Ballet Manila brings back a pre-pandemic holiday tradition to Star City as it stages a new Christmas show dubbed Tala.

Referring to the star that leads the way to the Nativity, Tala celebrates the spirit of a Filipino Christmas as dancers recreate familiar scenes of the season such as people going to dawn masses known as the simbang gabi, enjoying family reunions and merrymakers singing carols.

Gerardo Francisco Jr., Ballet Manila principal dancer and resident choreographer, said the company is happy to have another Christmas show in the popular amusement park in Pasay City.

Tala is comprised of pieces danced to holiday tunes, each one reflecting a particular concept, according to Francisco who created new choreographies and tweaked old ones from the Ballet Manila treasure chest.

Pasko na Naman has been made more modern with the use of special effects and panels of lights. Lata ang Aming Tambol is a humorous take on a group of carolers which includes interaction with the audience. Hele by Michael Divinagracia returns, with the same sentimental feel of recalling loved ones at this time of the year.

Labindalawang Araw ng Pasko is a countdown to Christmas by revelers. Pasko sa Pinas extols the return of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at this special time of the year to reunite with their families. Sana Ngayong Pasko portrays the longing for love experienced by couples in a long-distance relationship but who finally get to meet again.

Tala is capped by Kampana ng Simbahan where the ringing of bells beckon people to come to church for simbang gabi, with everyone experiencing the joys of the season and remembering the reason behind it all – the birth of Jesus Christ as highlighted in a featured Nativity scene.

For scores of Filipino families, Christmas has meant going to Star City to enjoy the park’s rides and attractions, including Ballet Manila’s specially conceptualized shows offered free to visitors.

But that long-time tradition was disrupted after a fire struck Star City in October 2019. When the pandemic hit the following year, it further delayed reconstruction of the damaged complex.

It was finally able to reopen early this year, with Ballet Manila offering the show Munting Pangarap as a treat to park-goers. The company also performed a condensed version of Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s Cinderella last June with the prima ballerina reprising her role as the Fairy Godmother.

Ballet Manila’s comeback Christmas show, Tala, can be seen this holiday season at Star City’s Activity Center at 7 p.m. on the following dates: December 14 to 18 (Wednesday to Sunday), December 21 to 23 (Wednesday to Friday), December 25 (Sunday), and December 28 to 30 (Wednesday to Friday). 

All shows are free for Star City patrons.

Video clips by Divina Guinto courtesy of Marinette Franco