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.

The cultural diversity of Mindanao has gifted the nation with some of the richest traditions of dance and movement. As we celebrate National Heritage Month, we look deeper into Agnes Locsin’s Sayao sa Pamlang.

The stunning choreography is inspired by the unique Muslim traditions of the Philippine south reinterpreted using the language of contemporary ballet. It consists of five parts: Sagayan, a dance to drive away evil spirits, Pang-alay; a dance to show the beauty and gracefulness of the hands; Kzuduratan, a dance to show a manner of walking; Kuntao, which is a dance of the martial arts; and Singkil, a dance depicting a princess’ escape from the perils of an earthquake. 

In this clip is Ballet Manila’s performance of Sayao sa Pamlang as part of the company’s Malaysian tour in 2019. It features soloist Rissa May Camaclang as the princess.