Photo Exclusive: In Rehearsal with Ballet Philippines’ ANTING

BP's latest production is a full-length ballet, which features choreography by BP Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales, BP Associate Artistic Director Christine Crame, BP alumnus and e-Dance Theater Artistic Director Gerald Mercado, and Airdance Artistic Director Ava Villanueva-Ong. These dance directors have split up amongst themselves the choreography requirements of the four-part ballet.

Villanueva-Ong choreographs the first part, "Nang Wala Pang Mundo," which tells about the three personas of God. Its dialogues, which consist of oraciones, are set to music.

Crame takes on the second part, "Sinotris Gentillorum," which presents a gumamela caelis, the female counterpart of Infinito Dios. Inspired by the Blessed Virgin Mary, a young woman brings on stage a taladro, a cloth with magical figures, letters printed on it; the taladro comes to life, and interacts with the bewitched figures.

Mercado choreographs the third part, "Ang Krus Ng Alitagtag," a 50-year-old crucifix originally owned by the masters of the Katutubong Karunungan. This piece is a retelling of the legend of an enchanted tree that was cut down, but mysteriously formed two huge crosses from its dead branches.

Morales tackles the finale, "Haring Bakal," which showcases the warrior rituals and movements of the Maranaws, Maguindanaos, and Tausugs.

"Anting" promises its audience an illuminating experience, and a deeper understanding of history and tradition.

For tickets and more information, contact BP at (632) 5511003, www.ballet.ph; or TicketWorld at (632) 891-9999, www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Photos by Jory Rivera; photos show Paul Alexander Morales, Karmela Cortez, Marvin Arizo, Madge Reyes, and Timothy Cabrera, among others.

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Oliver is currently completing his M.S. degree in public relations and corporate communication at New York University while squeezing in some time to edit, write, and take photographs for the theater news website BroadwayWorld.com -- his beat mostly covers Broadway shows, especially those that feature Filipino-American artists, and theater goings-on back in his home country, the Philippines. Taking in arts advocacy projects, especially those that involve Asian minorities, is something he cannot say no to. He believes that Asian artists, especially Filipino theater artists, are outstanding, and their stories had to be told, no matter what. Oliver also handles public relations and corporate communication for numerous brands, Broadway shows, non-profit organizations, and celebrities; and teaches public relations at De La Salle University in Manila. Special thanks to Oliver's amazing team in the Philippines: Jeffrey Aguiman, Dale Bacar, Jude Cartalaba, Precious Lee Cundangan, Jory Rivera, and JR Sala. Follow Oliver on Twitter: @OliverOliveros