First performed in February 1977, something magical was in the air a weekend ago when "Tales of the Manuvu" was restaged at the Proscenium Theater, Rockwell Center. Presented by the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP), in collaboration with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, it was an extra bonus to run into National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes at the theater lobby. 

Curtain call of 'Tales of the Manuvu'

Reyes directs and choreographs, while National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera wrote the libretto, inspired by stories collected by folklorist E. Arsenio Manuel. Music was composed by Dero Pedero (who attended the Gala), with additional music by the rock band Afterbirth. This revival is led by ARDP Ballet Master Lester Reguindin, with set and costume design by Loy Arcenas and lighting design by Barbara Tan-Tiongco. The UP Concert Chorus was the ensemble, accompanying the soloists. 

Based on Manuvu folk tales, the main characters of the piece are the forest gods Manama and Ogassi, followed by those of First Man and First Woman. It’s a rock opera ballet, which, if you think about it, was pretty forward-thinking and pioneering back in 1977. And what’s made immediately apparent during this staging is how the material still stands up, and has a timeless element to it - in terms of the dance and movement, the music and singing, and in the storytelling. Each of the main characters is assigned a singer who adds lyrics to the music and dance that burst from the stage. It’s quite a spectacle, and I had forgotten the rock-pop element of this production, so I was pleasantly surprised. 

National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes

From a social anthropology perspective, the ballet is a powerful reminder of how indigenous tribes used tales and oral traditions to preserve their culture and legacy. In this case, I’d even extend that to say that the folk legends, as handed down, would help unite the community, explain why they were special, and why sticking together and being thankful for Nature's seasonal bounty was important. 

An ethnolinguistic group in the highlands of Davao, Southern Bukidnon, and North Cotabato, the Manuvu are known for their traditional farm-based livelihood, their culture, and homespun legends and literature. There is even a Tuwaang epic that recounts the adventures of their hero in the valley of the Kuaman River - a body of water central to the tribe’s existence. 

With "Tales of the Manuvu," the origins of the coconut, breadfruit, and betel nut are given stories and form part of the narrative. Based on Manuvu creation myths, the revival was a pleasure to watch and experience - and I can only hope it can be staged again soon, to reach a wider audience.