In his reimagining of Ibong Adarna, Ballet Manila resident choreographer Gerardo Francisco Jr. introduced new characters to add depth and visual interest to his full-length ballet. Among the most striking additions were the Amazonas – women warriors possessing strength, grace, and beauty.

But more than their physical attributes, the Amazonas are a community of women looking out for each other’s welfare. Moving as one, they are simultaneously feminine and powerful. They are a force to reckon with.

In this clip from 2019, the corps de ballet of Ballet Manila – women warriors in their own right – perform as the Amazonas of Gerardo Francisco Jr.’s Ibong Adarna.