Category: BP Bulletin

From all of us at Ballet Philippines, we celebrate the courage, artistry, and freedom that make us proud to be Filipino.

Happy Philippine Independence Day!

#BP56 #IndependenceDay2025

 The feature showcases how Filipino identity shines on the global stage as Ballet Philippines and Carlo Calma unite dance, architecture, and indigenous weaving at the Philippine Pavilion in Osaka.

Entitled “Cultural Narratives Intertwined,” Daily Tribune’s article says that Filipino identity takes the spotlight at Expo 2025 Osaka, where heritage, innovation, and artistry converge. In its 56th season, Ballet Philippines (BP) presents a groundbreaking collaboration with visionary artist Carlo Calma at the Philippine Pavilion—an immersive space that unites dance, architecture, and indigenous craftsmanship.

The story also shares that the pavilion, designed by Calma brings together the largest collaboration of Filipino community weavers ever assembled for a single project. Featuring over 1,000 handwoven rattan elements and more than 200 indigenous textiles, the structure pays homage to traditional craftsmanship while reimagining it for the future. Its flowing, organic form, inspired by the act of weaving, embodies the Expo’s theme: “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”

Furthermore, the article says that within this setting, Ballet Philippines performs two original works—Weaving Looms and Threads—choreographed to echo the movement and spirit of the pavilion. Performed daily at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. through June 15, the pieces reflect themes of resilience, transformation, and unity, offering audiences a deeply moving portrayal of cultural continuity.

Commissioned by the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, Ballet Philippines returns for a second performance series in October. The Philippine Pavilion stands as a powerful cultural statement—where nature, culture, and community are woven together for a better, more inclusive future. Read the full story by Luis Espiritu here.

The feature reports on the Philippines’ historic debut at Expo 2025 Osaka, where Ballet Philippines transforms architecture into a living stage at the Philippine Pavilion.

In a feature story titled “PH Breaks New Ground at Expo 2025 with First Live Performance Facade,” ABS-CBN reports that the Philippines is making history at Expo 2025 Osaka with the debut of a world-first live performance façade, brought to life by the internationally renowned Ballet Philippines.

According to the article by Iya Lorainne Baring, the Philippine Pavilion transforms architecture into a dynamic stage through daily performances titled Weaving Looms and Threads, running until June 15. Staged within and behind the Pavilion’s intricately handwoven rattan façade, the performances offer a multisensory experience, where dance, design, and heritage intersect.

The facade—designed by architect Carlo Calma—is inspired by the traditional Filipino act of weaving. With over 1,000 handwoven rattan elements and 200 indigenous textiles, the structure serves as both a cultural monument and an evolving canvas for movement and storytelling.

ABS-CBN notes that the performances are held twice daily at 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM, offering Expo visitors a rare opportunity to witness a groundbreaking collaboration where the building itself becomes the stage and the dancers bring Filipino identity to life. Read the full story by Iya Lorainne Baring here.

An intimate dinner at the Philippine Pavilion celebrates cultural diplomacy during the Osaka International Expo 2025 performances.

Ballet Philippines President Kathleen “Maymay” Liechtenstein, together with the company’s dancers, hosted an intimate dinner at the Philippine Pavilion in Osaka to honor Philippine Consul General Voltaire D. Mauricio.

The event coincided with Ballet Philippines’ ongoing performances in Japan as part of the Osaka International Expo 2025, held in partnership with Philippine Airlines and the Philippine Tourism Board.

Also in attendance were Mrs. Maribel Calma and Ballet Philippines Communications Head Ping Valencia, as seen in the photo.

To the queen of our hearts, today and always. Like a true ballerina, you move through life with grace, strength, and poise. You make even the most demanding roles look effortless. Happy Mother’s Day to the amazing women who inspire us every day. 

Meet Ana, an OFW nurse whose story we brought to life through dance in Limang Daan. Her grace and resilience mirror the spirit of ballet itself. Mabuhay ang manggagawang Pilipino!

Today, April 9th, we honor the courage and sacrifice of the brave men and women who stood their ground in Bataan during World War II. Their unwavering spirit, forged in the crucible of war, serves as a lasting reminder of the price of freedom and the resilience of the Filipino people.

At Ballet Philippines, we pay tribute to their heroism not only through remembrance but through action—by sharing the transformative power of dance, art, and culture with our modern-day heroes. Through our Men in Uniform program, we open the doors of the theater to members of the Armed Forces, inviting them into a world where movement speaks the language of history, hope, and healing.

Each performance becomes more than a show; it becomes a living celebration of the very freedom our soldiers fought to protect. It is in these moments—when curtains rise and stories unfold—that we remember not only the past but also reaffirm our commitment to honor those who serve today.

This ongoing tribute was beautifully reflected during the gala night of Christmas Fairytales, where Ballet Philippines President Kathleen Liechtenstein welcomed guests from the Philippine Air Force. Their presence served as a powerful reminder that the strength of a nation lies not only in its defense, but in the unity of its people through shared culture and expression.

Through dance, we honor our heroes—past and present—and ensure that their legacy lives on in every step, every story, and every stage.