ILOILO — Iloilo’s cultural calendar is set for a major highlight as Ballet Manila brings its award-winning production of “Ibong Adarna” to the Rose Memorial Auditorium at Central Philippine University. As part of the Iloilo City Arts Festival Month, the city is giving away over 300 free tickets for an exclusive sneak peek on October 22, 2026.
A Golden Opportunity for Ilonggo Youth
The free ticket initiative is designed to bring the arts closer to every Ilonggo, especially children and young people. Mayor Raisa Treñas announced that the first 150 qualified participants will receive two free tickets each for the 4:00 PM sneak peek at the Rose Memorial Hall in Jaro.
To qualify, participants must share the official Facebook post publicly, tag the person they want to watch with, and explain why. A screenshot of the shared post must then be uploaded to the comment section of the announcement. This digital engagement campaign aims to spark widespread community interest and make classical ballet accessible to a broader audience.
A Timeless Tale Reimagined on Stage
Ballet Manila’s adaptation, choreographed by artistic associate and principal dancer Gerardo Francisco Jr., transforms the beloved epic poem into a vibrant dance spectacle. The story follows three princes—Pedro, Diego, and Juan—on a perilous quest to find the mythical bird whose healing voice can cure their ailing father, King Fernando.
The production has earned critical acclaim, including Best Outstanding Production at the 30th Aliw Awards and multiple honors at the Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards. Its themes of family loyalty, forgiveness, and the triumph of good over evil remain universally resonant, making it accessible to both longtime ballet enthusiasts and newcomers.
The main public performance is scheduled for October 23, 2026, also at 4:00 PM. This follows a successful run at the Areté in Ateneo de Manila University, where the production captivated audiences earlier this month. The Iloilo stop reinforces the city’s status as a thriving hub for arts and culture in the Visayas.
One Ticket, Two Unforgettable Shows
For the October 23 performance, ticket holders gain complimentary access to a second production: “Lubid: Untangling Misconceptions and Resilience in Parkinson’s Disease,” scheduled for November 11, 2026, at the same venue. This NCCA-granted project explores the realities of Parkinson’s through artistic expression, adding a layer of social advocacy to the cultural experience.
This dual-performance format offers exceptional value—one ticket opens the door to two meaningful productions. It reflects a growing trend in the arts where entertainment and education intertwine, inviting audiences to engage with both classical storytelling and contemporary health issues.
Tickets for the main show are available at three tiers: Patron (₱700), Premium (₱500), and General Admission (₱350). Interested attendees can scan the QR code on the official poster or contact Ballet Manila directly for reservations. Given the production’s reputation, early booking is highly encouraged.
Partnerships Elevating Local Culture
The event brings together key partners, including SM City Iloilo, the Iloilo City Government, and the Sayaw for Parkinson’s Disease Organization, Inc. Their collaboration demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships in elevating local cultural programming.
By hosting a world-class production like “Ibong Adarna,” Iloilo City continues to strengthen its reputation as a premier destination for arts and heritage tourism in Western Visayas. The initiative invites residents and visitors alike to witness the magic of live performance while supporting local artists and advocates.
