Ballet Manila’s Holiday Cheer Series Returns This Christmas with “Snow White”

For many Filipino families, Christmas is a season marked by togetherness, cherished traditions, and meaningful experiences shared across generations. Since 2022, Ballet Manila has been enriching the holidays with its much-anticipated Holiday Cheer Series—a family-oriented program that has steadily become a beloved fixture of the Christmas calendar. This year, the company continues the tradition with a magical retelling of the classic fairy tale Snow White, set to enchant audiences from December 25 to 29, 2025, at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City.

Designed as an introduction to ballet for young audiences while still offering depth and artistry for seasoned theatergoers, the Holiday Cheer Series reflects Ballet Manila’s commitment to making classical dance accessible, engaging, and emotionally resonant. Under the vision of CEO and Artistic Director Lisa Macuja Elizalde—who also choreographed Snow White—the series breathes new life into timeless stories, transforming them into shared holiday memories for families.

“For us, the Holiday Cheer Series is about bringing people together,” shares Macuja Elizalde. “It’s not just about showcasing beautiful choreography or technical excellence. It’s about storytelling—using ballet as a way for parents and children to connect, to laugh, to feel inspired, and to return to the theater year after year.”

This year’s Snow White is especially noteworthy as it introduces, for the first time, two alternating casts in the lead roles. This creative choice adds a fresh dimension to the production, allowing audiences to experience different interpretations of the beloved characters. Real-life couple Abigail Oliveiro and Mark Sumaylo bring a natural chemistry and emotional depth to the stage, offering a portrayal rooted in intimacy and warmth. Alternating with them are Nanami Hasegawa and Romeo Peralta, whose pairing highlights a sense of discovery and youthful wonder—perfectly aligned with the fairy-tale magic of the story.

Together, the alternating casts underscore the universal themes at the heart of Snow White: love that endures, resilience in the face of adversity, and hope that triumphs even in the darkest moments. These themes resonate deeply during the Christmas season, reminding audiences—young and old alike—of the values that define both the holiday and the human spirit.

Beyond its captivating performances, Snow White promises a fully immersive theatrical experience. Audiences can look forward to enchanting choreography, expressive storytelling, and a visual world that captures the warmth and wonder of Christmas. Ballet Manila’s signature style—grounded in classical technique yet infused with narrative clarity—ensures that even first-time ballet viewers can easily follow and enjoy the story.

By staging Snow White during the heart of the holiday season, Ballet Manila invites families to make ballet part of their Christmas tradition. Performances run daily at 4:00 PM from December 25 to 29, 2025, offering a perfect afternoon outing after holiday festivities or family gatherings.

Tickets are available through TicketWorld. For more information about Ballet Manila, its programs, and upcoming performances, audiences may visit BalletManila.

As the curtain rises on Snow White, Ballet Manila once again proves that ballet can be both elegant and welcoming—a celebration of art, storytelling, and togetherness that truly belongs in the Christmas season.