Philippine Ballet Theatre Premieres “Maria Makiling”

In line with Philippine Ballet Theatre's (Philippine Ballet Theatre) mission to promote Philippine heritage, literature, and oral tradition while advancing the art of ballet, Philippine Ballet Theatre has created another original Filipino ballet. The centerpiece of their 2025 season is "Maria Makiling," a full-length ballet that reimagines the legendary guardian of Mount Makiling. Through powerful choreography, this performance captures the essence of Filipino folklore and serves as a reminder to uphold good values.

Winning Collaborations

Maria Makiling marks the third installment of the creative collaboration of Philippine Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director, Ronilo Jaynario (choreography), and award-winning composer and arranger, Paulo Zarate (original musical score). They are the creative duo behind the successful staging of two original Filipino full-length ballets, Philippine Ballet Theatre’s Ibalon (2023) and Philippine Ballet Theatre’s Sarimanok (2024), which have been well received by audiences both locally and in the U.S.A. Maria Makiling will once again showcase world-class Filipino talent in dance and in music.

Ronilo Jaynario explains, "After creating 'Ibalon,' a hero-based ballet, and 'Sarimanok,' a romantic ballet, I wanted to tell a story that centers on the Filipino community. My goal was 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." Creating this ballet was particularly meaningful to him because the Philippine High School of the Arts in Mt. Makiling, Los Baños, Laguna, was his home for four years. During that time, he heard many stories about "Maria," a household name at his 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. Zarate explains, "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." 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, Philippine Ballet Theatre reached out to Los Banos Tourism office to really ensure that the ballet characterizes Laguna’s diwata in the best possible light. Assisting the creative team was one of Los Banos’ cultural historians UP Los Banos Vice Chancelor for Community Affairs Roberto Cereno, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs.

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

Sharing the spotlight in the role of Maria Makiling are Gabby Jaynario and Jessa Tangalin. Each brings her own voice, energy, and heart to the mythical diwata, offering audiences two beautifully distinct portrayals of this iconic character. Their performances promise to highlight both Maria’s strength and her vulnerability in ways that are deeply personal and moving.

Stepping into the role of Juan, Maria’s love interest, are Matthew Davo and Justine Orande. Alternating in the part, they bring fresh chemistry and different emotional shades to Juan’s journey — from romance to heartbreak, and everything in between.

Maria Makiling will have a limited run from July 5-6, 2025 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre. Co-presented by Philippine Airlines, Philippine Ballet Theatre will have a total of three shows (July 5, 2025 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm, and July 6, 202,5, 3:00 pm). Philippine Ballet Theatre aims to continue its streak of success in Filipino ballets. They look forward to engaging new audiences to get to know what is in the heart of our Filipino stories. 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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Meet the Visionaries Behind Maria Makiling: Choreographer Ronilo Jaynario and Composer Paulo Zarate

As Philippine Ballet Theatre prepares to bring Maria Makiling to the stage, much anticipation surrounds the creative forces behind this powerful new Filipino ballet. At the heart of this production is a remarkable collaboration between two artistic visionaries: Ronilo Jaynario and Paulo Zarate. Together, they have carved a dynamic partnership that continues to elevate Filipino stories through dance and music.

Ronilo Jaynario: The Storyteller Through Movement

Since 2009, Ronilo Jaynario has served as the Artistic Director of the Philippine Ballet Theatre, bringing with him decades of experience and a deeply rooted passion for Filipino culture and classical dance. His journey began at just 13 years old as a select scholar at the Philippine High School for the Arts in Mt. Makiling, Laguna—an early connection that makes Maria Makiling especially meaningful.

After continuing his studies at the University of the Philippines, Jaynario joined the prestigious U.P. Dance Company. His early promise quickly earned him international invitations, including performances at the 1992 Singapore Arts Festival, the Baguio Arts Festival, and the Bay Area Dance Series in the USA.

In 1995, Jaynario officially joined the Philippine Ballet Theatre, eventually rising to Premier Danseur and dancing major classical roles across the globe—including tours in Europe, the United States, Canada, Japan, and more. He also proudly represented the country in the ASEAN Flagship Voyage, which showcased Filipino artistry in ASEAN nations and Europe.

