Ballet presentation of Albay legend at CCP to set records in Philippine art history

By: Alfredo L. Vargas Jr. LEGAZPI CITY, Jan. 27 (PNA) -- The new production of "Daragang Magayon", Albay’s mythical epic in ballet form at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CPP) Main Theater on Feb. 8, is setting records in Philippine arts history. “Daragang Magayon: Ang Istorya ni Mayon” lands on record as the first full-length ballet of a provincial epic, the first multimedia-backed ballet interpretation in the country, the first to integrate the love story legend of Mayon Volcano’s origin and the pre-Hispanic mythology of the Bicol region, and the first of its kind to be set to rondalla, specially composed and arranged by internationally acclaimed Filipino conductor and composer. The mythical epic is the love story of Mayon Volcano and the people of Albay. As an epic, it goes down on record as the first collaboration of three respected contemporary artists: the poetry of National Artist Virgilio Almario, the music of Dr. Ramon Pagayon Santos and the creative resources of Albayano writer and researcher Abdon Balde Jr. As composer, Santos’ works have been featured in major festivals in America, Europe and Asia. Almario’s magic in poetry is expected to blend with Santos music intensifying emotions in new scenes of the tale. Ancient rituals and mythological characters and other magical realism of the legend are products of the researches and stories woven by Balde, a multi-awarded Bikolano writer who specializes in mythopoeia and the folk stories of Bikol. The production also comes as the first multi-media- backed ballet interpretation in the country, choreographed by Gerald Mercado and his wife Katrina Santos-Mercado, both ballet masters known internationally, with the e-Dance Theater. e-Dance Theater expands the love story in new dances and movements that is uniquely Filipino, both in techniques and aesthetics and were created to evoke a rich character of the filmography done by Chuck Escasa, animation by Niko Salazar, the set designed by Leo Abaya and costume by Carlo Pagunaling. The Daragang Magayon myth is basically a love-against-all-odds story between Magayon (beautiful) and Ulap (cloud). Their tragic death in the hands of an envious suitor, Pagtuga (eruption), earned for them favor from gods to make their love last forever and part no more by turning the lovers’ grave to mountain and the sky. As a drama, Daragang Magayon will integrate two community bonding — the rites of “Haliya”, a protest against incoming threats, and “Atang”, the offering for good harvest. The epic is produced by the Albay provincial government led by Gov. Joey Salceda. The presentation forms part of a revitalized tourism development program that would offer guests an opportunity to take a fresher look into the province’s mesmerizing mythical past, its magic and mystery. Bicol University Professor Dennis Mirabueno said the matinee presentation at CCP will be done at 3:00 p.m. on Feb. 8 while the gala presentation is set in the evening at 8:00 p.m.(PNA) PDS/ALV/MMG/PJN