“Ibong Adarna is one of Ballet Manila’s most requested offsite performances. This year, it already had two shows at Jose Rizal Coliseum in Laguna, and now the production is bound to return to Areté in Ateneo before continuing its way to Iloilo. Every time we bring Ibong Adarna to a new audience, we discover something new about the story and the characters. That is what makes it special. It remains familiar to many Filipinos, but ballet allows us to experience the story in a different way.” ~Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s CEO and Artistic Director
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| Ballet Manila re-stages Ibong Adarna at Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University on October 9 and 10. |
A beloved Filipino story known and cherished by generations is set to take flight once again, this time through the expressive world of ballet.
This October, Ballet Manila brings back Gerardo Francisco Jr.’s Ibong Adarna, reimagining the classic tale of an enchanted bird, royal brothers, forbidden love, and a journey to find a cure into a captivating production of music, movement, and dance.
One of Ballet Manila’s most beloved and frequently performed productions, Ibong Adarna will be staged at Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, on October 9 at 7:30 p.m. and October 10 at 5 p.m.
The ballet follows the mythical Adarna, a magical bird whose enchanting song possesses the power to heal the sick. When King Fernando of the Kingdom of Berbanya is struck by an incurable illness, his three sons — Don Pedro, Don Diego, and Don Juan — embark on a difficult quest to find the legendary bird and bring it home to save their father. According to the kingdom’s promise, the prince who successfully captures the Adarna will inherit the throne.
For its Areté run, Ballet Manila will introduce a new set of principal performers from its powerhouse roster. Shaira Comeros takes on the role of Ibong Adarna, with Mark Sumaylo as Don Pedro, Rafael Perez as Don Juan, and Romeo Peralta as Don Diego. The alternate cast features Jessica Pearl Dames as Ibong Adarna, Juan Angelo De Leon as Don Juan, Ralp John Balagot as Don Pedro, and Sean Pelegrin as Don Diego.
Ibong Adarna continues to establish itself as a Filipino ballet classic. While Ballet Manila has presented the production numerous times in different venues, every revival offers a fresh interpretation, shaped by the evolving artistry and personalities of its dancers.
Bringing Ibong Adarna to Areté reflects Ballet Manila’s broader mission of bringing people to ballet and ballet to the people. By presenting its productions beyond traditional theater venues and bringing them closer to different communities and cities, the company creates more opportunities for audiences to experience live ballet and discover the art form through stories that are already deeply familiar within Filipino culture.
For audiences who first encountered Ibong Adarna through school, books, or childhood stories, Ballet Manila offers a fresh opportunity to experience the classic tale on stage. The production combines a familiar narrative with music, movement, complex characters, and the expressive artistry of Ballet Manila’s dancers.
Catch Ibong Adarna at Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University on October 9 and 10 only. Tickets are available through Ticketworld at www.premier.ticketworld.com.ph.
Show dates:
- October 9, 2026 7:30 p.m.
- October 10, 2026 5:00 p.m.
For the latest updates on Ballet Manila’s upcoming performances and celebration events, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph.
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