They all braved the merciless Christmas-season, Friday rush hour traffic. The common destination was the Manila Metropolitan Theater in the heart of the Philippine capital. And there were reasons why.
Some wished to be awed by the collaboration between Philippine National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes, the artistic consultant of the eponymous Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, and Philippine National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab. Some loyal fans were looking forward to sit through the immortal holiday favorite, The Nutcracker, but this time with high expectations through an all-Filipino Christmas ballet. Several groups were curious to witness how Christmas traditions and well-loved fiestas would seamlessly blend well. And so, family and friends, classmates and colleagues, and other guests got to watch all these and more in Puso ng Pasko.
The presentation of ARDP, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the CCP Professional Artist Support Program captured the true spirit of the well-known, several-months-long Paskong Pinoy through the story of New Jersey resident Lolo Val, who shares his adventures with his barkada of the past Yuletide seasons, with vivid recollection and a little nostalgia to denote experiences he still yearns for. Young granddaughter Angelita, who has never been to the Philippines, intently tunes in, now with fervent hopes to visit the country.
Directed and choreographed by ARDP artistic director Ronelson Yadao, the full-length ballet production faithfully incorporated domestic vignettes such as the house-to-house Christmas caroling of the youth, the most colorful and largest parols, Simbang Gabi and the bibingka and puto bumbong. Filipino fiestas were likewise given prominence — the harmony of reunions and solidarity, parades and processions, food and drinks, music, games and fun.
From the get-go, the program was already worth it, and all these on their toes!
Among the segments featuring classic songs were "Pasko Na Naman," composed by Philippine National Artist for Music Felipe de Leon and Philippine National Artist for Music and Literature Levi Celerio, with choreography by Erl Sorilla; "Mano Po Ninong, Mano Po Ninang," with music by Ador Torres, lyrics by Manuel Villar, and choreography by Reyes, reminding children of good manners and right conduct reminiscent of elementary school days; the iconic "Kumukutikutitap" by Cayabyab, with lyrics by multi-awarded filmmaker Jose Javier Reyes and choreography by Dan Dayo, energizing the audience; and "Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon" by Vicente D. Rubi and Mariano Vestil, with Tagalog lyrics by Celerio and choreography by Yadao, depicts Tarlac's event, Belenisimo, and its tableaus which represent the Nativity scene or belen, promoting the province's reputation as the belen-making capital of the Philippines.
But let's not forget the Philippine fiestas. "Kampana ng Simbahan" by Juan Silos Jr., with lyrics by Serapio Y. Ramos and choreography by John Ababon, is a nod to the pahiyas tradition of Lucban, Quezon, which gives thanks to a bountiful harvest. "Sa Paskong Dadating" by Ramos, with choreography by Yadao, is dedicated to the Higantes Festival of Angono, Rizal, a celebration where hundreds of hand-painted, giant papier-mâché effigies are paraded through the streets. Their version includes Santa Claus-inspired models. "Sayaw sa Bangko" by Cayabyab, with lyrics by Jose Javier Reyes and choreography by Yadao, is an ode to Pangasinan's folk dance performed on benches during town celebrations. Finally, "Noche Buena" by the formidable duo of Celerio and De Leon, with a Yadao choreography, serves as a grand climax to the musical score, all presented in the form of ballet dances.
The dancers, including trainees from the School of Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, the Philippine High School for the Arts, the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, and other independent performers, exuded boundless energy with wide, wide smiles, all enjoying their very own dance renditions. After all, they've lived through it; it's in their DNA.
That evening, the all-star ensemble and attendees were brought into mutual togetherness, made even more special by the spirit of Christmas.
Puso ng Pasko was staged on 1 and 2 December 2 at the Manila Metropolitan Theater, and on 7 December in Angeles City, Pampanga. It will be shown on 13 December in Tarlac City, Tarlac; 15 December in Muñoz City, Nueva Ecija; and 18 December in Iligan City, Isabela.