Ibalong: A Dance Musical of Bicolano Epic

Tanghalang Pilipino caps its 26th season with a dance-theatre musical interpretation of the Bicolano epic, Ibalong, adapted for the stage by prolific playwright Rody Vera and directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio with Carol Bellos musical direction, and Alden Lugnasins choreography.

Entitled after Legazpi Citys week -long festivity, Ibalong, the musical tells the story of Handyong and his warriors who come to Bicol - formerly known as Ibalon - and wage war against beasts and monsters pillaging the lands natural wealth. Handyong mightily battles creatures bearing a solitary eye and three throats, several winged sharks, and wild carabaos.

In introducing civilization to the barbaric land, Handyong matches wit and might with the scheming snake, Oryol. A master of deceit, Oryol disguises herself into a sweet, young lady in order to seduce Handyong. But not to be outwitted, Handyong eventually makes Oryol fall in love with him.

Their love story ? between a warrior and a monster - defines the greatness of Bicol as it explores an individuals capacity for good and evil, and a lands history marked by progress and destruction.

The cast of IBALONG include Jenine Desiderio - Oryol; May Bayot - Gugurang; 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 Buring/Anino; Hazel Maranan - Onglo/Anino; Opaline Santos - Sarimao/Anino; Kristofer Kliatchko Angongolood/Kawal; Cyril Balderama - Sarimao/Kawal; and Philip Palmos - Kikik. The ensemble is composed of TPs Actor's Company featuring Jonathan Tadioan - Aswang / Koro; Marco Viaa - Rabot/Koro; Remus Villanueva - Handyong / Kawal/Angongolood; Nicolo Magno - Baltog / Koro; Ralph Mateo -Bantong / Kalabaw/ Tambaluslos/Kawal; Regina De Vera - Bonggo/Anino; Jovanni Cadag Sarimao ; and Doray Dayao - Popo/Anino. Nanding Josef, Artistic Director of Tanghalang Pilipino cited that this production which is being done in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the City of Legazpi of Bicol, is a special offering to the Bicolanos and the rest of the Filipino people who are committed to protecting our natural

resources and cultural heritage from the onslaught of irresponsible commercialism, modernization, frenetic world trade and homogenizing globalization ---- all hiding under the name of human progress and development, but in reality, are all motivated by self-centered motives and selfish interests of the greedy, materialistic, powerful evil creatures of this earth which was originally created by the Supreme Being only for everything that is good, true and beautiful. The artistic team of IBALONG is led by Nanding Josef ( Artistic Director ), Rody Vera ( Playwright ); Tuxqs Rutaquio ( Director/Set Designer ); Carol Bello (Composer/Musical Director ); Rizalino Reyes & Inkantada, All-Women Group (Arranger ); Leeroy New ( Costume & Puppet Designer ); Alden Lugnasin (Choreographer ); Katsch Catoy ( Lights Designer and Technical Director ) and TJ Ramos ( Sound Designer ). The production team is composed of 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 Baldelobar ( Property Master ), Raphael David (Make-Up and Prosthetic Artist ), and Jerry Ramirez ( Stunt Choreography ). The Marketing / Sales, and publicity group is led by Cherry Bong Z. Edralin ( Marketing Manager ), Toots Tolentino ( Publicist ), Jojit Lorenzo ( Photography ), Carlo Vergara ( Poster Design ), Joan Abubo ( Ticket Officer ), Lorelei Celestino ( Marketing & Sales Associate ) and Juan Lorenzo Marco ( Sales Executive ). Ticket prices are: P 800.00 ( regular ); P 400.00 ( students ) and P 640.00 (for senior citizens -- 20% discount on the regular price) For the Feb. 8 gala night, tickets are at P 1,000.00 ( regular ); P 500.00 ( students ) and P 800.00 ( for senior citizens -- 20% discount on the regular price)