Ballet Manila’s Ibong Adarna Returns to Ateneo’s Areté on October 9–10 Filipino families looking for a cultural experience can catch Ballet ...

Ballet Manila’s Ibong Adarna Returns to Ateneo’s Areté on October 9–10

Filipino families looking for a cultural experience can catch Ballet Manila’s Ibong Adarna at Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, on October 9 and 10, 2026. The production brings the beloved Filipino literary classic to life through ballet, music, and storytelling.

For many Filipino parents, Ibong Adarna brings back memories of school lessons and stories from childhood. This time, families have an opportunity to rediscover the familiar tale in a different way, through the artistry and expressive movements of Ballet Manila's dancers.

A Filipino Classic Comes to Life Through Ballet

 

Choreographed by Gerardo Francisco Jr., Ballet Manila's Ibong Adarna follows the adventures of three royal brothers, Don Pedro, Don Diego, and Don Juan, as they search for a mythical bird whose magical song has the power to heal the sick.

When King Fernando of the Kingdom of Berbanya falls seriously ill, his sons embark on a journey to find the legendary bird and save their father. The prince who successfully captures the Ibong Adarna will inherit the throne.

The story explores family relationships, loyalty, rivalry, love, and perseverance, themes that continue to resonate with audiences across generations.

Through ballet, the production transforms these familiar characters and adventures into a visual performance that combines music, movement, and dramatic storytelling.

A New Cast Brings Fresh Energy to Ibong Adarna

One of Ballet Manila's most frequently staged productions, Ibong Adarna continues to introduce Filipino audiences to classical and contemporary ballet through stories rooted in local culture.

According to Ballet Manila CEO and Artistic Director Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ibong Adarna remains one of the company's most requested offsite performances.

Earlier this year, the production had two performances at Jose Rizal Coliseum in Laguna. Following its Areté engagement, the production is also scheduled to travel to Iloilo.

For the Ateneo performances, Ballet Manila introduces a new lineup of principal performers.

Shaira Comeros takes on the role of Ibong Adarna, alongside Mark Sumaylo as Don Pedro, Rafael Perez as Don Juan, and Romeo Peralta as Don Diego.

The alternate cast features Jessica Pearl Dames as Ibong Adarna, Juan Angelo De Leon as Don Juan, Ralp John Balagot as Don Pedro, and Sean Pelegrin as Don Diego.

Each new cast brings a different interpretation to the familiar characters, giving returning audiences another reason to experience the production.

A Cultural Experience for Filipino Families

For parents who remember studying Ibong Adarna in school, watching the story unfold onstage can be an interesting way to introduce children and teenagers to Filipino literature and the performing arts.

While the original tale is often encountered through textbooks and classroom discussions, Ballet Manila offers a different perspective by telling the story through dance.

It can also open conversations at home about Filipino folklore, the importance of family, and the lessons behind the characters' decisions.

The Areté performances reflect Ballet Manila's continuing mission of making ballet more accessible to communities and audiences beyond its usual theater venues.

By presenting familiar Filipino stories through live performances, the company encourages more people to discover and appreciate ballet as an art form.

Ballet Manila Ibong Adarna 2026 Schedule and Venue

Here are the details for those interested in watching the production:

• Dates: October 9 and 10, 2026

• October 9 performance: 7:30 p.m.

• October 10 performance: 5:00 p.m.

• Venue: Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City

• Production: Ballet Manila's Ibong Adarna

• Choreographer: Gerardo Francisco Jr.

Tickets are available through TicketWorld.

For more information about Ballet Manila's upcoming performances and events, visit the official Ballet Manila website.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ballet Manila's Ibong Adarna

1. Where can families watch Ballet Manila's Ibong Adarna in 2026?

Ballet Manila's Ibong Adarna will be performed at Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, on October 9 and 10, 2026.

2. What is Ballet Manila's Ibong Adarna about?

The ballet retells the classic Filipino story of three princes searching for a magical bird whose song can heal their sick father, King Fernando. The production combines traditional Filipino storytelling with ballet choreography.

3. Is Ballet Manila's Ibong Adarna suitable for children?

The story is based on a familiar Filipino literary classic that school-age children may recognize. Parents can consider the production as an introduction to Filipino literature and ballet, although it is advisable to confirm any age restrictions with the ticket provider before booking.

4. What time are the Ibong Adarna performances at Areté?

The October 9 performance begins at 7:30 p.m., while the October 10 performance starts at 5:00 p.m.

5. Where can audiences buy Ibong Adarna ballet tickets?

Tickets may be purchased through TicketWorld. Ticket prices and seating availability can be checked directly on the booking platform.

6. Why is Ibong Adarna an important Filipino story?

Ibong Adarna is a well-known Filipino literary work that introduces generations of readers to themes of family, courage, betrayal, forgiveness, and perseverance. Ballet Manila's adaptation offers another way for audiences to appreciate this part of Philippine literary heritage.

For families interested in introducing children to Filipino culture beyond textbooks and digital screens, Ibong Adarna offers an opportunity to experience a familiar story through live performance.