PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

The pre-eminent classical ballet company of the Philippines – the Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT) – held its premiere presentation, “On the Wings of Song” at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center on Tuesday, 18 October 2022, where the ballerinas danced to Original Pilipino Music (OPM[1]) such as the songs of Filipino music icon, Jose Mari Chan. This celebration of Filipino-American History Month was made possible through the collaboration among the Philippine Consulate General in New York, Sentro Rizal New York, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Hiraya Foundation for Filipino American Heritage Preservation.

 Jose Mari Chan’s classic songs, such as “Perhaps Love,” “Can’t We Start Over Again,” and “Please Be Careful with my Heart,” among others, inspired the graceful choreography and elegant costumes of the ballerinas.  

 Other OPM, which served as musical background during the almost 2-hour show, included “Mamang Sorbetero,” “Hiram,” and “Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin.”

 “This month, we not only celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Filipinos to American society, throughout the years, but we also mark this month by celebrating our rich heritage and our world-class Filipino talents,” said Vice Consul Tanya Faye O. Ramiro, in her welcome remarks.

 This was the very first time PBT performed overseas since the COVID-19 pandemic END.

[1] A catch-all term for music produced by Filipinos.