Ballet Manila opens 14th season with 'Halo-Halo Extra Special

MANILA, Philippines - Ballet Manila stages “Halo-Halo Special,” a delightful mix of original Filipino ballets, from Aug. 21 to 30 at the Aliw Theater, Star City Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.

“Halo-Halo Special” features the works of choreographers Osias Barroso, Ernest Mandap, Augustus Damian III, Gerardo Francisco and Sergey Vikulov, plus a special tribute to the late dance guru Tony Fabella.

Damian, who is collaborating with Ballet Manila for the first time, has created three new ballets for the season-opener. “Sotto Voce,” “M.A.Z.N.” and “Reconfigured” have abstract themes yet are powerful and fluid.

The France-based Mandap, who has been creating works for Ballet Manila every year since the “Halo-Halo” series began, this year offers Gomburza, a tribute to martyred Filipino priests Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos and Jacinto Zamora whose 1872 execution paved the way for social reform.

“Halo-Halo Special” also marks the victory of BM’s very own senior soloist Gerardo Francisco whose “Balikbayan” (now re-titled “OFW” or “Overseas Filipino Worker”) at the recently concluded fourth WiFi Contemporary Dance Festival’s Young Choreographers Competition won the grand prize.

Yet another treat is “Madness,” a solo choreography for Ballet Manila artistic director and principal dancer Lisa Macuja-Elizalde by People’s Artist of Russia Sergey Vikulov with music by Alkan.

Finally, BM restages the final choreographic work of dancer, teacher and choreographer Tony Fabella, the much-loved “Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin” (“The Enchanted Violin”) featured in the company’s ground-breaking ballet trilogy, “Tatlong Kuwento Ni Lola Basyang.” The magical tale focuses on the themes of hard work, justice and family values.

Prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde notes, “Tony Fabella’s generous spirit will live on forever in his dances and Ballet Manila is honored to be able to showcase such a genuine Fabella ballet in “Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin.” Like all of his ballets, it is exceptional in its musicality, charm and its uncanny ability to make everyone teary-eyed from laughter. Very much like the man himself!”

The “Halo-Halo” series has already become a much-anticipated staple of Ballet Manila’s season since 2006. “This year, we have another round of wonderful flavors for our audiences to savor,” enthuses Macuja-Elizalde.

“Halo-Halo Extra Special” is sponsored by the Manila Broadcasting Company, Star City, INF Private Banking and Caltrate. Tickets are available through Ticketworld at www.ticketworld.com.ph or 891-9999. For details, call the Ballet Manila office at 400-0292 and 525-5967, fax 404-3086, e-mail info@balletmanila.ph, or visit www.balletmanila.ph.