Ballet Philippines' Sarong Banggi | Theater Review

As we live in this modern time period, cultures from different regions of the world have already influenced the Filipinos. It is undeniably the effect of the Philippines taking part into the fast-paced growth and development of the world, from philosophies, to businesses, and even the arts and sciences.

Everywhere we go, you see people sing song of foreign origin, groove to the dance craze that hits the mainstream, even the architectural designs of houses and buildings around us or the food that is offered have a touch of foreign influence.

Relive the Filipino culture with music, dance, and story. Ballet Philippines offers everyone this opportunity to look back into the beauty of what we authentically have in the past. Have a break from a fast-paced world and be delighted from the wonderfully-made, artistic production of “Sarong Banggi”. It is a story of a Filipino family about love, loss, and reconciliation which reminds us of the remarkable Filipino value of forgiveness.

In collaboration with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the show ran with them performing some familiar melodies such as Atin Cu Pung Singsing, Dalagang Pilipina, Salidumay, Si Filemon, Usahay, at Saranggola ni Pepe. It highlights the classic folk songs from around the country and was arranged and orchestrated by Ryan Cayabyab, an internationally acclaimed and award-winning composer. To witness an “eargasmic” performance from a symphonic orchestra is one of a kind experience for music enthusiasts. Even those who aren’t will be captured by curiosity.

While the music is being performed, Ballet Philippines’ lead casts Rita Angela Winder, Jean Marc Cordero, Monica Gana, and Earl John Arisola among the rest, as well as the ensemble, did a splendid job in executing their graceful movements. It was all thanks to the choreography of Carissa Adea, Ronelson Yadao, Cyril Aran Fallar, Paul Alexander Morales, Nonoy Froilan, and Carlo Pacis, that the show had a lively movements and comprehensive story. With their touching story-telling through movements, you will truly feel goose-bumps. The use of “mirror” is a great tool to tell the audience that a transition from present scene back to past to reminisce the sweet memories of the character. Simple movements and such tools will engage the audience to be attentive and follow the story.

It was all thanks to the choreography of Carissa Adea, Ronelson Yadao, Cyril Aran Fallar, Paul Alexander Morales, Nonoy Froilan, and Carlo Pacis, that the show had a lively movements and comprehensive story. The set, costumes, and stage design also took a big part in the Filipino cultural presentation. The use of bamboos for the house, party under a large, old tree, and the kite, were just as in Filipino setting back in the days.

The set, costumes, and stage design also took a big part in the Filipino cultural presentation. The use of bamboos for the house, party under a large, old tree, and the kite, were just as in Filipino setting back in the days. There is also this use of a telephone which kind of blurred the time setting of the storyline. What more would you say? This show will surely make you nostalgic and would make you want to relive the things, the moments, and the culture we had before.

More photos of Ballet Philippines's Sarong Banggi at official fanpage of AXLPowerhouse.

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Review by : Daniel Cruz
Photos and edit by : Axl Guinto