Ballet Philippines’ multifaceted and contemporary show “Diyosa” gets rave reviews from audiences on gala night.
This is an excerpt from Lifestyle Asia’s June 2023 Issue.
The opening night of Diyosa featured dance, deities, architecture, electronic music, local street food, and modern Filipino fashion. Ballet Philippines premiered architect Carlo Calma’s new contemporary ballet with a special gala event at the Theatre at Solaire. Set in the mythical world of Philippine gods and goddesses, the production is where dance,architecture design, electronic music, and fashion collide. At the heart of the production is a celebration of Filipino culture.
It was only fitting that guests at the opening night celebration were asked to come dressed in their interpretation of Modern Filipiniana. Gentlemen looked sharp in barongs with unique silhouettes and modern finishes, while the ladies looked enchanting in bespoke ternos and gowns made from local and traditional textiles. Upon entering the theater lobby, attendees were greeted to a photo display by celebrated artist Jay Yao, who photographed a series of images to capture the spirit of the ballet. His work featured locals on the streets of Manila wearing the deity costumes worn by the ballerinas.
Guests were then led to the red carpet, where host Joy Barcoma conducted interviews live for BP’s Instagram feed. Many noted their excitement for the ballet, which had been a highly secretive production. Calma and Ballet Philippines Artistic Director Mikhail Martynyuk kept the details of the show under wraps, in hopes of bringing audiences something fresh and exciting with their modern take on Philippine mythology.
Beyond the red carpet was a party fit for opening night. Solaire’s talented chefs created a bespoke menu inspired by local street food. The star dish was an elevated version of sisig, a popular Filipino appetizer dish from pork, which was topped with calamansi mayo and crispy pork skin. A tuna dish with crispy sago crackers and nori powder was passed around and so was this smoked milkfish with squid ink and crispy salmon skin.
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Photos courtesy of Ballet Philippines.
