Like the beloved Mother Goose, there is Lola Basyang. With her magical tales of princesses, beautiful birds, evil step sisters, and even dancing snakes. As a child, I had my own book of Lola Basyang and her magical tales. One of my favorites were “Maria Alimango”. A similar tale to “Cinderella”. I love these tales because they were truly Filipino.  As children’s imagination fade throughout the years, it’s difficult to hold on to that magic of the tales of Lola Basyang. But Ballet Manila has done the greatest deed of continuing to share this magic to the generation of today.

Their 20th season opens with “Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang”. One of five productions of their theme “From Page to Stage”. Translating the beloved children’s tales such as “Pinnocchio” and “Hansel and Gretel”. Ballet Manila translated three favorite tales: “Ang Prinsipe na mga Ibon”, “Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Mariya”, and “Ang Mahiwagang Byulin”.

These performances was beautiful. Full of unexpected surprises (a neon snake AND flying birds!?) From the costumes, the sets and of course the talented dancers, this production was without a doubt spectacular.The audience were filled with girls and boys of all ages. And each surprise lead the crowd to “ooos and ahhhs”. Ballet Manila has combined the art of dance and theatre; bringing life straight out of the pages.

              

I loved it so much, I returned for the last performance with my younger sister and brother. My brother, a 10 year old car fanatic, rated it 11 out of 10. If that’s not enough proof for you of how great this show was, then I don’t know what is.

Ballet Manila you’ve done it again!

Thank you to Ms. Lisa Macuja for the generous invite!