‘Sayaw Tungo sa Kalayaan’ shines on, stage after stage
Alice Reyes Dance Philippines commemorated the 128th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence with a showcase of the nation’s past, present and future.
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Alice Reyes Dance Philippines commemorated the 128th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence with a showcase of the nation’s past, present and future.
‘HANGIN na Sumisinta’ by Ronelson Yadao, with lead dancer Erl Sorilla.
‘MUSLIM’ with lead dancer Sarah Alejandro, choreographed by National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes with music by National Artist for Music Ramon Santos.
MANANGBiday’ with lead dancer Karla Santos, music by Florante Aguilar and choreography by Danilo Dayo.
‘AFTERWhom’ with dancers Monica Gana and EJay Arisola, choreography by Augustus Bam Damian III, and music by Jerold Tarrog.
There is an old saying I somewhat recall, which goes something like this: you simply cannot stop a good show. So the best productions, without fail, find their way repeatedly back to the stage, promising there is never a wrong time to share a worthy and commemorative narrative!
Such was the case for Sayaw Tungo sa Kalayaan, which once again brought Philippine history to life through movement, music and storytelling. Presented with patriotic pride by the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP), with the support of the Intramuros Administration and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the exceptionally crafted tribute returned as part of this year’s celebration of the 128th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence.
Enacted at the Foro de Intramuros, the performance could not have found a more fitting venue. Nestled within the historic walls of Intramuros in Manila, the hallowed site carries its own distinct tale. Once left in ruins and remembered as a well-kept open garden under the stars, it stands on the grounds of the former Ateneo Municipal. It was a meaningful backdrop for a remarkable flag-waving tableau centered on the nation’s past, present and future.
Originally commissioned by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos for the 126th anniversary of Philippine independence in 2024, Sayaw Tungo sa Kalayaan was initially unveiled as a cornerstone of the three-day festivity. It premiered at Burnham Green of Rizal Park before the annual parade.
Due to public demand, a second advent was scheduled at the Manila Metropolitan Theater. Its auspicious revival this year once more celebrated Philippine history, culture and identity through the performing arts.
The opus combined dance, music, narration and striking LED visuals to communicate the saga of the Filipino, from ancient communities to the modern era of today. Every standalone, artistically directed sequence seamlessly transitioned into the next. The dancers — their formations, gestures and faithful costumes — often resembled paintings in motion.
Throughout the evening, at key moments, theater stalwarts Shiela Valderrama and Arman Ferrer elegantly recounted — interspersed with nationalistic melodies — a well-researched script that allowed the audience to appreciate the acts even more.
The evening commenced with Samu’t Sari, choreographed by Alice Reyes Dance Philippines artistic director Ronelson Yadao, with music by Kent Charcos. Serving as the prologue, it sought to prepare the guests for all the various insights and interpretations of what was in store.
From there, Mga Sinaunang Tao, choreographed by National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes with music by National Artist for Music Ramon Santos, displayed excerpts from Dugso and Moslem, as it paid homage to the traditions and rituals of the island’s earliest settlements.
We were then swept to the Spanish colonial period through Gomburza, choreographed by Lester Reguindin, before giving way to Hanging na Sumisinta, another creation by Yadao. The pas de deux portrayed Jose Rizal and Josephine Bracken during the National Hero’s exile, expressing both longing for a beloved and hope for the future of the motherland.
The repertoire then highlighted the country’s diverse regional colors through a folk-inspired suite: Dahil Sa’yo (Tagalog), choreographed by National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes; Manang Biday (Ilocano), by Danilo Dayo; Filemon (Cebuano), by AL Abraham; Babayi (Bicolano), by Lester Reguindin; and Telebong (Tagalog), once again by ARDP founder and director Alice Reyes. Together, they praised, extolled, and acclaimed the richness of Philippine culture across different provinces.
The song-and-dance musical journey concluded with After Whom, choreographed by Augustus Bam Damian III, with music by Jerold Tarrog, which reflected the nation’s contemporary realities. It was soon followed by the culminating Sabihin Mo Ikaw ay Pilipino, choreographed by Reguindin, with music by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab.
As the finale gathered all the performers onstage, it left awestruck audiences with lasting reminders of identity, freedom, and national pride, as they broke into endless applause and cheers. Wouldn’t it be lovely if they could present this in more stages across the country — and the world?
We would be remiss not to acknowledge the valuable contributions of production designer Loy Arcenas, music arrangement by Marlon Barnuevo, lighting design by Barbie Tantiongco, and video design by Joyce Garcia and Jana Jimenez. We cannot imagine the show without them!
Bravo, Intramuros Administration and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts!
¡Enhorabuena, Alice Reyes Dance Philippines!
