‘Juan Tamad and Other Ballets’ by ARDP Comes to Areté this September
Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP), in partnership with Areté, is set to bring Juan Tamad and Other Ballets to the Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, from September 12–14, 2025.
Juan Tamad and Other Ballets offers a lineup of four distinct works, blending classic stories with modern choreography. This production is specifically designed for students and aligns with multiple school subjects, including Filipino, Literature, Visual Arts, Dance, Music, Humanities, Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, Personal Development, Araling Panlipunan, and Physical Education.
THE PROGRAM
The show is headlined by Juan Tamad, which premiered in November 2024. With direction, book, and choreography by Erl Sorilla and music by Toto Sorioso, this production follows the adventures of Juan Tamad, a misunderstood boy with the unique ability to talk to animals, and his loyal monkey companion, Matsing. Together, they embark on a quest to recover the village’s prized ‘Gintong Niyog’ and win the hand of Maria Masipag, learning valuable moral lessons along the way. The production features Ricmar Bayoneta as Juan Tamad, Dan Dayo as Matsing, and Karla Santos as Maria Masipag with John Ababon as Pagong, Monica Gana as Kuneho, Ejay Arisola as Buwaya, and Francia Alejandro as Paboreal.
Set and costume design are by Loy Arcenas, with lighting by Barbara Tan-Tiongco.
Complementing Juan Tamad are three pieces from ARDP’s repertoire:
Nocturne: Krislynne Buri and Renzen Arboleda reprise their roles as Titania and Oberon in this pas de deux from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, choreographed by Carlo Pacis.
Renzen Arboleda and Krislynne Buri in Carlo Pacis’ Nocturne; Photo Credit: Erica Feliz Marquez-Jacinto
The piece premiered in 2013, with music by Felix Mendelssohn, original lighting design by John Batalla, and lighting by Barbara Tan-Tiongco.
C’est La Cie: This newest work by choreographer Augustus “Bam” Damian III is an exploration of his neo-classical style. Inspired by the ARDP dancers, the piece highlights their technical prowess and energy.
Augustus “Bam” Damian III’s C’est la Cie; Photo Credit: Erica Feliz Marquez-Jacinto
The piece premiered in August 2025. Music is by René Aubry, with costume design by Damian and lighting by Barbara Tan-Tiongco.
Moon: A solo with contrasting moments of dynamism and stillness, choreographed by Kun-Yang Lin and performed by Erl Sorilla. The hero is a priest or acolyte of an ancient culture, performing a dance in supplication to a heavenly body.
Dan Dayo in Kun Yang Lin’s Moon; Photo Credit: Erica Feliz Marquez-Jacinto
The piece premiered in 1994, with music by Dead Can Dance. Lighting is by Barbara Tan-Tiongco.
Juan Tamad and Other Ballets runs on September 12 at 7:30 PM, September 13 at 2 PM and 7 PM, and September 14 at 3 PM. Tickets are P500. For inquiries, Viber 0967 153 6173 or email ardancephilippinesinc@gmail.com.
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