Filipino New Yorkers love Sarimanok ballet: Distinctively excellent
By Marivir R. Montebon
New York - After the full-length world premiere of Philippine Ballet Theatre’s Sarimanok, an enamored audience immediately stood and raptured in glee and applause. Bravo! Sarimanok was astounding and excellent.
A distinctively PBT artistry that melds Philippine folklore with western ballet, Sarimanok has soared high on its first leg of US tour in New York’s La Guardia Performing Arts Center on October 4, 2025. It’s the 5th year of PBT’s overseas journey. PBT is the Philippines’ National Performing Arts Company for Ballet and Contemporary Dance.
Jessa Tangalin as Sarimanok. Matthew Davo as the Prince. (Photo by Judith Arteche Carr)
At the venue, everyone was feverishly ecstatic and proud at the performance of the 22 ballet dancers who arrived from Manila three days before the show. They danced their jetlag away as they rehearsed upon the guidance of artistic director Ron Jaynario and ballet instructor Anatoli Panasyukov until they finally shone on stage again.
The captivated audience included Loida Nicolas Lewis, presenter (middle first row), Consul General in New York Senen Mangalile, Papal Nuncio to the UN Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, and Amb. Cecilia Rebong.
Singkil and ballet, the melding of performing arts in the east and west. (Judith Arteche Carr photo)
“Sarimanok is the most spectacular show I’ve seen from Philippine Ballet Theatre in NYC. The dancers seamlessly blended ballet, contemporary, and modern style. The production was outstanding with intricate costumes, striking props, and stunning electronic backdrops. Every scene kept my senses alive and alert. My only wish is for Sarimanok to become an annual event in NYC, especially in time for the Filipino American History Month. I feel fortunate to have witnessed this remarkable production. It nourishes my love for the arts and deepens my pride in my Filipino heritage,” said teacher and blogger Ramil Buenaventura.
The Foundation for Filipino Artists, headed by John Kagaoan and founded by Aida Bartolome, produced the show for the fourth time in New York with the Reginald Lewis Foundation (RLF) as major presenter this year.
Gabbie Jaynario (Moon goddess) receives a bouquet of flowers from Loida Nicolas Lewis.
Marathoner mom Bel Molina brought her two daughters to watch Sarimanok, and they were delighted. “It was such a beautiful way for them to experience Filipino culture through music, dance, and storytelling. The performance was colorful and heartfelt. I was grateful that they could connect with our roots in such an inspiring way.”
Thirteen-year-old Isabella said she really liked Sarimanok. “Everything from the emotion and gracefulness of the dancers to the vibrant colors of the silk fans was spectacular. The tinikling dance in Act 1 was undoubtedly my favorite part.”
Her sister Anna, 10, also enjyed Sarimanok immensely. “The magical bird was so cool and the dancers were amazing. The costumes were super colorful and fun to watch,” she said.
Philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis of the RLF was all praises. “Sarimanok ballet suite is better than Stravinsky’s Firebird suite. The Philippine Ballet Theatre’s choreography was unique, combining indigenous dancing, gymnastics, and traditional ballet. The music was incredibly eclectic, electric, and perfectly executed.”
Behind the astounding production is Jaynario’s artistic genius as director and choreographer and the all original composition of Paulo Zarate. The dancers glided and sprinted on Zarate’s powerful music, all of indigenous origins - the fierce beating of drums and gongs, the mystical flute, and the gentle droplet sound of the kulintang. There is nothing like it on stage. Its distinction stands out in its fluidity of movement and brisk footwork on Zarate’s music. Again, I say, who does ballet on singkil? Only the Filipino artist can excellently.
At the backstage too is the enduring power of PBT’s women leaders, president Marilou Magsaysay, vice president Marichu Nepomuceno, and treasurer/production designer Noemi Estrella Casino. Beyond their fundraising and organizing prowess, they also serve as the mother hens to the ensemble.
“In Maranao, the Sarimanok is a spirit between the spiritual and physical world artfully presented by the dancers. I applauded them for bringing me to that fantasy world. I felt emotional thinking of the Philippines which is rich culturally but abused by its own people,” pens Nieva Quezon in the light of political decay in Philippine governance today.
Prior to the ballet, Filipino-American artists performed classical Filipino music under the direction of Rogelio Penaverde Jr. and Dennis Bernardo.
The ensemble of FilAm classical singers “Prelude to Dance” led by maestro Rogelio Penaverde Jr. included Lora Nicolas Olaes, Mieco, Joy, Dennis, Marvin, and Radnel. Jocelyn Bernal hosted the event.
“The singers were exceptionally talented,” described UN representative of the Women’s Federation for World Peace International, persons-with-disability and youth leader Priscilla Garces whose visual impairment makes her appreciate music deeply.
Maria Garces, president of the Ecuadorian Foundation for Social Support, was grateful to have been invited by Bartolome. “The ballet was an incredibly professional and beautiful performance. I really appreciate connecting with your community,” she said.
Sarimanok will fly to Portland on October 19 (Patricia Reser Center for the Performing Arts in Beaverton) and Los Angeles on October 25 (UCLA Royce Hall) for more spectacular performances.#
Among the many versions of Philippine mythology, the Sarimanok, of Maranao origin and feminine form, blesses the marriage of the Moon goddess and the prince. It is believed to be the link of physical and spiritual world. The Sarimanok is an iconic symbol of prosperity and good fortune.
On malongs and ballet shoes, PBT’s distinctive performing art shines. (Judith Arteche Carr photo)
Sarimanok, resounding success in New York.
