Ballet Manila’s ‘Ibong Adarna’ Returns to Ateneo This October
Last Updated on October 3, 2026 by Over Here Toronto
Ballet Manila’s Ibong Adarna returns to Quezon City this October for a two-show run at Hyundai Hall, Areté. The beloved Filipino story will take the stage on October 9 at 7:30 p.m. and October 10 at 5 p.m.
Choreographed by Gerardo Francisco Jr., the production transforms the familiar tale into a mix of ballet, music, and theatrical storytelling. It also introduces a new set of lead dancers for its Areté run.
‘Ibong Adarna’ Takes Flight at Areté
For many Filipinos, Ibong Adarna is a story first encountered in school or childhood.
However, Ballet Manila gives the tale a different form. Instead of telling the story through words alone, the company uses movement and music to bring its characters to life.
The ballet follows the mythical Ibong Adarna, whose magical song can heal the sick.
When King Fernando of Berbanya becomes seriously ill, his three sons search for the legendary bird. Don Pedro, Don Diego, and Don Juan each join the quest to save their father.
There is also more at stake than the king’s recovery. The prince who successfully brings home the Adarna will inherit the throne.
As a result, the journey becomes a story of family, loyalty, rivalry, and courage.
Ballet Manila Introduces a New Cast at Areté
Each staging of Ibong Adarna gives Ballet Manila a chance to bring new dancers into its well-known roles.
For the Areté performances, Shaira Comeros will take on the title role of Ibong Adarna.
She will perform alongside:
- Mark Sumaylo as Don Pedro
- Rafael Perez as Don Juan
- Romeo Peralta as Don Diego
Meanwhile, the alternate cast will feature Jessica Pearl Dames as Ibong Adarna.
She will be joined by:
- Juan Angelo De Leon as Don Juan
- Ralp John Balagot as Don Pedro
- Sean Pelegrin as Don Diego
Because the dancers bring their own styles to the roles, each restaging can feel slightly different.
Ballet Manila CEO and Artistic Director Lisa Macuja Elizalde said the company continues to find something new each time it presents the production.
“It remains familiar to many Filipinos, but ballet allows us to experience the story in a different way,” she said.
The Production Continues Its Run Beyond Metro Manila
The Areté shows are part of a wider run for Ballet Manila’s Ibong Adarna.
Earlier this year, the production had two performances at the Jose Rizal Coliseum in Laguna. After its Ateneo stop, Ballet Manila plans to bring the production to Iloilo.
According to Macuja Elizalde, Ibong Adarna has become one of the company’s most requested offsite productions.
That fits Ballet Manila’s wider goal of bringing people to ballet and ballet to the people.
Instead of limiting performances to its usual theater venues, the company also takes productions to other communities and cities.
Moreover, using a story already familiar to Filipino audiences can make ballet easier to approach.
For first-time balletgoers, Ibong Adarna offers a familiar starting point. Longtime theater fans, on the other hand, can see how a classic Filipino tale changes through a new cast.
What to Know Before Watching ‘Ibong Adarna’
Planning to catch the production at Areté? Here are the main details:
- Production: Ballet Manila’s Ibong Adarna
- Choreographer: Gerardo Francisco Jr.
- October 9, 2026: 7:30 p.m.
- October 10, 2026: 5 p.m.
- Venue: Hyundai Hall, Areté
- Location: Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City
- Tickets: TicketWorld
Tickets are available through TicketWorld.
Meanwhile, audiences can check Ballet Manila’s official website for updates on its upcoming performances.
With only two Areté dates currently listed, booking ahead may be useful for those planning to watch.
Whether you remember Ibong Adarna from school or want to see it for the first time, the ballet offers another way into the classic story. This time, the mythical bird takes flight through movement, music, and Filipino dance artistry.
