An invitation from the Karmiel Dance Festival led Ballet Manila to its first-ever performance in Israel. The company presented principal dancer Gerardo Francisco Jr.'s Ibong Adarna - an epic poem about a mythical bird with healing powers. So applauded was the performance that the festival officials declared that Ballet Manila set a very high bar for the rest of the participants.

Behind the success was a delegation of 33 dancers and production staff members who worked their magic and ensured that the company represented the Philippines in the best possible light. Documenting this tour was company artist Sean Pelegrin who captured the essence of the journey with his camera - giving fans and friends of Ballet Manila an insider's view of the historic event. 

Presented here is Day 1.

Video by Sean Pelegrin and photo by MarBi Photography