Every time Ballet Manila sets foot on any stage, there is a distinct pride in knowing that the dancers represent not only the company but the country as well. At the core of BM’s success is the Filipino flair it has infused into ballet techniques that has made their movement unique and distinctive, especially when performing on the international stage.

There is a conscious effort to promote Filipino values and sensibilities, and this is particularly evident when the company performs on tours — whether a local or an international one. Homegrown choreographies form a substantial part of the program to share with the audience the many stories that define what it means to be a Filipino.

In this clip is the performance from 1998 of Sabihin Mo by the Smokey Mountain. It tells the story of a child being told by his father to proudly proclaim that he is Filipino. The choreography pays tribute to Philippine history with a march of flags culminating in BM artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde held high by co-artistic director Osias Barroso while waving the Philippine flag.