Christmas Flashback: ‘Paskong Pista’

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.

Paskong Pista, Ballet Manila’s special Christmas presentation in 2009, focused on festivities in a barrio setting while highlighting a choreographic program that fused classical, contemporary and folk dance nuances. An array of neighborhood characters is woven into a story of local customs including courtship and Christmas practices, all meant to underscore the elements of a traditional Filipino fiesta. Set to musical arrangements by Diwa de Leon of the Makiling Ensemble, Paskong Pista featured the creative works of Osias Barroso and Gerardo Francisco.

Photos by Ocs Alvarez

Two street vendors, one selling taho and the other tinapay or bread (Francis Cascaño, left, and Gerardo Francisco, right), vie for the attention of a barrio lass (Lisa Macuja-Elizalde). Egged on by village folk, the two try to win her affection by showing off their respective skills through dancing.

Gerardo Francisco displays his mettle in the folk dance called the Maglalatik which makes use of coconut shell halves strapped to the body and then struck against each other while executing a set of movements.

Lisa Macuja-Elizalde performs a stylized rendition of the folk dance known as the Itik-itik which imitates the movements of a duck and this time is given a balletic twist.

With the Christmas mood prevailing in the community, villagers are inspired to dance out in the streets.

A black theater showcase of angels flying amid traditional Filipino lanterns known as the parol is thrown into the merry hodge-podge.

Lisa Macuja-Elizalde performs a ballet number set to a familiar Christmas hymn.

Clad in brightly-colored shirts and scarves, the menfolk dance up a storm with oversized magi (three kings) in the background and a pair of angels hovering over them.

In the end, the petty rivalry of the suitors is resolved and everyone in the community comes together for a grand celebration of the season that signifies love, unity and peace.