a form of art and music in which dramatic work, combining musical score and text (libretto), usually on a well-designed theatrical stage were performed by musicians and singers.

Music is played live by an orchestra or other ensembles and speech is sung. Elements of theater were also integrated such as acting, dance, costume design, scenery and performance.

It has emerged in the mid-19th century when foreign instrumentals and Spanish zarzuela singers came to the country.

Themes of tragedy, romance, treachery, killings, and other facets of human weakness are favorite themes

La Loba Negra written by libretto

Its music contains thrilling contrasts in pitch and orchestration, fast-changing meters and keys, and rich instrument timbres, presenting creepy wolf calls and nightly forest sounds.

Premiered at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in 1984, conducted by the composer himself with the Philharmonic Orchestra. Last full production was performed by the same actors and venue in 1985; Luisa’s aria titled “Napakahaba na ng Gabi” was performed at the composers funeral.

Jose A. Burgos ends the novel with a statement: “Walang ganap na katarungan hangga’t may mga taksil at kriminal na nabubuhay.”

Noli Me Tangera written by libretto premiere

An exquisite tales of revenge and romance by Jose Rizal may have relevance to issues like corruption, church and state relationships, status struggle, and colonial mentality.

Appreciated by the viewers of all ages , as its story is very familiar to Filipinos.

Its performance was made successful and possible, all with full-house attendances: in 1975 and 1987 at the CCP; 2011 and 2012 at UP; 2014 at Resorts World Manila; then back to the CCP in 2017. It is also performed overseas in the different cities in USA from 1988 to 2017. Latest performance was in 2019.

El Fili written by libretto premiere

Composer used more personalized elements to make the music emphasize more on the deeper intentions of the novel. The music was more contemporary and thrilling.

were the Folk Songs performed in the modified and modernized way.

Romantic-sounding melodies of Crisostomo Ibarra were relived in to be darker and crueler being performed this time by Simoun.

The novel was adapted and produced in different media such as theater, TV and film throughout the last century translated in several languages. It has staged by more than 100 production cast and crew members mostly Asian heritage – set with a backdrop of 1890 Spanish colonial Philippines.

Attracted people of all sorts and ages, though it is not used as widely as other dance genres locally due to its high difficulty.

Creative steps are maximized to replace spoken word or sung lyrics and choreography adds more meaning and creativity to the scenes.

It staged three stories writtend by the national artist for literature, Severino Reyes. This ballet performance communicated through dances that people understand the tales of Grand Basyang.

Presented the first three of the original children’s book retold by Christine Bellen.

Other ballet productions under Lola Basyang include the following stories:

One of the most distinguished Ballet Musicals in the Philippines that took the stage 32 years ago. It is based on the Indian epic Ramayana, a tale of courage, comedy and magic.