Choreographer Gerardo Francisco Jr. aims to highlight essential life lessons, such as love, forgiveness, and kindness, for the younger generation through a powerful visual medium. His award-winning production of IBONG ADARNA is set to grace the stage on August 19 and 20, 2023, at the Aliw Theater, marking the conclusion of Ballet Manila's 25th performance season.

According to Francisco Jr., today's youth are exposed to diverse cultures, which can sometimes distort their core identity. He believes that Ballet Manila's rendition of Ibong Adarna will remind us of Filipino heritage and the values deeply ingrained in our culture.

Ibong Adarna, a timeless Filipino literary masterpiece, revolves around a mythical bird possessing a healing voice. The story follows three princes who embark on a perilous quest to find the magical bird and cure their ailing father. The narrative unfolds with the transforming of two scheming older princes into stone while their virtuous sibling returns with the miraculous bird. The tale concludes with the youngest prince's forgiveness of his misguided brothers.

Francisco Jr. asserts that the story's themes of kindness and familial love can guide today's youth in embracing these fundamental Filipino values. He emphasizes the urgency of sharing this narrative to preserve cultural heritage. Ballet Manila's previous stagings of Ibong Adarna garnered accolades, motivating Francisco Jr. to elevate the performance's impact with each rendition.

Francisco Jr.'s challenges his dancers to pour their heart into their performance, reminding them that excellence arises from dancing with dedication. As he readies the production, Francisco Jr. acknowledges the pressure to uphold high standards, particularly for those who missed the initial world premiere.

While Ballet Manila maintains its notable dancing standards, this 2023 staging features adjustments due to the pandemic, such as reduced dancer numbers and digital set designs. The narrative, however, remains timeless and universal. Both Francisco Jr. and Lisa Macuja Elizalde, the founder and artistic director of Ballet Manila, share the aspiration that audiences leave the theater not only entertained but also enriched by the valuable lessons conveyed through Ibong Adarna's beautiful story.

Notably, Francisco's choreography for Ibong Adarna garnered recognition, securing Best Outstanding Production at the 2017 30th Aliw Awards and several honors at the Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards.

The upcoming staging of Ibong Adarna is scheduled at Aliw Theater in Pasay City on August 19 at 8:00 p.m. and August 20 at 5:00 p.m. For ticket information, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. To explore Ballet Manila and its array of shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph.