Storybook ballet: Anting-Anting

In this special series marking National Literature Month, we revisit in photos the three tales of distinguished Filipino author Severino Reyes, as retold by Christine Bellen, which were adapted into Ballet Manila’s Tatlong Pang Kuwento ni Lola Basyang in 2013.

Following its forerunner which premiered in 2008, the new trilogy translated into dance the folksy tales spun by Philippine literature’s most popular storytelling grandmother, Lola Basyang. That these narratives remain relatable and relevant decades after being written and now presented in a new medium is a tribute to their being classics, brimming with age-old values of love, hope, kindness and humor. 

Anting-Anting

Illustrator: Hubert Fucio

Choreographers: Osias Barroso and Michael Divinagracia

Composer/ musical arranger: Juan Carlo Magsalin

Costume designer: Michael Miguel

Lighting designer: Jaime Villanueva

Production designer: Jonathan Janolo.

Stage director: Roxanne Lapus

Photos by Ocs Alvarez

Huwan (Michael Divinagracia) is known in the whole village as a coward. He is always the butt of jokes of his friends. But being a jolly person, he takes things in stride. Just don’t tell the superstitious Huwan scary tales or push him towards the nuno sa punso (old man of the mound)!

The community that Huwan lives in is a happy place where residents are hardworking, but who also know how to have fun. Sometimes, there is even dancing.

Huwan has his eye on one particular lass, Meling (Dawna Mangahas), but she is smitten by the handsome Rodrigo (Mark Sumaylo) who is known not just for his well-toned physique but for his bravery. Huwan determines to win Meling’s heart by becoming bold and daring himself.

The village elder Tandang Selo advises Huwan that he can obtain an amulet to ward off evil spirits by biting off the finger of a boy that has just been laid to rest. He is told to ignore whatever he sees and feels at the cemetery. As Huwan falls asleep, visions of the undead rising from their graves fill his mind. Are they real?

Next, a group of lady vampires swoops on Huwan. Is he just dreaming or is this surreal sight happening before him?

Surrounded by all sorts of ghoulish creatures, Huwan tries to scare them off with an amulet.

But they just keep coming! Huwan takes a “join them if you can’t beat them” approach in the hilarious finale where he, together with zombies and other unearthly beings, engage in a Thriller-style performance. Even Lola Basyang’s storytelling assistant Ate Missy (Missy Macuja-Elizalde) and the kids listening to the frightening tale suddenly become part of the riotous dance number!