By Harold de Mesa Wazzup.ph Correspondent
At an exclusive media preview of Paglalakbay: The Journey of the Sea People held on March 10 at The Theatre at Solaire, the company unveiled a production that serves as both a historical compass and a contemporary mirror. As the grand finale of BP’s 56th Season, Paglalakbay—choreographed by Artistic Director Mikhail “Misha” Martynyuk with a libretto by Sheree Chua—is a sweeping, full-length original ballet that traces the Austronesian migration to the rugged shores of Batanes.
But for those who expect a mere historical reenactment in tutus, prepare for something far more visceral.
Mirroring the Diaspora
In a poignant exchange during the preview, the creative team addressed the “dilemma” of migration—a theme that feels strikingly current. The narrative follows Ama, a visionary leader guiding his people across perilous waters toward an unknown horizon.
“It is the same dilemma we see today,” the team remarked, drawing a direct parallel between the “Sea People” and the modern Filipino diaspora. The courage required to leave the familiar in search of a future is the same grit found in the millions of OFWs and immigrants today. Whether navigating a wooden vessel in 3000 BCE or an international flight in 2026, the spirit of the Filipino remains anchored in this ancestral resilience. Paglalakbay is, at its heart, a tribute to those who never stopped moving.
Rhythms of Heritage
The production’s heartbeat is its original score by young Filipino composer Ronald Vincenzo Khaw de Leon. The music masterfully weaves the Kalusan—traditional Ivatan rowing songs and working chants—into a classical foundation. The result is a sensorial experience where the rhythmic stamps of the dancers echo the ancient oars hitting the water, bridging five millennia through the marriage of sound and movement.
Ballet for the “Masa”
Perhaps the most refreshing takeaway from the preview was BP’s vocal commitment to dismantling the “elitist” stigma of ballet. “We want to bring ballet to the masa,” the leadership emphasized, underscoring a mission to ensure the art form is seen by more than just the upper echelons of society.
This isn’t just rhetoric; it is a strategic shift. The company is actively working to:
- Slash Ticket Costs: Implementing pricing tiers that make world-class performances accessible to everyday Filipinos.
- Engage the Youth: Through initiatives like the Ballet Brigade, BP is taking performances out of the gilded theater and into underserved communities and the provinces.
- Ensure Continuity: By prioritizing younger audiences, BP is ensuring that ballet remains a living, breathing part of the Filipino identity for generations to come.
A Season Finale for the People
As the 56th Season draws to a close, Paglalakbay stands as a testament to Ballet Philippines’ evolution. Under Martynyuk’s direction, the company is proving that technical rigor and Filipino cultural identity are not just compatible—they are inseparable.
For the audience, Paglalakbay offers more than a performance; it offers a reflection. It is an invitation to recognize that the “ancient call of the sea” still beats within us, urging us to navigate our own modern journeys with the same courage as those who first landed on the shores of Batanes.
Performance Schedule:
- World Premiere Gala: April 10, 2026
- Regular Run: April 11–12, 2026
- Venue: The Theatre at Solaire, Parañaque City
- Tickets: Available via the Solaire Box Office and Ballet Philippines’ official channels.
