Sarong Banggi Press Con: Sights and Sounds

Sarong Banggi Press Con: Sights and Sounds

Rediscover local musical treasures in a new ballet about the Filipino family. Ballet Philippines’ Sarong Banggi features new works by six exciting Filipino choreographers set to classic folk songs from around the country, arranged and orchestrated by Ryan Cayabyab, the country’s best-loved composer. Renowned fashion designer Rajo Laurel designs the costumes for this ballet.

The show features choreography by Carissa Adea, Ronelson Yadao, Cyril Aran Fallar, Paul Alexander Morales, Nonoy Froilan, and Carlo Pacis. Each choreographer brings to the stage  his unique impression of the Filipino family in a new  contemporary ballet with the cast led by Jean Marc Cordero, Earl John Arisola, Rita Angela Winder, and Monica Amanda Gana.

“Sarong Banggi will tug at the audience’s heartstrings with its nostalgic music and earnest look at traditional Filipino values,” says Ballet Philippines Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales”. “It will be exciting to see these choreographers’ different takes on familiar themes; love, loss and reconciliation that cements the Filipino family”

Sarong Banggi’s opening night on October 16 is a Filipiniana Gala featuring the live performance of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Cayabyab himself.

The music of the show was recently created by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in the special Collector’s Edition CD entitled “Serenata: Well-loved Philippine Folk Songs and Melodies”. Included in the album are the Kapampangan “Atin cu Pung Singsing”, the Hiligaynon “Ay Kalisud”, and the Tagalog “Dalagang Pilipina” and “Saranggola ni Pepe”, among others.

Sarong Banggi’s libretto is by Dennis Marasigan, lighting design by Meliton Roxas Jr., and sets by Ohm David.

Sarong Banggi will be performed from October 16 to 18 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). For inquiries, visit www.ballet.ph, send an email to info@ballet.ph, or call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003. For tickets and reservations, call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.

Major sponsors of Ballet Philippines’ 46^th Season include Globe Platinum, San Miguel Corporation, and Belle Corporation.

Photography by Pia de Ungria