A magical story generations of Filipinos know and love by heart is set to come alive on stage in an enchanting fusion of music and movement. This October, Ballet Manila presents Gerardo Francisco Jr.’s acclaimed production of Ibong Adarna at the Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, with performances on October 9 at 7:30 p.m. and October 10 at 5:00 p.m.
Ibong Adarna recounts the classic tale of a mythical bird whose magical song holds the power to cure any illness. When King Fernando of Berbanya falls gravely ill, his three sons—Don Pedro, Don Diego, and Don Juan—embark on a perilous quest to capture the legendary creature and secure their father's recovery, with the kingdom's throne hanging in the balance.
As one of Ballet Manila’s most requested and celebrated original productions, Ibong Adarna continues to captivate audiences across the country. Following successful shows at the Jose Rizal Coliseum in Laguna earlier this year, this upcoming run at Areté serves as a key stop before the tour continues to Iloilo.
“Ibong Adarna is one of Ballet Manila’s most requested offsite performances,” shared Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s CEO and Artistic Director. “Every time we bring it to a new audience, we discover something new about the story and its characters. It remains familiar to many Filipinos, but ballet allows us to experience the story through a completely different visual and emotional lens.”
The upcoming performances at Areté will highlight a dynamic roster of new lead dancers from Ballet Manila’s powerhouse company. The primary cast features Shaira Comeros as the Ibong Adarna, alongside Mark Sumaylo (Don Pedro), Rafael Perez (Don Juan), and Romeo Peralta (Don Diego). The alternate cast will be led by Jessica Pearl Dames as the Ibong Adarna, with Juan Angelo De Leon (Don Juan), Ralp John Balagot (Don Pedro), and Sean Pelegrin (Don Diego).
Staging Ibong Adarna in academic and community centers directly aligns with Ballet Manila’s core mission of bringing ballet to the people and bringing people to ballet. By performing outside traditional theater spaces, the company provides broader access to live classical and modern dance, framing art through culturally resonant storytelling.
Whether discovering the folklore for the first time or revisiting a beloved classroom memory, audiences will experience an exciting combination of intricate choreography, rich theatricality, and classical storytelling.
Tickets for the October 9 and 10 shows at Hyundai Hall, Areté are available online via TicketWorld at
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