Three of a Kind: The Filipino look

They say that good things come in threes and the Ballet Manila Archives wholeheartedly agrees! In this series, we feature three photos or videos with the same theme that celebrates the history of ballet, the company, and its dancers.

Linggo ng Kasuotang Pilipino is an annual national observance held every third week of September that promotes Filipino traditional clothing and indigenous weaves. It is aimed at highlighting the country’s rich culture and heritage as expressed in a variety of native wear and local textiles coming from across the regions. We join this celebration with a sampling of Filipino attire that Ballet Manila dancers have worn on stage.

Jojo Lucila’s Sari’t Bahag is a contemporary ballet that blends classical pointe work with the indigenous mountain traditions of Northern Luzon. This is reflected in the look worn by the dancers which takes inspiration from tribal weaves and accessories making use of local beads. Sari’t Bahag was excerpted in Luzviminda Suite, presented as part of the season production Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika (2014). Photo by Ocs Alvarez

A gamut of Filipino wear is showcased in Sayaw Pinoy, one of the free shows that Ballet Manila has staged at Star City. The range includes costumes inspired by the Philippine South, the traditional baro’t saya and barong Tagalog, Katipunero-style long-sleeved shirts, and floral tops and light trousers typically worn by men for folk dances. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag

The baro’t saya and the kimona at patadyong are the order of the day for the womenfolk in this scene from Anting-Anting, one of the stories comprising Tatlo Pang Kuwento ni Lola Basyang (2023), based on the work of Severino Reyes as adapted by Christine Bellen. Anting-Anting is set in a barrio where, for a fiesta, the residents dress up for a day of dancing and festivities. Photo by Ocs Alvarez