The Philippine Ballet Theater Is Bringing Sarimanok and Filipino Fashion Legends to UCLA
What happens when you mix Mindanao mythology, couture-level Filipino fashion, and the raw athleticism of ballet? You get Sarimanok—the brand new full-length production from the Philippine Ballet Theater (PBT) landing at UCLA’s Royce Hall this October.
For those who don’t know, PBT is one of the Philippines’ premiere companies based at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. They’re on a mission to make ballet not just about pointe shoes and pirouettes, but a platform for Filipino storytelling. After last year’s buzzworthy Ibalon, Artistic Director Ronilo Jaynario is doubling down on myth-making with Sarimanok, the love story of a mortal and a moon goddess—set against music by composer Paulo Zarate.
As Jaynario told Theater Fans Manila earlier this year:
“Ibalon made a powerful impact on both the audience and the performers… Therefore, our challenge is achieving the same impact level as Sarimanok.”
Sarimanok is more than a dance piece—it’s folklore and fantasy, filtered through ballet. The mythical bird of Maranao legend becomes the winged messenger in a love story that doesn’t just soar, it collides with the stars.
Dancer Jessa Tangalin described it to The Diarist as:
“A vibrant display of Filipino culture and storytelling, fueled by dynamic choreography set to an empowering musical score.”
And for fellow cast member Gladys Baybayan, who’s dancing her first lead role with PBT, it’s personal:
“Through this role, I’ve learned that true love triumphs all, including familial love, love of duty, and love for the country.” (The Diarist)
Before the curtain call, audiences will step into Pinagmulan, an exhibit that threads together indigenous weaves and runway-ready couture. Names like Pitoy Moreno, Ben Farrales, Ramon Valera, Aureo Alonzo, and Christian Espiritu remind us that Filipino fashion history is as iconic as any Paris catwalk. This isn’t your grandma’s wardrobe, it’s heritage reimagined as high art.
But, ballet isn’t the only act in the spotlight. International pianist Raul Sunico, singer-songwriter Odette Quesada, and vocalist Lyndon Apostol are hitting the stage, backed by the Holy Family Filipino Choir and Children Concert Chorus. Royce Hall is basically turning into CCP West for one night.
📍 Where & When: October 25, 2025 — Royce Hall, UCLA
🎟️ Tickets: $75–$200 (with UCLA student discounts)
🧵 Exhibit: Pinagmulan opens free to the public at 4 PM
As dancer Jimmy Lumba put it in The Diarist:
“As an artist, I believe it is our sacred duty to safeguard our history, traditions, and stories… Because these stories are not only part of our heritage, they are the very essence of our identity.”
Diaspora or not—if you’ve ever wanted to see Filipino culture glow in technicolor, this is your shot. Bring your barkada, bring your lola, bring that friend who still thinks ballet = tutus. Sarimanok is proof that our stories don’t just belong in books—they belong under the spotlight.