“Tales of the Manuvu” will be restaged in 2026, nearly five decades after its 1977 premiere. The landmark Filipino rock-opera ballet will be choreographed and directed by National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes, with libretto by National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera and music by Dero Pedero, with additional music by the band Afterbirth.
Based on the creation myths of the Manobo (Manuvu) people of Mindanao, it will blend rock and pop music with ballet and narration to depict Manama, Ogassi, and the origins of humanity. The original work premiered at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 1977.
The 2026 restaging will be presented by Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP) in collaboration with the University of the Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, with the generous support of the Office of Senator Pia Cayetano.
The UP Diliman leg will offer free admission on a first-come, first-served basis, with registration required. The UP performances will be made possible through a creative grant from UP President Angelo Jimenez.
The production will feature a rotating cast of singers and dancers, with live vocalists and a rock band. Joshua Cadeliña and Adonis Villanueva will alternate as Manama and the First Man. Almond Bolante and Greg De Leon will share the role of Ogassi.
Christy Lagapa and Toni Carm Santos will alternate as the First Woman. Among the dancers, John Ababon and Renzen Arboleda will alternate as Manama. Earl John Arisola and Erl Sorilla will share the role of Ogassi. Renzen Arboleda and James Galarpe will perform as the First Man, while Krislynne Buri and Francine Beltran will alternate as the First Woman.
The production will stage a Fundraising Gala on 28 March 2026 at 7:30 PM at the Proscenium Theater. Gala ticket prices will be 5,000 for Orchestra Center, 4,000 for Orchestra Side, and 2,500 for Dress Circle. All ticket proceeds will cover production costs and will provide financial support to ARDP dancers, musicians, and artists.
Regular performances will follow on 29 March 2026, with a 2:00 PM matinee and a 6:00 PM evening show. Ticket prices will be as follows: for the 2:00 PM matinee, Orchestra Center will be 2,500, while Orchestra Side and Dress Circle will be 1,800; for the 6:00 PM evening show, Orchestra Center will be 3,000, while Orchestra Side and Dress Circle will be 2,000.
A limited early bird offer will provide a 10 percent discount. PWD and senior citizens will receive 20 percent discounts, and students will receive 50 percent discounts.
Join the Priority List today to secure early access and the best available seats. Click here to reserve.