Magayon epic draws raves

MANILA, Philippines - Albay’s ballet epic Daragang Magayon: An Istorya ni Mayon, staged recently at the Cultural Center of the Philippines drew raves from critics and celebrities. 

The presentation, a collaborative effort of three Filipino artists and a dance company, tells the story of the mythical origins of Albay and its people’s heritage, in a distinctive and substantive core narrative and worldview milieu.

It was sponsored by the Albay Provincial Government to drumbeat its tourism programs.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said there are plans the ballet epic would be presented in other venues and possibly become a movie.

“We thank our supporters, the audience and most particularly art critics and our media friends who gave us good reviews,” he said.

“The presentation also set records in local cultural development. Among others, it goes on record as the only collaborative effort of three artists, the first full-length ballet of a provincial epic, and the first multi-media-backed ballet interpretation in the country,” Salceda said.

Critic Pablo Tariman wrote: “Very few in the government sector believe in the immense power of culture to perk up the tourism landscape. Albay, for one, has a formidable tourist attraction in the presence of Mt. Mayon. It didn’t occur to many that the legends surrounding the magic mountain can be transformed into a cultural attraction.

Salceda said Albay started the project last year during the presentation of Magayon Festival, with the Epic of Daragang Magayon, An Sayaw kan Tolong Bulod (Dances of the Three Mountains), a dance-musicale and legends’ showdown.