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| Ballet Philippines dancers with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos |
Ballet Philippines concluded its 56th performance season with the successful staging of Paglalakbay: The Journey of the Sea People, a full-length original ballet that underscores the company’s continued investment in Filipino storytelling.
Presented from April 10 to 12, 2026 at The Theatre at Solaire, the production marks a significant addition to the company’s growing portfolio of original works designed to elevate local narratives within the global performing arts landscape.
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| John Gaddi, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Sonny Tanchangco, Ping Valencia |
Inspired by the Austronesian migration, Paglalakbay explores themes of identity, movement, and belonging through the story of Ama and Kaman set in Batanes. The narrative reflects both historical context and contemporary relevance, positioning migration not only as displacement but also as a process of transformation and cultural continuity.
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| Maritoni Tordesillas, Sonny Tanchanco, JP Tanchanco, Mav Rufino, Vella Damian |
Artistic Director Mikhail Martynyuk led the production’s choreography, which integrates classical ballet techniques with movements influenced by the natural environment of Batanes. The approach highlights a shift toward more grounded and culturally contextualized interpretations of classical dance.
The libretto by Sheree Chua complements this direction by presenting migration as an evolving narrative that shapes identity while maintaining connections to origin. Meanwhile, visual design by Leeroy New translates the province’s landscapes into an immersive stage experience, supported by research conducted on-site.
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| Miguel Lopa, Jessie Singson, Philippe Liechtenstein |
Beyond the stage, the production reflects Ballet Philippines’ broader community engagement strategy. Through its Ballet Brigade initiative, the company worked with more than 200 residents in Batanes, strengthening cultural exchange and grounding the production in local context.
According to company president Kathleen Liechtenstein, the production represents a long-term investment in developing original Filipino works that can compete on a world-class level. This aligns with the organization’s mission to expand its repertoire while promoting Philippine culture to wider audiences.
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| Rafael Cruz, Jr Arce, Barbie Arcache, Dr. Melissa Ng and Jor-el Espina |
Industry observers note that Paglalakbay reflects a broader trend among Philippine cultural institutions to prioritize homegrown content, particularly as audiences show increasing interest in locally rooted narratives. The positive reception of the production highlights the viability of original Filipino works within both domestic and international markets.
Founded in 1969, Ballet Philippines remains the country’s premier professional dance company, with more than 400 works in its repertoire. Its latest production signals a continued strategic direction toward innovation, cultural relevance, and global competitiveness.
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