Neo-Filipino: ANTING

Last September 16, my best buddy and I went to CCP Little Theater to watch ANTING. It was a stormy night, hence flooded streets on our way are expected; but we still have to go with the plan because aside from that will be the last day of performance, I will end up pouting and sulking  for the things undone. 

Neo-Filipino: Anting is actually the second season offering of Ballet Philippines. Just so you know, the season opener was SONGS. This Tony Perez's libretto explores the world of talismans and amulets of Filipino magical traditions. Since yours truly somehow believes on these things, I could say that I kinda relate to the fantastic performance. How I wish my bestfriend was also with me and my grandfather is still alive for I firmly believe these two people will appreciate the ballet performance. It was historical, traditional, and familiar at the same time but with a bizarre approach. I still have not met this known playwright Mr. Perez, though a lot of books about him and assorted spells and rituals were on sale at the lobby. By the way, did you know that he is the founder of Spirit Questors?

Allow me to share with you some of my decent shots during the last night of performance. Hope you like it and influence you with the anting-anting touch or better if you get the story by just looking at the consecutive scenes.

  

Anting is all about indigenous Philippine magical  systems practiced since our great grandfathers are still alive like the time of the Katipunan up to the present day. Some of the scenes scared the hell out of me that only shows how this show affected me. In fact, assorted  images were flashed on the screen as backdrop like that cloth with patterns and oraciones used by albularyos (rural medicine men), variety of brass and copper medallions, and of course anting-anting which I discovered late that they were from Mr. Perez’s personal collection. That was a huge collection of unique objects! 

Ballet performance was divided into the following:

Nang Wala Pang Mundo

Sinotris Gentillorum

Krus ng Alitagtag

Haring Bakal

 

Had it not been to these Filipino choreographers, the performance won't be as astonishing, BP artistic director Paul Alexander Morales, BP associate artistic director Christine Crame, BP alumnus and E-Dance Theatre artistic director Gerald Mercado, and Airdance artistic director Ava Villanueva-Ong. Additionally, noted musicians this were Jed Balsamo, Jerrold Tarod, Teresa Barrozo and Israel Rodriguez.

Have seen two great performances of Ballet Philippines already and there is two more to go towards the end of the year. I can't wait to witness  Rama Hari and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Ballet lovers or those who simply love feel-good performances, let us all watch those two. For tickets contact Ballet Philippines at 551-1003, 551-7919, 624-5701or visit Ballet Philippines at the 4th Floor Cultural Center of the Philippines Bldg., CCP Complex, Pasay City