MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT) premieres Maria Makiling – a full-length original ballet that reimagines the legendary diwata of Mount Makiling through evocative choreography and a newly composed musical score. The production which takes center stage as the flagship of PBT’s 2025 season, is both a celebration of Philippine storytelling through the universal language of dance.
At the heart of this production is the creative synergy between PBT Artistic Director and choreographer Ronilo Jaynario and award winning composer Paulo Zarate. This marks their third collaboration following the critically acclaimed Filipino ballets Ibalon (2023) and Sarimanok (2024) – two works that have left indelible impressions on audiences both in the Philippines and across the U.S.
For Jaynario, Maria Makiling is deeply personal. An alumnus of the Philippine High School for the Arts nestled within the verdant slopes of Mt. Makiling, he grew up immersed in stories of the mountain’s fabled guardian. “After creating hero-based ballet Ibalon and romantic ballet Sarimanok, I wanted to tell a story that centers on the Filipino community. My goal is to present a ballet that grounds us and evokes a time when love, kindness, and gratitude sustained our communities. This ballet explores the enduring power of love, the pain of loss, and the importance of preserving nature and heritage. Ultimately, it highlights the consequences of a lack of integrity within a community,” shared Jaynario.
“We try to set musical identities to each ballet. For instance, in Ibalon, it was more anthemic and big, as a superhero movie would sound. In Sarimanok, it was more rhythmic and percussive, where I played around using meters from 4/4, 3/4, 6/8, 5/8, and 7/8. For Maria Makiling, Ron suggested we go for a more Filipino/Spanish sound, a bit more guitar-driven since both our cultures (Spanish/Filipino) have strong roots with guitar-driven songs like our Filipino kundimans and Spanish flamencos,” said Zarate.
For this ballet, PBT reached out to Los Baños Tourism office to really ensure that the ballet characterizes Laguna’s diwata in the best possible light.
UP Los Baños Vice Chancelor for Community Affairs Roberto Cereno, also one of known local cultural historians, assisted the creative team.
Sharing the spotlight in the titular role of Maria Makiling are Gabby Jaynario and Jessa Tangalin. Each brings their own voice, energy, and heart to the mythical diwata, offering audiences two beautifully distinct portrayals of this iconic character. Their performances promise to highlight both Maria’s strength and her vulnerability in ways that are deeply personal and moving.
Stepping into the role of Juan, Maria’s love interest, are Matthew Davo and Justine Orande. Alternating in the part, they bring fresh chemistry and different emotional shades to Juan’s journey — from romance to heartbreak, and everything in between.
Co-presented by the Philippine Airlines, Maria Makiling will have a limited run on July 5, 3pm and 7:30pm, and July 6, 3pm, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre.
Tickets are available through Ticketworld or the Philippine Ballet Theatre Secretariat.
