Ballet Manila brings Gerardo Francisco Jr.’s adaptation of Ibong Adarna to Hyundai Hall, Areté, at the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City for a two-day run on October 9 and October 10, 2026, featuring new lead casts and continuing a run across multiple regions.
Ballet Manila Brings Gerardo Francisco Jr.’s Production to Hyundai Hall
Audiences in Quezon City will experience the classic Philippine tale through movement, music, and dance when Ballet Manila stages Ibong Adarna at Hyundai Hall inside Areté at the Ateneo de Manila University. Performances are scheduled for October 9 at 7:30 p.m. and October 10 at 5 p.m.
The production transforms a familiar literary narrative into theatrical dance. Choreographed by Gerardo Francisco Jr., the staging depicts the story of King Fernando of the Kingdom of Berbanya, who falls ill with an incurable disease. His three sons—Don Pedro, Don Diego, and Don Juan—embark on a quest to find the legendary mythical bird whose magical song holds the power to heal the sick. Beyond the king’s recovery, the journey carries higher stakes, as the prince who successfully captures the creature inherits the throne.
For generations of Filipinos, the narrative of the enchanted bird remains closely tied to school, books, and childhood memories. By presenting the story through a blend of music, movement, and choreography, the company offers theatergoers an alternative way to encounter the classic characters and familiar plot.
New Cast Lineups Take the Stage at Ateneo de Manila University
Each restaging allows Ballet Manila to introduce fresh interpretations through its evolving roster of dancers. For the upcoming Areté engagement, principal dancers Shaira Comeros and Jessica Pearl Dames will alternate in the title role of the mythical bird.
Comeros will perform during the opening night on October 9 alongside Mark Sumaylo as Don Pedro, Rafael Perez as Don Juan, and Romeo Peralta as Don Diego. Dames takes over the title role for the October 10 matinee, joined by an alternate supporting lineup featuring Ralp John Balagot as Don Pedro, Juan Angelo De Leon as Don Juan, and Sean Pelegrin as Don Diego. Because individual performers infuse their own interpretations into the choreography, each iteration of the ballet introduces distinct artistic nuances to the stage.
“Every time we bring Ibong Adarna to a new audience, we discover something new about the story and the characters. That is what makes it special. It remains familiar to many Filipinos, but ballet allows us to experience the story in a different way,”
Lisa Macuja Elizalde, CEO and Artistic Director, Ballet Manila
Tour Stops Across Regions and Community Outreach Goals
The Quezon City engagement forms part of a wider run across multiple regions. Earlier in the year, the production held two shows at the Jose Rizal Coliseum in Laguna. Following the Areté run, the company plans to transport the ballet to Iloilo.
Company leadership notes that the adaptation has developed into one of their most requested offsite performances.
Ticket Prices and Schedule Details for Hyundai Hall Performances
The two-day engagement runs exclusively on October 9 at 7:30 p.m. and October 10 at 5 p.m. at Hyundai Hall. Tickets are available through TicketWorld, with pricing set at ₱1,236 for Orchestra seats and ₱824 for Balcony seating.
Audiences purchasing tickets gain access to live performances while also supporting charitable educational initiatives. Donations made through ticket purchases directly assist ACAP’s Education Program in providing educational opportunities for children.