A rare and extraordinary opportunity has come knocking for a group of young dancers hailing from various regions of the Philippines. Crizza Jayne Acosta Urmeneta, Alyanna Dexel Torte, Chris Jay Malipot, Maron Mabana, and Erica Patoc are set to work alongside National Artist Alice Reyes and perform alongside the artists of Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Professional Artist Support Program (PASP) – Regional Dancers’ Residency Program in the restaging of the highly acclaimed Filipino rock opera ballet, “Rama Hari.”
The CCP PASP – Regional Dance Training Program (RDTP), conceived and managed by the CCP, reflects the institution’s commitment to reach out to regional networks and support the growth of dancers based in various regions. The program offers online dance technique classes taught by some of the country’s finest dance professionals.
Selected participants from the CCP PASP – RDTP, as well as endorsed dancers from various regions, are then chosen to participate in the CCP-PASP Regional Dancers’ Residency Program (RDRP). This program provides regional dancers with a unique opportunity to train at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and other venues alongside the Artists of the CCP PASP.
During their residency, these dancers engage in daily dance technique classes and rehearsals that encompass classical ballet, modern dance, and contemporary dance. They also receive mentorship from guest artists, teachers, and choreographers, including National Artists for Dance. Additionally, they delve into the study of original Filipino dance repertoire, offering them exposure to the highest professional dance standards.
The culmination of the Regional Dancers’ Residency Program involves the presentation of its participants in professional dance production performances alongside the Artists of the CCP PASP, either at the CCP or alternative venues. Stipends are provided to support the participants during their training program in Manila.
Eva Mari Salvador, Associate Artistic Director of the CCP Arts Education Department, emphasized, “At the end of the six-month program, the participants perform in full dance productions and go beyond the program to expand their horizons. The goal is to provide opportunities for regional artists and dancers to experience and perform on professional stages with fellow professional dancers and choreographers in Filipino masterpieces and productions.”
Among the participants, Urmeneta and Torte were part of the CCP PASP- RDTP program, while Malipot, Mabana, and Patoc are newly-endorsed scholars.
Urmeneta, currently a freshman at the University of the Philippines-Tacloban and a graduate of the Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA), embarked on her dance journey at the age of six. She honed her skills, explored various dance genres, and actively participated in dance competitions. Her acceptance into PHSA in 2017 allowed her to expand her knowledge and gain exposure to significant national events.
Torte, a dancer hailing from Laguna, began formal dance classes at Ava’s School of Dance when she was eight years old. She seized the opportunity to join the Maquiling Ballet of PHSA, the school’s resident dance group, and is currently a part of PHSA Senior High Makiling Dance. Torte has also made her mark in dance competitions, including the ABAP Ballet Competition and the Philippine Dancing Cup Competition, where she garnered honors and awards.
Another remarkable regional dancer, Malipot, a Waraynon, pursued his passion for dance and secured a scholarship at Guang Ming College in 2018. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Performing Arts, majoring in Dance, and graduated in 2022. Malipot has received training in modern, ballet, and contemporary dance, with a special affinity for dance improvisation. During his years as a dance scholar, he performed in various productions, including “Encantada (2023)” as “Kalikasan,” “Guardia Civil,” and “Taong Bayan” under the guidance of National Artist for Dance Agnes Locsin. He also participated in “We Men” by Lester Reguindin and “Asong Ulol” by Denisa Reyes in “Pulso Pilipinas I (2022)” under the mentorship of National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes.
Mabana, a dancer hailing from Bicol and currently a student artist pursuing a Bachelor of Performing Arts in Theatre at Guang Ming College, is another regional dancer participating in the restaging of “Rama Hari.”
Patoc, a dance artist from Camarines Sur, Bicol, graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Performing Arts, majoring in Dance. Her piece “Santigwar” won first prize in the WifiBody: New Choreographer’s Competition as part of the CCP Choreographer Series in October 2022. She has been part of JM Cabling’s “I Wanna Say Something” during Alice Reyes Dance Philippines’ Premieres and Encores and is an active member of the Guang Ming Dance Project. Recently, she embarked on a career as a dance teacher for children.
In 2021, the CCP initiated a special program called the CCP Professional Dance Support Program (PDSP) to provide support for professional dancers in the Philippines. The program aimed to address the potential deterioration of dancers’ skills, techniques, and performance excellence, while also offering continued employment opportunities to discourage dancers from pursuing other professions due to a lack of opportunities in their field.
Through grants, professional dancers were able to continue training and performing, while young choreographers had the chance to create new works. Participating dancers produced 11 dance videos and a culminating production called “DANCE ON!” which was streamed online and attracted over 30,000 viewers in two weeks.
In 2022, the program was rebranded and expanded into the CCP Professional Artist Support Program (PASP) to encompass various performing arts forms beyond dance. As the CCP Main Building undergoes rehabilitation, the institution is focusing on extending its reach to regional stages, engaging a broader audience, and nurturing a new generation of talented artists.
Urmeneta, Torte, Malipot, Mabana, and Patoc represent a promising group of emerging Filipino artists who have been given the opportunity to participate in the restaging of “Rama Hari.” The production took place on September 15 and 16 at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila City and is scheduled for September 22 and 23 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati. The production also features dance trainees from Guang Ming College, PHSA, De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, and other independent performers.
“Rama Hari” is a unique collaboration of five National Artists: Alice Reyes for direction and choreography, Ryan Cayabyab for music, Salvador Bernal for production design and costume, Bienvenido Lumbera for lyrics and libretto, and Rolando Tinio for English translations. The rock opera ballet tells the captivating love story of Rama and Sita, who find their happily ever after despite a 14-year banishment and encounters with the antagonistic Ravana and his sister Soorpanakha.
First premiered in 1980, “Rama Hari” features hit songs like “Magbalik Ka Na, Mahal,” “Tagistis ng Ulan,” “Iisa ang Tibok,” and “Awit ng Pagsinta,” among others.
In its latest staging, the rock opera ballet stars Gian Magdangal, Arman Ferrer, and Vien King, taking turns in the role of Rama, with dancers Ronelson Y
