Star Powerhouse

IBALONG In the midst of a great war between mortals and monsters, a serpentine creature falls for a man, leading to the birth of a new civilization. Tanghalang Pilipino caps its 26th season with a dance-theatre musical interpretation of the Bicolano epic, “Ibalon,” adapted for the stage by prolific playwright Rody Vera and directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio with Carol Bello’s musical direction, and Alden Lugnasin’s choreography. Entitled after Legazpi City’s week-long festivity, “Ibalong,” the musical tells the story of Handyong and his warriors who come to Bicol – formerly known as Ibalon – and wage war against beasts and monsters pillaging the land’s natural wealth. Handyong mightily battles creatures bearing a solitary eye and three throats, several winged sharks, and wild carabaos. In introducing civilization to the barbaric land, Handyong matches wit and might with the scheming snake, Oryol. A master of deceit, Oryol disguises herself into a sweet, young lady in order to seduc...