REVIEW: ARDP’s Puso ng Pasko — A Christmas Ballet worth adding to your Christmas Traditions
Last night, December 2, Friday, was the opening of the first full-length Filipino Christmas ballet, Alice Reyes Dance Philippines’ Puso ng Pasko at the CCP, which is the perfect culminating show in the CCP Dance Series before the iconic theatre closes down for renovation in the next two years.
A collaboration between two national artists – Ryan Cayabyab, National Artist for Music and ARDP’s founder, Alice Reyes, National Artist for Dance, Puso ng Pasko celebrates Filipino culture and highlights our unique Christmas traditions. It features the refreshing works of emergent Filipino choreographers, Ronelson Yadao, Erl Sorilla, John Ababon, AL Abraham, Dan Dayo, Bonnie Guerrero, and Lester Reguindin.
I meant to say this about ARDP’s previous offering, Premieres & Encores, and it goes the same for Puso ng Pasko, that the latest ARDP performances are giving other theatre disciplines a run for their money.
While they haven’t lost the classic touch when the show calls for it, ARDP dares to toe into more challenging territories. The dancers have ventured deeper into acting, dancing to a fusion of different genres, and diving into choreographies that will leave you gasping for air!
For instance, the bench choreography that had the male dancers flipping their female partners from one bench to another, jumping from one to another, themselves, and finally completing the number with Stephanie Santiago leaping unto Richardson Yadao’s back while the latter balances himself on a narrow bench sitting atop two other benches— the two holding their poses, with their wide grins plastered on their flushed faces….O. M. G. ! I’m telling you, my heart almost stopped!!! You have to see it to die, hahaha!
Kidding aside, my source told me that the number took long, gruelling hours of rehearsals to master. One faulty move can injure the dancer –all for the love of dance and the audiences they do it for.
The vibe is nostalgic. If you don’t immediately tear up on the first number, which I did, the scene for “Isang taong lumipas” by Ryan Cayabyab will surely win you over, especially when the lights slowly dim and the five young friends sit together to watch the twinkling of the lights from the beautiful lanterns and parols adorning the homes in Tres Reyes.
It was my absolute favourite picture.
My second favourite would be the romantic pas de deux between Ejay Arisola and Monica Gana to Mr. Ryan Cayabyab’s “Ano’ng gagawin mo ngayong pasko?”
The last time I’ve sighed over a romantic dance was when our son, Pablo, was 2 years old and we were given tickets to see an aerial show. Arisola and Gana’s duet was so heartfelt, it made me want to fall in love all over again.
Puso ng Pasko is a sentimental love note for those born before the digital generation of today.
What I love most about the show is it’s masterful balancing of energies from different generations — from the youthful exuberance of the students of School of ARDP, the stamina and grit from the Philippine High School for the Arts and PASP Regional Dance Training Program, the strength, skill and finesse of seasoned ARDP company dancers, and the experience and elegance of the veteran performers – all coming together in one dynamic production. What a colossal feat to achieve! Bravo, ARDP!
Renowned thespian, Audie Gemora leads the cast as California-based Lolo Val and School of ARDP’s promising dancer ,Trisha Lim, plays his granddaughter, Angelita, to whom he shares fond memories of his youth.
Here are some clips of the show shared by Mr. Gemora on his Instagram page:
View this post on Instagram
And here are National Artists, Ms. Alice Reyes and Mr. Ryan Cayabyab, taking their bow after the show at the opening gala:
ARDP’s Puso ng Pasko ran 5 shows at the CCP Main Theater last December 2, 3 & 4, 2022 and at the Metropolitan Theater last December 17, 2022.
The Filipino Christmas Tradition is back onstage on December 1 & 2, 2023 at The Metropolitan Theater this year!
Bring your kids, bring your family, bring your friends, BRING EVERYONE and add this show to your family’s Christmas traditions!!!!
20 Comments
Karla
I’m glad that the rerun falls on a weekend. Having a date at a theater is on my bucket list! Thanks for this!
Michael
I can’t remember when was my last watching a show like this pero ang saya siguro lalo na Christmas-themed! Haay mej inggit
May De Jesus-Palacpac
FREE Admission on the 17th. Although closed na ang registration for the gala show, open pa ang 2PM Matinee show. Please see the link at the bottom of the blog. 🙂
Beth
Ballet is one of my favorite classical art forms. It’s so beautiful and graceful. This sounds fantastic.
briannemanzb
This is what I love about the holidays! I believe in your words, and I’m excited to watch the show. Also, bringing my family to this show would be a great amazing time.
Ebony
The ARDP’s Puso ng Pasko ballet looks both romantic and nostalgic at the same time! I almost wish I could hear the music as I read your post. Thank you for sharing these.
May De Jesus-Palacpac
You can find Ryan Cayabyab Christmas songs on Spotify to give you an idea 🙂
Cinny
That looks like such a fun ballet. I wonder if my son would enjoy watching with us.
May De Jesus-Palacpac
I’m almost certain he would. There were a lot of the younger crowd, including kids, who came and loved the show.
Bryan
It sounds like this show has a little bit of everything! The dance scenes are often the most memorable parts of a production like this, but it is also cool when the people can add some acting skill, for a more rounded and memorable show.
May De Jesus-Palacpac
It was a theatrical production, so there’s dancing, a lot of it, but also, there’s a story that unfolds, too.
Fransic verso
This looks fun show, and I love to watch it dancing show. However, I have never been to something like this before. I hope you enjoyed attending this show.
Gervin Khan
Wow! Such a wonderful theater show, the theme is so wonderful and perfect for this Holiday season! Hope I can watch this too in person! Totally love it!
Jennifer Prince
Ooh! I love watching things like this. Dance is so beautiful, and how the body works is so remarkable. I love that you found it so mesmerizing. What a great experience!
Polly
I saw a buddy post it and would want to see it as well! I enjoy going to the theater and have seen about every performance available. I’m really looking forward to seeing this!
Blair villanueva
Wow this is exciting, hope I could get the tickets for the 17th of December. I’ll add this to our itinerary.
Renz
Grabe tagal ko ng hindi nakaka watch ng ganyan sa CCP. I want this sa December 17 at sana may time pa pumunta.
Ntensibe Edgar
Nnniiiccceeeee…I’d love to watch this dance live in theatre! It’s been a while since I last saw one.
Robert
The author skillfully evokes a sense of warmth and nostalgia, immersing readers in the enchanting world of dance. It emphasizes Reyes’ passion, dedication, and creativity, portraying her as an inspiring figure. The article also highlights the cultural significance of dance in the Philippines, connecting it with the holiday season and the Filipino identity. Overall, it celebrates Reyes’ journey and the power of dance to unite people and bring joy during Christmas.
Pingback: