Alice Reyes Dance Philippines’ (ARDP) Pagdiriwang, held on April 5th at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater in BGC. A ballet for the Filipino audience and it was an experience. The intimate theater setting with the audience a mere ten feet from the stage. Designed for an unparalleled connection. You can hear the dancers’ shoes on the floor was palpable. You feel a firsthand glimpse into the heart of ballet.
The performance featured several pieces. The Amada story piece stood out. This ballet captured Nick Joaquin’s short story. It resonated deeply with the Filipino audience. The narrative is clear without reading the program notes. Children in the audience are understood and captivated. The costumes, sets, and expressions is uniquely Filipino. A narrative of a 19th-century romance in Hispanic Manila. A pre-Hispanic mysticism shattered this romance. Doña Amada’s encounter with this mysticism transcended. A transcesion that overshadowed the typical Western romance. It shattered and redefined ideals a male dominated affair.
My first encounter with an Alice Reyes production left me amazed. A breathtaking artistry. A clear understanding of why Alice Reyes is a National Artist. Pagdiriwang is a testament to Filipino ingenuity. A collaboration of Filipino national artists for this ballet performance. Alice Reyes choreographed the Amada performance. Lucrecia Kasilag, National Artist for Music, composed the musical score. Salvador Bernal, National Artist for Theater Design, created the design and set. Barbara Tan-Tiongco beautifully executed Teddy Hilado’s original lighting design. Amada first premiered in 1970 and last staged in 2017. A masterpiece that stands the test of time. It’s a story of love, loss, and the enduring power of Filipino spirituality.
The ballet’s impact extended beyond Amada. Pagdiriwang included Norman Walker’s “Songs of a Wayfarer,” a 1973 classic that recaptured the hearts of the audience. Kun-Yang Lin’s “Moon” delighted with its contrasting dynamism and stillness. Augustus “Bam” Damian III’s world premiere, “C’est la Vie,” showcased the ARDP dancers’ exceptional skills. The program highlighted the company’s artistic diversity, honoring Alice Reyes’ legacy.
Candice Adea, a former Principal Dancer of Ballet Philippines, served as a guest artist. Her performance in Amada was a poignant farewell to Filipino audiences, a truly historic moment. Pagdiriwang, a celebration of dance, proved to be a phenomenal display of Filipino talent and artistry. It was an unforgettable night.
