Ballet Manila Moments: Labor of Love

Ballet truly tells the stories of our lives. Be it the longing for a Prince Charming or the challenges of an overseas Filipino worker, Ballet Manila’s repertoire is filled with choreographies that chronicle the entire spectrum of the human experience.

Though comedic in narrative, Tony Fabella’s Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin from Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang is one such story. Rodrigo, who finds work to help his family, becomes the victim of unfair labor practice at the hands of an unscrupulous boss, Ahab. Thankfully, Rodrigo manages to collect the wages he is rightfully owed using an enchanted violin from a grateful woman whom he had given food to.

In this clip, the kind and hardworking Rodrigo is BM principal dancer Gerardo Francisco Jr. while the oppressive Ahab is played by soloist John Ralp Balagot. Here, we see Rodrigo toiling for months only to be paid a tiny fraction of what he should have earned.

As the world observes Labor Day, we celebrate workers from all corners of the globe. Their industriousness, discipline and service reflect the best of humanity – traits that ballet dancers honor and aspire for both on and off the stage.