As the youngest and most seasoned Artistic Director in the company’s history, Jaynario is known for infusing his works with authenticity, cultural depth, and a keen emotional sensibility. With Maria Makiling, he continues this tradition by exploring themes of love, loss, and the importance of preserving Filipino heritage.

Paulo Zarate: The Composer Who Gives Soul to the Story

The music of Maria Makiling comes to life through the genius of Paulo Zarate, a multi-awarded composer, arranger, and producer whose contributions to Philippine music span decades and genres. Zarate's resume includes work as a film composer, musical director, music consultant, and record producer. His creations have earned accolades from major institutions including the Awit Awards, Araw Values Awards, Ad Congress, Anvil, and even international recognitions like the Stevie Awards.

As the owner of Studio Z Audio Productions and Recording Studios, Zarate has collaborated with top networks, record labels, and advertising agencies both locally and internationally. He is also the President of RO3ph Studio Corp, a media production company, and a co-founder and former program head of the Music Business Management program at Meridian International College (MINT College).

Zarate’s collaboration with Jaynario is built on mutual trust and creative freedom, giving each ballet its own unique sound. From the heroic themes of Ibalon to the rhythmic richness of Sarimanok, and now to the folkloric charm of Maria Makiling, his compositions are crafted to reflect the heart of each story.

10 Remarkable Books About a Mother’s Love (Published After 2000)

A mother’s love is one of the most powerful forces in the world—unconditional, fierce, complicated, and deeply human. Whether you're a parent, a child, or simply someone who appreciates heartfelt stories, these books explore the many dimensions of motherhood in unforgettable ways.

Here are 10 beautifully written books about a mother’s love, all published in the 21st century:

1. Room by Emma Donoghue (2010)

Told from the perspective of a 5-year-old boy, this gripping novel reveals the unbreakable bond between a mother and son held captive in a small room. His mother’s love is his entire universe—and the force that drives them toward freedom.

2. The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman (2012)

A lighthouse keeper and his wife discover a baby washed ashore and raise her as their own. This moving tale delves into moral choices, loss, and a mother’s deep desire to love and nurture—even when the truth threatens everything.

3. Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng (2014)

In a quiet Ohio town, a teenage girl goes missing. As her family unravels, secrets about race, identity, and maternal expectations emerge. At the heart of it all: a mother’s unspoken hopes for her daughter’s future.

4. The Lost Daughter by Elena Ferrante (2006, English version)

On a seaside holiday, a woman confronts her past decisions as a mother. Ferrante explores the raw, unfiltered emotions of motherhood—love, guilt, frustration, and longing for independence.

5. A Mother's Reckoning by Sue Klebold (2016)

A devastatingly honest memoir by the mother of one of the Columbine shooters. This book is a profound examination of grief, guilt, and the love that remains even in tragedy.

6. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng (2017)

Set in a seemingly perfect suburb, this novel explores different types of motherhood—birth, adoption, sacrifice—and the intensity of maternal love across social and cultural lines.

7. The Push by Ashley Audrain (2021)

This psychological thriller dives into the darker side of motherhood. When a mother starts to suspect something is wrong with her daughter, her instincts are questioned. It's chilling, but rooted in a deep desire to love and protect.

8. Motherhood by Sheila Heti (2018)

This thought-provoking novel poses a big question: What if you love the idea of motherhood, but choose not to pursue it? It’s a bold exploration of identity, choice, and the love women carry within—whether they become mothers or not.

9. Cry, Heart, But Never Break by Glenn Ringtved (2016)

A gentle, poignant picture book about love, loss, and letting go. Though written for children, its message about a grandmother’s love and the beauty of saying goodbye resonates across all ages.

10. Dear Ijeawele by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2017)

In this empowering manifesto written as a letter to a friend, Adichie offers 15 powerful suggestions for raising a daughter. It’s a celebration of maternal love expressed through guidance, strength, and feminist wisdom.

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Motherhood is never one-size-fits-all. These stories remind us that love can be gentle, fierce, conflicted, or even painful—but always deeply human. Whether you’re looking to celebrate your own mother or understand the emotional layers of being one, these books will move and inspire you.

Got a favorite book about moms that’s not on this list? Share it in the comments!