‘Maria Makiling’ Full-length Ballet to be Staged this July
On the heels of Ibalon (2023) and Sarimanok (2024), the Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT) has created another original Filipino ballet. Maria Makiling is a full-length production that reimagines the legendary guardian of Mount Makiling.
Maria Makiling marks the third collaboration between PBT’s Artistic Director, Ronilo Jaynario (choreography), and composer and arranger Paulo Zarate (original musical score), following Ibalon and Sarimanok.
Returning Collaborations
Jaynario shares, “After creating Ibalon, a hero-based ballet, and ‘Sarimanok,’ a romantic ballet, I wanted to tell a story that centers on the Filipino community. My goal was to present a ballet that grounds us and evokes a time when love, kindness, and gratitude sustained our communities. This ballet explores the enduring power of love, the pain of loss, and the importance of preserving nature and heritage. Ultimately, it highlights the consequences of a lack of integrity within a community.” Creating this ballet was especially meaningful to him, as he lived at the Philippine High School of the Arts in Mt. Makiling, Los Baños, Laguna, for four years. During that time, he heard many stories about “Maria,” a household name at his school.
Composer Paulo Zarate views Maria Makiling as an exciting challenge, characterized by a collaborative spirit of mutual respect that allows both him and Jaynario to enjoy creative freedom. Zarate explains, “We try to set musical identities to each ballet. For instance, in Ibalon, it was more anthemic and big, as a superhero movie would sound. In Sarimanok, it was more rhythmic and percussive, where I played around using meters from 4/4, 3/4, 6/8, 5/8, and 7/8. For Maria Makiling, Ron suggested we go for a more Filipino/Spanish sound, a bit more guitar-driven since both our cultures (Spanish/Filipino) have strong roots with guitar-driven songs like our Filipino kundimans and Spanish flamencos.”
For this ballet, PBT reached out to the Los Baños Tourism Office to ensure the ballet characterizes Laguna’s diwata in the best possible light. Assisting the creative team was one of Los Baños’ cultural historians, UP Los Baños Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs Roberto Cereno.
Cast and Synopsis
Set in the scenic town of Laguna, Maria Makiling brings to life the cherished myth of a mountain goddess who protects the land and its people. During a harvest celebration, three men—an arrogant Spanish officer, a scholarly educator, and a kind-hearted farmer—compete for Maria Makiling’s affection. Her choice ignites a dark conspiracy, resulting in heartbreak and injustice. In a poignant climax, nature itself mourns, and Maria Makiling withdraws from the world, choosing to protect it from afar. Though unseen, Maria Makiling’s spirit remains a living force in the land’s prosperity and the people’s hearts.
Sharing the spotlight in the role of Maria Makiling are Gabby Jaynario and Jessa Tangalin, while stepping into the role of Juan, Maria’s love interest, are Matthew Davo and Justine Orande.
Maria Makiling will have a limited run from July 5–6, 2025, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre. Co-presented by Philippine Airlines, Philippine Ballet Theatre will have a total of three shows: July 5, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and July 6, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Tickets are priced at P2500 (Orchestra Center), P2,060 (Orchestra Side), P1,545 (Loge), P515 (Balcony 1) and P360.50 (Balcony 2), which are available through Ticketworld or the Philippine Ballet Theatre Secretariat. For ticket inquiries, call 09688708887, 09129455151, and +63286711968 or email secretariat@pbt.org.ph.
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