Ballet Manila Moments: A contemporary classic for the men of Ballet Manila

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.

Tony Fabella's Nais Ko, part of a larger piece entitled OPM Suite, is a contemporary classic that has become a favorite among the followers of Ballet Manila's Ballet & Ballads. It was choreographed for the only four men of the original 12 members of the company: Osias Barroso, Christopher Mohnani, Eduardo Espejo and Jeffrey Espejo.

Set to the song of Basil Valdez, the piece has a physicality that makes it especially challenging for the stamina of the lead dancer. Through the years, it has become a much sought after role among the men of the company.

Nais Ko will return to the stage for Ballet Manila's special offering, Rise! on October 7 and 9 at the Aliw Theater.

This clip shows a 1998 performance of pioneer principal dancer Osias Barroso, as well as photographs of former soloist Alvin Santos, soloist Joshua Enciso, and principal dancer Romeo Peralta who are among the many danseurs who have taken on the lead role in Nais Ko.