In line with its mission to promote Philippine heritage, literature, and oral tradition while advancing the art of ballet, the Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT) has created another original Filipino full-length ballet – Maria Makiling – that reimagines the legendary guardian of Mount Makiling.

The Filipino ballet production captures the essence of Filipino folklore and serves as a reminder to uphold good values through powerful choreography and captivating music.

Winning Collaborations

The centerpiece of PBT’s 2025 dance season, Maria Makiling showcases an original story rooted in Filipino myth and values. PBT Artistic Director Ronilo Jaynario choreographs the production, while award-winning composer Paulo Zarate creates the original musical score. They reunite after successfully delivering two original Filipino full-length ballets: Ibalon (2023) and Sarimanok (2024). Audiences in the Philippines and the U.S.A. warmly received both previous productions, praising their creativity and cultural significance. With Maria Makiling, Jaynario and Zarate continue their winning collaboration, bringing Filipino heritage to life through music and movement.

Maria Makiling will once again showcase world-class Filipino talent in dance and in music.

“After creating hero-based ballet Ibalon and romantic ballet Sarimanok, I wanted to tell a story that centers on the Filipino community. My goal is to present a ballet that grounds us and evokes a time when love, kindness, and gratitude sustained our communities. This ballet explores the enduring power of love, the pain of loss, and the importance of preserving nature and heritage. Ultimately, it highlights the consequences of a lack of integrity within a community,” shared Jaynario.

Creating this ballet was particularly meaningful to him. Being an alumna of the Philippine High School of the Arts in Mt. Makiling, Los Baños, Laguna, which had been his home for four years, he heard many stories about Maria, a household name at the school.

Composer Paulo Zarate views Maria Makiling as an exciting challenge, characterized by a collaborative spirit of mutual respect that allows both him and Jaynario to enjoy creative freedom. Their shared vision unifies their work.

“We try to set musical identities to each ballet. For instance, in Ibalon, it was more anthemic and big, as a superhero movie would sound. In Sarimanok, it was more rhythmic and percussive, where I played around using meters from 4/4, 3/4, 6/8, 5/8, and 7/8. For Maria Makiling, Ron suggested we go for a more Filipino/Spanish sound, a bit more guitar-driven since both our cultures (Spanish/Filipino) have strong roots with guitar-driven songs like our Filipino kundimans and Spanish flamencos,” said Zarate.

He hopes that the nuances he created to personify each character and the fantasy treatment in the melodies could really allow the story to flourish on stage.

For this ballet, PBT reached out to Los Baños Tourism office to really ensure that the ballet characterizes Laguna’s diwata in the best possible light.

UP Los Baños Vice Chancelor for Community Affairs Roberto Cereno, also one of known local cultural historians, assisted the creative team.

Quick Synopsis

Set in the scenic town of Laguna, Maria Makiling brings to life the cherished myth of a mountain goddess who protects the land and its people. During a harvest celebration, three men — an arrogant Spanish officer, a scholarly educator, and a kind-hearted farmer — compete for Maria Makiling’s affection. Her choice ignites a dark conspiracy, resulting in heartbreak and injustice.

In a poignant climax, nature itself mourns, and Maria Makiling withdraws from the world, choosing to protect it from afar. Though unseen, Maria Makiling’s spirit remains a living force in the land’s prosperity and the people’s hearts.

Casting Choices

Gabby Jaynario and Jessa Tangalin share the titular role of Maria Makiling, each bringing unique energy, voice, and emotion onstage. They portray the mythical diwata with strength and heart, offering audiences two distinct and deeply personal interpretations. Their performances reveal both Maria’s quiet vulnerability and her powerful presence, capturing the spirit of this iconic Filipino character beautifully.

Matthew Davo and Justine Orande step into the role of Juan, Maria’s love interest, bringing fresh chemistry to each of their performances. They alternate in the role and show different emotional layers, from gentle romance to quiet heartbreak. Their portrayals help drive the story’s emotional journey, adding depth and variety to Juan’s character.

Co-presented by Philippine Airlines, Maria Makiling runs on July 5 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and July 6 at 3:00 p.m., at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre. The Philippine Ballet Theatre continues its streak of Filipino ballet productions, aiming to reach new audiences with stories rooted in heritage and heart.

Tickets are available through Ticketworld or the Philippine Ballet Theatre Secretariat. For ticket inquiries, call 09688708887, 09129455151, and +63286711968 or email secretariat@pbt.org.ph

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