A beloved Filipino story comes alive once again as Ballet Manila presents Ibong Adarna, Gerardo Francisco Jr.’s acclaimed ballet adaptation of the classic tale. This October, the company brings the enchanting story of the magical bird, royal brothers, forbidden love, and a quest for healing to the stage through music, movement, and dance.
One of Ballet Manila’s most beloved and frequently performed productions, Ibong Adarna will be staged at Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City on October 9 at 7:30 p.m. and October 10 at 5 p.m. The production offers audiences a fresh interpretation of the well-known Filipino tale while highlighting the artistry, athleticism, and storytelling of Ballet Manila’s dancers.
The story follows three princes—Don Pedro, Don Diego, and Don Juan—who embark on a journey to find the mythical Ibong Adarna, whose magical song has the power to heal their ailing father, King Fernando of Berbanya. The prince who successfully captures the legendary bird will also have the chance to inherit the throne, setting the stage for an adventure filled with challenges, rivalry, courage, and love.
For its Areté performances, Ballet Manila features a new set of lead dancers. Shaira Comeros takes on the role of Ibong Adarna, with 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.
According to Ballet Manila CEO and Artistic Director Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ibong Adarna continues to be one of the company’s most requested offsite productions. Its return to Areté follows performances in Laguna and forms part of Ballet Manila’s continuing efforts to bring ballet closer to Filipino audiences in different communities and cities.
While many Filipinos first encountered Ibong Adarna through school, books, or childhood stories, Ballet Manila gives the classic tale a new dimension through ballet. Every restaging introduces audiences to different interpretations of the characters and story, shaped by the evolving cast of dancers and the expressive language of movement.
The Areté staging of Ibong Adarna also reflects Ballet Manila’s mission of making ballet more accessible by bringing productions beyond traditional theater venues. By combining a familiar Filipino story with live performance, music, movement, and world-class dance, the company gives both longtime ballet audiences and newcomers an opportunity to experience a Filipino classic in a fresh and enchanting way.
Don’t miss Ballet Manila’s Ibong Adarna at Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, on October 9 and 10, 2026. Tickets are available through TicketWorld. Audiences can also check Ballet Manila’s official channels for upcoming performances and events.
