Ballet Manila’s Ibong Adarna takes flight anew at the Areté stage in Ateneo

A magical story that generations of Filipinos love and know by heart is once again set to come alive in a completely different and enchanting way.

This October, Ballet Manila brings Gerardo Francisco Jr.’s Ibong Adarna back to the stage, transforming the beloved Filipino tale of an enchanted bird, royal brothers, forbidden love, and a quest for healing into a spectacle of music, movement, and dance.

One of the company’s most beloved and 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.

“Ibong Adarna is one of Ballet Manila’s most requested offsite performances. This year, it already had two shows at Jose Rizal Coliseum in Laguna, and now the production is bound to return to Areté in Ateneo before continuing its way to Iloilo,” shared Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s CEO and Artistic Director.

Ibong Adarna tells the story of a mythical bird whose magical song has the power to heal the sick. When King Fernando of the Kingdom of Berbanya falls ill with an incurable disease, his three sons — Don Pedro, Don Diego, and Don Juan — set out on a quest to find the legendary Adarna and bring it back to save their father. The prince who succeeds in capturing the bird will inherit the throne.

The Areté run will feature a new set of leads from Ballet Manila’s powerhouse lineup. Performing as Ibong Adarna is Shaira Comeros, alongside Mark Sumaylo as Don Pedro, Rafael Perez as Don Juan, and Romeo Peralta as Don Diego. The alternate cast is led by Jessica Pearl Dames as Ibong Adarna, with Juan Angelo De Leon as Don Juan, Ralp John Balagot as Don Pedro, and Sean Pelegrin as Don Diego.

Ibong Adarna is fast becoming a Filipino ballet classic. Although Ballet Manila has staged the production numerous times in various venues, each re-staging brings something new, shaped in large part by its evolving cast of dancers.

“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,” Macuja Elizalde said.

Staging Ibong Adarna at the Areté is part of Ballet Manila’s broader mission of bringing people to ballet and ballet to the people. By taking the production beyond the traditional theater setting and into communities or cities, the company opens more opportunities for audiences to experience live ballet and discover this art form through stories already part of Filipino culture.

For those who may have encountered the classic tale in school, books, or childhood, Ballet Manila offers an exciting way to see the story as it combines a well-loved narrative with music, movement, complex characters, and the artistry of its dancers.

Don’t miss Ibong Adarna at Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University on October 9 and 10 only. For tickets, visit Ticketworld at www.premier.ticketworld.com.ph. Keep up-to-date with Ballet Manila’s schedule of performances and celebration events by visiting www.balletmanila.com.ph.

 

Reward Yourself with a Spa Escape at Solaire Resort Quezon City

Discover one of Solaire Resort Quezon City’s hidden gems, the spa at the Health Club.

Luxury comes in many forms. At Solaire Resort Quezon City, it takes shape at the spa at Solaire Resort Quezon City's Health Club. Lavish treatment rooms, highly trained massage therapists, and state-of-the-art wellness facilities come together to offer what many consider the ultimate luxury of all: a well-deserved moment of me-time and relaxation.

Take in the soothing scent of florals and citrus as soon as the doors open. Soft lighting casts gentle shadows across the lobby's refined interiors, inviting guests to slow down and unwind, far removed from the bustle outside. Guests are warmly welcomed into the transition room for a brief consultation and a warm cup of tea before being ushered to a spacious, wood-paneled treatment room complete with a private lounge, foot bath, and shower room.

Each session begins with the therapist's calming voice, ensuring every detail, from the lighting to the sounds in the room, aligns with the guest's preferences. A gentle inhale of essential oils eases the mind into a calm and steady state, further enhanced by a guided breathing exercise.

Melt away stress with warm hands gliding in long, flowing strokes with one of the spa's signature offerings, the Swedish Massage. As tension in the neck, shoulders, and back slowly dissipates, many guests find themselves drifting into a deep, restorative sleep, awakened only by the gentle sound of a bell signaling the end of the massage.

Beyond the treatment itself, relaxation remains the utmost priority. Guests are encouraged to linger a little longer, savor another cup of tea, and ease back into the day at their own pace.

Other massages, body treatments, scrubs, and facials offered by the facility are equally tempting options for a satisfying retreat of the body and mind. Taking the experience a step further, guests also enjoy complimentary access to the wellness facilities, including a sauna, steam room, experiential water massage, tepidarium, and hot and cold plunge pools, maximizing the pleasure of every visit.

Come away refreshed, rejuvenated, and feeling like a winner after rewarding yourself with an escape at the spa at Solaire Resort Quezon City. To learn more, visit Solaire Resort Quezon City. Solaire Rewards members enjoy up to 25% off on select health and wellness services. To make a reservation, email sn.spaandsalon@solaireresort.com or call +63 2 8888 8888 loc. 67062.

About Solaire Resort Quezon City

Solaire Resort Quezon City is Solaire’s second integrated luxury resort in the Philippines and the first five-star integrated resort in Quezon City. Located in the heart of Metro Manila’s largest city, it brings together luxury hospitality, world-class gaming, exceptional dining, vibrant entertainment, and family-friendly experiences, and stands among Quezon City’s premier lifestyle destinations.

The resort features 526 elegantly designed rooms and suites, four gaming levels catering to both mass and VIP guests, 14 restaurants and bars, and versatile meeting and event spaces spanning 1,700 square meters. Guests can unwind at the expansive wellness center, 50-meter L-shaped swimming pool and water park, enjoy pickleball and basketball at the Outdoor Fitness Deck, or spend quality family time at the multi-level Kids Club. As day turns to night, the resort comes alive with dynamic entertainment experiences, from live performances at Quezon Club to panoramic evenings at Skybar.

Renowned for its warm Filipino hospitality and thoughtfully curated experiences, Solaire Resort Quezon City continues to redefine luxury, entertainment, and leisure in the heart of Quezon City.

For more information, visit sn.solaireresort.com.

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Photo Credits:

Photo 1: Relax and recharge with various massages and treatments at the Health Club's spa.

Photo 2: The spa lobby welcomes guests with its serene ambiance.

Photo 3: Each treatment room is a private sanctuary designed for indulgence and relaxation.

All attached photos are provided by Solaire Resort Quezon City for editorial use, with non-exclusive, royalty-free permission to use, publish, and reproduce them for news, feature, and editorial coverage related to this announcement.