When a prince turns to the dark side

Known for his princely demeanor and exceptional partnering technique, principal dancer Mark Sumaylo has earned a reputation as one of Ballet Manila’s most sought-after leading men especially in classical roles. He was Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake, Albrecht in Giselle, and Conrad in Le Corsaire.

But underneath that royal persona lurks a dark side. The beloved prince has also been exploring villain roles and, in typical Mark Sumaylo fashion, nailing them consistently. In this set of photographs, we take a closer look at Mark’s other life as the feared antagonist in BM’s classical and contemporary productions.

Von Rothbart in Swan Lake (2025). Not content with his curse transforming a throng of maidens into swans, the malevolent sorcerer also uses daughter Odile to trick Prince Siegfried into thinking she is his beloved Odette. Photo by Larry Salgado

Don Pedro in Ibong Adarna (2024)). As the eldest son of the ailing king, he volunteers to capture the mythical bird with the healing voice. But when his youngest brother Don Juan (Joshua Enciso) is the one who eventually succeeds in doing so, he schemes to bring home the creature himself and become the hero. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag

High Brahmin in La Bayadere (2026). He is the formidable and powerful religious leader who, despite a vow of celibacy, lusts for the temple dancer Nikiya. Enraged, he exposes Nikiya’s secret romance with the warrior Solor to the Rajah who in turn wants Solor to marry his daughter Gamzatti. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag

Sultan Ali Adab in Florante at Laura (2024). Despite knowing that his son Aladin is in love with Flerida (Stephanie Santiago, center), he makes advances on her and goes to the extent of expelling Aladin from the kingdom. Photo by Erica Marquez-Jacinto

Hilarion in Giselle (2024). The gamekeeper’s love for peasant girl Giselle (Renata Shakirova) is unrequited as she only has eyes for Albrecht. Sneaking into Albrecht’s hut, his suspicions are confirmed when he finds a sword and a cape that reveal Albrecht to be a count and presents these to Giselle as proof of the latter’s deceit. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag

Snake man in Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya from Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang (2024). Together with Abigail Oliveiro (right) as the Snake woman, he entices the unwitting Teong (Joshua Enciso) to cut down the tree with leaves that can heal, a move that backfires on Teong as his three daughters are then spirited away as reprisal. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag