Since 1995, Ballet Manila has been creating unforgettable performances on stage. As the acclaimed storytellers on toes, they have breathed life to an amazing range of classical and contemporary fare. The Ballet Manila Archives celebrates some of those moments from the company’s first 25 years through this series.

A wooden boy, a chatty cricket, a blue fairy, and a man overflowing with unconditional love make up the main cast of characters of the fairytale adventure, Pinocchio. The marionette that wanted to become a real boy holds a special place in children’s hearts for its message of kindness and hope, and for its absolute devotion to truth. Thus, it comes as no surprise that Pinocchio is among the favored pieces presented by Ballet Manila during the holiday season.

Co-artistic director Osias “Shaz” Barroso choreographed BM’s version of this popular ballet. It premiered in 2002 as a one-act piece but has since been expanded to two acts. The original run was so popular that even the aisles were occupied yet they still had to turn away kids who wanted to see the show because the theater could no longer accommodate them.

“Dance companies stage Pinocchio not only because it’s a children's ballet show, it also reminds us of the value of family and friendship. This is very evident with the relationship of Geppetto and Pinocchio and the friendship between Jiminy Cricket and Pinocchio. What I like most about the material is the lesson on truthfulness. Pinocchio's nose grows longer whenever he tells a lie; I think everyone grew up with that fantasy,” explained Shaz in an interview back in 2015.

In this clip is the 2004 version of Pinocchio with Alvin Santos in the title role along with Jonathan Janolo as Geppetto, Danica Rili as Jiminy Cricket, and Zaira Cosico as the blue fairy.