‘Creating a new ballet is a gigantic task, but the collaboration between composer Paulo Zarate and choreographer Ronilo Jaynario has been seamless and could only be described as a fulfilling experience.’
The word “Sarimanok” comes from “sari,” meaning a garment of different colors, and “manok,” meaning rooster. The figure of the Sarimanok is characterized by its colorful feathers, scrolls, leaves, and other motifs on its head, along with the fish it carries in its talons or beak.
In our young mind, we remember the Sarimanok as the emblem of the Binibining Pilipinas pageant, now celebrating its 60th anniversary. The bird, a loyal companion to the goddess, is celebrated in Filipino culture as a symbol of art and design.
When our media career began, we joined the Sarimanok Network, which later became ABS-CBN. The Sarimanok even served as a mascot, with a promotional contest where viewers noted its appearances on TV programs to win prizes.
Now, the Philippine Ballet Theater (PBT) is embarking on a Sarimanok project, to be presented on July 6 and 7 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati. PBT has a history of creating works that celebrate Filipino heritage. Artistic director Ronilo Jaynario is continuing this legacy, with Sarimanok being the latest addition to a repertoire that includes the Bicolano epic “Ibalon,” “Darangen at Bantugen,” and “Mirinisa.”
Sarimanok, for the Maranao people, symbolizes hope and reflects the colorful heritage and personality of Filipinos. Known for its vibrant feathers and enchanting presence, this mythical bird takes center stage in a ballet that transcends time and culture.
The Sarimanok reflects PBT’s current state – hopeful and brimming with promise due to the extraordinary talents within the company.
This production will showcase the rich ethnic diversity of the Philippines through a fusion of classical ballet, regional dances, and mythology. The ballet tells a love story between a mortal and a moon goddess, revolving around the majestic Sarimanok.
Sarimanok symbolizes hope and abundant blessings, and PBT views this ballet as a divine gift. Through this performance, they aim to generate interest in our cultural heritage and showcase the talent of our current artists. Sarimanok is set to the original music composed by Paulo Zarate, a highly acclaimed composer. Jaynario and Zarate hope the ballet will symbolize hope, inspiration, and progress amidst the diversity of the Filipino people.
Jaynario explained, “Ibalon made a powerful impact on both the audience and the performers. It received excellent reviews and accolades that any dance company would aspire to have. Therefore, our challenge is achieving the same impact level as Sarimanok. Creating such an impact is vital to us as a company. Inspiration for the ballet comes from the story itself, the dancers’ response to my movement that enhances the process, and the music that moves me in creating the choreography. I am incredibly grateful that Paulo Zarate is composing for PBT’s Sarimanok.”
PBT’s members are mostly young people, with 16 company members, 4 apprentices, and 2 scholars. As part of their CORE (cultural outreach program) , they also have seasonal scholars who join the season productions. Most of their dancers are in their twenties. They go through classical and neoclassical or contemporary ballet training. They have teachers from all over the world to help hone their talent.
Creating a new ballet is a gigantic task, but the collaboration between composer Paulo Zarate and choreographer Ronilo Jaynario has been seamless and could only be described as a fulfilling experience. For the dancers, Sarimanok represents a significant skill upgrade due to its technical demands.
Sarimanok, a Filipino-made ballet piece, aims to immortalize Filipino stories and is created with good intentions. Supporting local productions like this is essential, especially when PBT, the country’s premier ballet company, has spent 38 seasons cultivating Filipino talent and artistry, producing original Filipino repertoire, and bringing the art of dance to audiences across the Philippines and globally. This 38th season, PBT is ready to soar high with its season opener, Sarimanok.
