Revisiting Alice Reyes’ 1977 masterpiece with myth, music, and unmatched movement
As a lifestyle journalist, I am invited to a lot of events, and I strive to see the good in each of them. I long ago purposed never to reach the point of jadedness where I fail to see beauty, however it presents itself. I am appreciative of every invitation that comes my way and grateful to have access to happenings that would otherwise often be out of reach.
But sometimes, an event comes aground that has me literally screaming, “OMG! That was beyond amazing!” Alice Reyes’ Tales of the Manuvu is one such example. I caught the technical run on Friday night at The Proscenium Theater at Rockwell, and mind officially blown. Of course, I can’t personally speak to the success of the original 1977 run—save to note that the show opened to a packed house at the CCP and received rave reviews—but this restaging is a must-see. This landmark rock-opera ballet has evolved beautifully, wowing audiences at UP Diliman in February and poised to do the same in at The Proscenium.
Choreography that fuses tradition and innovation
There are many great reasons Alice Reyes received the National Artist for Dance award in June 2014. Tales of the Manuvu is definitely one of them. This show is an absolute gem of choreography: a riveting blend of classical ballet and contemporary dance, infused with tribal flair. Each movement feels purposeful, telling the creation tales and myths of Mindanao’s Manobo people with precision and emotion that is as technically brilliant as it is spiritually resonant.
As Alice herself reflects, “In 1976, Bien Lumbera and I were both delighted by E. Arsenio Manuel’s folk tales… We agreed that the tales could be rich material for a rock-opera ballet, a dance concept still in its nascent state in the Philippines. We opened on February 25, 1977, to a packed house in the CCP and never looked back. Forty-nine years later—and almost to the day—Tales of the Manuvu makes a strong comeback… Although dance is about change and movement, ARDP puts value and currency in proven works. It continues to foster a collaborative environment for Filipino artists—all in a mission to keep dance as an art form that provokes, excites, and engages the national spirit and consciousness.”
The artistry that brings the myths to life
While the choreography and dancing prowess are the bones that prop up and propel the stories, the overall artistry fully fleshes out and elevates the entire experience. Music by Nonong Pedero, with live vocals from powerhouse soloists Joshua Cadeliña, Adonis Villanueva, Almond Bolante, Greg De Leon, Christy Lagapa, and Toni Carm Santos, along with the UP Concert Chorus, drives the narrative with energy and soul. The libretto, penned by National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera, remains as poetic and sharp as ever, while new set and costume designs by award-winning director Loy Arcenas provide a visual richness that complements the dancing. Lighting by multi-awarded technical and lights director Barbara Tan-Tiongco casts each scene in dramatic, almost cinematic clarity, highlighting the muscles and emotions in every movement. Together, these elements are massive, creating a fully immersive sensory experience.
Olympian-level dancers moving myths with mastery
And then there are the dancers. Alice herself calls her performers athletes—and I will go further: they are Olympians of movement. The precision and passion on stage are astonishing. Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP) is a premier Filipino dance company that trains its 20 professional dancers through rigorous daily sessions, blending classical ballet, modern, and contemporary techniques. The company emphasizes Philippine-inspired works, high-level technical discipline, and versatility, ensuring that every performer is equally fluent in storytelling and movement. On stage, this training is evident in every perfectly timed leap, every subtle shift of weight, every expressive gesture.
Indeed, ARDP boasts some of the best dancers I’ve ever seen in the Philippines. They convey narrative, myth, and emotion simultaneously, drawing the audience deep into the world of the Manobo creation myths. This is dance storytelling at its absolute peak.
A landmark restaging that feels alive today
The 2026 production, restaged by ARDP Ballet Master Lester Reguindin, preserves the original’s revolutionary spirit while updating it with technical refinement and fresh energy. This revival captures the same defiant, countercultural brilliance that made the 1977 premiere groundbreaking but marries it with contemporary precision. The rotating cast of singers and dancers ensures that each performance feels alive and unique, and it is easy to see why the February run at UP Diliman captured both critics’ and audiences’ hearts.
Beyond technical mastery, the creation stories at the heart of Tales of the Manuvu feel strikingly timely. In a world increasingly marked by environmental destruction, social upheaval, and the erosion of cultural memory, these myths of the Manobo people remind us of the fragile balance between humanity, nature, and the divine. The performance becomes not just a celebration of Filipino artistry but also a meditation on resilience, community, and the enduring relevance of ancestral wisdom.
Tips for seeing it at its absolute best
For anyone planning to attend the strictly limited run at The Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati, the showings are on March 28–29, 2026. The March 28 performance is a fundraising gala at 7:30 PM, and March 29 includes a matinee at 2:00 PM and an evening show at 6:00 PM. Tickets range from PHP 1,800 to 5,000 depending on seating. Pro tip: sit closer to the stage, ideally in the front to mid-rows. You will catch every nuanced muscle movement and subtle emotional inflection, which are essential to fully appreciating this masterwork.
And for those who can’t make it to Rockwell this time, keep an eye out for any possible reruns. This production deserves to be seen again—and again. Personally, I long to see it with a live band; it feels like the final ingredient that could take an already stellar performance to an even higher plane.
If you love dance (and music) and could only see one show in 2026, Tales of the Manuvu is that show. It is a masterpiece of the Filipino creative psyche, a celebration of myth, music, and movement that proves the power of collaboration and the enduring brilliance of Alice Reyes’ vision. Truly and utterly unforgettable. Bravo.
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