Christmas Flashback: The merry sights, sounds and steps of ‘Pasko na Naman Muli’

Ballet Manila has staged the popular holiday ballet The Nutcracker repeatedly, with its whimsical tale of a nutcracker-turned-prince, a sugar plum fairy and dancing snowflakes. Apart from that staple, the company has also enjoyed unwrapping original productions that reflect the spirit of a true Filipino Christmas. We revisit these locally flavored vignettes that have not only brought cheer but offered thoughtful messages and valuable lessons so perfect for the season.

“Christmas Mash-Up a la Ballet Manila” was the perfect description for the company’s twinbill presentation in December 2014. As its title suggested, Nutkraker: Pasko na Naman Muli combined the best of two worlds. The first part consisted of excerpts from Act 2 of The Nutcracker, featuring unforgettable scenes and iconic characters from ballet’s classic yuletide tale. The second part was a tribute to the Filipino Christmas celebration using a medley of local carols led by the familiar Pasko na Naman. Ballet Manila’s choreographers Osias Barroso, Gerardo Francisco, Michael Divinagracia, Jonathan Janolo, Rudy De Dios and Francis Jaena were tapped to create new works to fill the stage with the sights, sounds, steps, colors and flavors reflecting the merriest time of the year. 

Abigail Oliveiro and Arnulfo Andrade lead the group dancing to the popular ditty, Pasko na Naman, heralding the return of Christmas. 

Lata ang Aming Tambol, a song of carolers, and Mano po Ninong, of children calling on their godparents, were the perfect accompaniment to this number featuring the Project Ballet Futures scholars. 

The choreography Hele is a warm remembrance of a mother’s love with two couples – Jasmine San Juan and Mark Sumaylo (in pink) and Do Hyun Choi and Michael Divinagracia (in blue) – moving to the gentle strains of Gary Valenciano’s Hele ni Inay. 

Anselmo Dictado (in white) has a jolly good time with his friends as they boisterously count down the days to Christmas to the Apo Hiking Society’s Labindalawang Araw ng Pasko.

These ballerinas, wearing tutus of different colors and carrying neon-hued hoops, make Paskong Darating a delightful dance. 

Tiffany Chiang-Janolo and Rudy De Dios share tender moments in Pasko na Sinta Ko, a sentimental song that echoes the pain of being separated from a loved one at Christmas time.

Silhouetted figures in bright blue and holiday ornaments in dazzling colors provide the wow factor in Kutitap, performed to the bouncy Kumukutikutitap which speaks of flickering Christmas lights, glistening foil stars and decorations that make the season oh so bright.

Lisa Macuja-Elizalde and Brian Williamson are paired in Heto na Naman, danced to a Ryan Cayabyab song of the same title that ponders modern Christmas rituals for the Filipino.

The entire cast of Pasko na Naman Muli gathers for the rousing finale, donning vests of red and green over their tutus and costumes and Santa hats on their heads.