Laurel, and everyone whose part of the production were all heartily applauded.

Truly, Inamorata, honor women as the beloved!

ballet dancers

My daughter enjoyed watching the ballet performance as much as I do. Her eyes were kept glued on stage all throughout. She felt happy (though, shy)  for she got pictures with Ballet Philippines principal dancers - Candice Adea and Katherine Trofeo.

with Candice Adea

with Katherine Trofeo

Thanks Ballet Philippines for the tickets!