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"Have you ever tried reviewing ballet?"
I asked this question to a colleague I have high respect for recently as I really can't fathom writing about something I am in no position to be writing about.
So as a disclaimer, this is not a review of "Tales of the Manuvu" by Alice Reyes Dance Philippines. Rather, it is a personal take of what watching this production made me realize and that is: I love ballet.
And I love that watching ballet exposes me to a different kind of story telling, one in which the human body is celebrated for its ability to narrate tales old and new through movement. I never aspired to study ballet, nobody taught me the movements or the rules, what to like or what not to like. I just learned by consistently watching and then researching about things I'm interested in afterward.
So with "Tales of the Manuvu", which was premiered in 1977 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, I am once again lacking. But whatever apprehension I had of going to the Proscenium Theater went away when I think back to all the ARDP shows I've watched--Encantada, Rama Hari, Pagdiriwang, Pasasaalamat to name a few favorites--they have never let me down and have somehow always inspired me to apply what I see to my dance. Yes, I dance.
Besides, I always find myself getting asked about my thoughts on and suggestions of what to watch may it be theatre, TV shows, or upcoming events. So if I were to make an informed opinion, I couldn't just base it on what others are saying. I had to go see "Tales of the Manuvu" for myself.
The play begins with Joshua Cadelina, Almond Blante, Ado Villanueva, Christy Lagapa, and the UP Concert Chorus singing the prologue. Soon after we are introduced to Manama the god of good played by Renzen Arboleda and Ogassi, the evil god, played by Earl John Arisola. I won't get too much into the details of the story but the scenario and libretto of "Tales of the Manuvu" is by National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes and National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera who freely based it on E. Arseino Manuel's retelling of the creation myth that was featured in an article published in Philippine Heritage (Hamlin Press, Australia, 1974).
I don't know what it is about the choreography of ARDP productions but there is always something unique about them. It's fun, it's sad, it's strong, it's very sexy when it needs to be, all of which were in full display in this production. I have to emphasize strong because the entire time I was thinking what core strength these dancers have. Aside from the usual balancing they need while en pointe, aside from all the lifting and the pirouettes, I also noticed them doing something similar to jumping knee tucks at one point. They were practically doing full body workouts all while acting through facial expressions, adding yet a deeper layer to the story.
The solo parts for the introduction of "the first man" (James Galarpe) and "the first woman" (Krislynne Buri) were done so well. The only part where I got confused was when some dancers wearing striped clothing appeared (which I would later learn are worms in the story).
This was the first time I watched from the front row of the Proscenium Theatre and I was surprised at how loud the sound was. The nearest I sat prior to this was a concert by the Manila Symphony Orchestra where I was seated in the 2nd row, all other previous shows I would be on the side or at least 6th row center and the sound was just about right from those seats. I did find myself vibing and was actually bopping my head to the music (by Dero Pedero with additional music by Afterbirth and musical arrangements by Francis De Veyra) of this Filipino rock opera ballet, and made a mental note to attempt some of the movements the dancers were doing when I get home.
It goes without saying that in terms of choreography and presentation, ARDP's "Tales of the Manuvu" is perhaps one of its best productions I've seen so far and might be tied with "Pagdiriwang" in first place as my favorites. That it is able to deliver one dynamic scene after another from start to finish speaks volumes of not just the artistry but also the dedication of the dancers and everyone behind the scenes.
"Tales of the Manuvu" is on a limited run so make sure to catch the remaining shows on March 28, 2026 at 7:30PM, March 29, 2026 at 2PM and 6PM. By Dexter R. Matilla
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