Dance Musical IBALONG Returns to CCP Till 9/15

Fresh from its successful two-day performance in Legazpi City, "Ibalong," produced by Tanghalang Pilipino, returns to the Cultural Center of the Philippines' (CCP) Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino from last night to Sunday, September 15.

"Ibalong" is more than a mere spectacle filled with elaborate costumes and puppetry, frenetic dances and indigenous music and sounds. Also more than a mere love story between a warrior and a monster, the dance musical itself is a love letter reminding audiences to love and respect nature; and to love what is inherently Filipino by staging one of the Philippines' well-loved epics.

"Ibalong" tells the story of the arrival of Handyong and his brave warriors in the land of Bicol, formerly Ibalon. In Ibalon, these men gallantly fight against the beasts and monsters that live there, which pillage the land and its natural resources. Among the mythical creatures that these men battle are monsters with solitary eye and three throats, winged sharks, wild carabaos and the scheming, beautiful half-woman half-snake Oryol.

A mistress of deceit, Oryol disguises herself as a sweet, alluring maiden. Out to seduce Handyong in order to fight the young warrior, Handyong outwits Oryol by making her fall for him. With the help of Oryol, Handyong eventually wins the battle against the monsters. But as men start to build a new world, these men also endanger nature.

Cast includes Jenine Desiderio (Oryol), May Bayot (Guguran), Myke Salomon (Handyong), Red Nuestro (Opon), Delphine Buencamino (Koro/Understudy Oryol), Trixie Esteban (Young Oryol/Koro), Cheeno Macaraig (Young Handyong/Makusog/Kawal/Ibingan), Tara Cabaero (Buning/Anino), Hazel Maranan (Onglo/Anino), Opaline Santor (Sarimao/Anino), Kristofer Kliatchko (Angongolood/Kawal) Cyril Balderalma (Sarimao/Kawal), Philip Palmos (Kikik), Jonathan Tadioan (Aswang/Koro), Marco Viaña (Rabot/Koro), Remus Villanueva (Handyong/Kawal/Angongolood), Niclo Magno (Baltog/Koro), Ralph Mateo (Bantong/Kalabaw/Tambaluslos/Kalaw), Regina De Vera (Bonggo/Anino), Jovanni Cadag-(Sarimao) and Doray Dayao (Popo/Anino).

Its artistic team is made up of Nanding Josef (artistic director), Rody de Vera (playwright), Tuxqs Rutaquio (director/set designer), Carol Bello (composer/musical director), Rizalino Reyes all all-women group Inkantada (arranger), Leeroy New (costume and puppet designer), Alden Lugnasin (choreographer), Katsch Catoy (lighting designer and technical director) and TJ Ramos (sound designer).

"Ibalong's" production team includes Jennifer Bautista (production manager), Alpha Joy Ruiz (deputy production Manager), Jo Ann Requiestas (assistant production manager), Jerome Aytona (stage manager), Noel Taylo and Eric Sindol (assistant stage managers), Daniel Gregorio (costume custodian), Zaldy Baldebar (property master), Raphael David (make-up and prosthetic artist) and Jerry Ramirez (stunt choreographer).

For tickets, contact Cherry Bong Edralin at (63917) 750-0107, (63918) 959-3949 or TicketWorld at (632) 891-9999.

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