Cover Augustus Bam Damian III’s ‘After Whom’ in ‘Sayaw Tungo sa Kalayaan’ (Photo: Alice Reyes Dance Philippines)
Augustus Bam Damian III’s ‘After Whom’ in ‘Sayaw Tungo sa Kalayaan’ (Photo: Alice Reyes Dance Philippines)
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Once was not enough for a show like ‘Sayaw Tungo sa Kalayaan’. After its June premiere, this dance musical returned to the Metropolitan Theater for an encore
A dance production brought the country’s history to life in a tribute to the Philippines’ 126th Independence Day last June 10 at Rizal Park. Sayaw Tungo sa Kalayaan, a dance musical, captured both public enthusiasm and critical praise—weaving the past into a compelling narrative that resonated deeply with the audience.
Audience members raved about the production, urging for more performances so they could share the experience with family and friends. The demand was met, and the show returned to the stage for two special performances at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila on September 6.
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Above Alice Reyes’ ‘Mga Sinaunang Tao’ in ‘Sayaw Tungo sa Kalayaan’ (Photo: AR Dance Philippines Inc.)
Alice Reyes’ ‘Mga Sinaunang Tao’ in ‘Sayaw Tungo sa Kalayaan’ (Photo: AR Dance Philippines Inc.)
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Above For the celebration of the 126th Independence Day, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos commissioned the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP) to come up with a dance musical telling the story of the nation (Photo: AR Dance Philippines Inc.)
For the celebration of the 126th Independence Day, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos commissioned the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP) to come up with a dance musical telling the story of the nation (Photo: AR Dance Philippines Inc.)
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These performances—sponsored by Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan—featured a 3pm matinee for students and a 6pm gala for the employees of the City of Manila and guests. The Metropolitan Theater, a historic cultural landmark, was the perfect venue for this grand retelling.
Sayaw Tungo sa Kalayaan offered a sweeping portrayal of Filipino history, told through the powerful combination of dance, music, and LED imagery. The production’s narrative spanned from pre-colonial times to the present, exploring the evolution of the Filipino identity amid centuries of struggle and resilience.
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Above Alice Reyes’ ‘Dahil Sa’yo’ from ‘Bungkos Suite’ in ‘Sayaw Tungo sa Kalayaan’ (Photo: AR Dance Philippines Inc.)
Above Augustus Bam Damian III’s ‘After Whom’ in ‘Sayaw Tungo sa Kalayaan’ (Photo: AR Dance Philippines Inc.)
Alice Reyes’ ‘Dahil Sa’yo’ from ‘Bungkos Suite’ in ‘Sayaw Tungo sa Kalayaan’ (Photo: AR Dance Philippines Inc.)
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Above Lester Reguindin’s ‘GomBurZa’ in ‘Sayaw Tungo sa Kalayaan’ (Photo: AR Dance Philippines Inc.)
Above Lester Reguindin’s ‘GomBurZa’ in ‘Sayaw Tungo sa Kalayaan’ (Photo: AR Dance Philippines Inc.)
Lester Reguindin’s ‘GomBurZa’ in ‘Sayaw Tungo sa Kalayaan’ (Photo: AR Dance Philippines Inc.)
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“The entire programme made me proud to be a Filipino, and of our culture.”
The choreography, under the direction of National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes, along with those crafted by Augustus Bam Damian III, Ronelson Yadao, and other acclaimed choreographers, brought each historical moment to life with its own dynamic energy and emotion.
“The concept of blending former and new pieces is not a new thing. But how Sayaw Tungo sa Kalayaan did it was amazing. The show offered a myriad of interesting choreo, dancing, singing, narrations, and videos presented with artistic and digital aplomb, that were expertly tied together in what felt like a magical thread,” says dance educator Ianne Damian. “The entire programme made me proud to be a Filipino, and of our culture.”
The dance ensemble, comprised of performers from Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP) and dance trainees from the University of the East, skillfully guided the audience through pivotal moments in the nation’s history—from pre-colonial traditions to the Spanish and American colonial eras, and through the Filipino people’s enduring quest for independence.
Above Alice Reyes’s ‘Mga Sinaunang Tao’ in ‘Sayaw Tungo sa Kalayaan’ (Photo: Alice Reyes Dance Philippines)
Above Artists of ARDP in Lester Reguindin’s ‘Babayi’ for ‘Sayaw Tungo sa Kalayaan’ (Photo: Alice Reyes Dance Philippines)
Alice Reyes’s ‘Mga Sinaunang Tao’ in ‘Sayaw Tungo sa Kalayaan’ (Photo: Alice Reyes Dance Philippines)
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Above Lester Reguindin’s ‘Sabihin Mo Ikaw ay Pilipino’ in ‘Sayaw Tungo sa Kalayaan’ (Photo: Alice Reyes Dance Philippines)
Lester Reguindin’s ‘Sabihin Mo Ikaw ay Pilipino’ in ‘Sayaw Tungo sa Kalayaan’ (Photo: Alice Reyes Dance Philippines)
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Accompanying this visual spectacle is a rich musical score featuring compositions by National Artists Ryan Cayabyab, Lucrecia Kasilag, Ramon Santos, and several contemporary Filipino composers, with live performances by musical talents Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Arman Ferrer, and David Ezra.
Beyond the choreography and music, the production excelled in its technical elements. Multi-awarded set designer Loy Arcenas and internationally trained technical director Barbie Tantiongco have crafted a visual experience that immerses the audience in the country’s shifting eras. Joyce Garcia’s interplay of set design, lighting, and video projections enhanced the narrative, making Sayaw Tungo sa Kalayaan truly a dance performance worth seeing.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
