THERE ARE MANY ways to end a long workweek—Netflix, power nap, tsaa sa balay, or pretending to answer emails while actually scrolling Facebook. But last Saturday, thanks to the generosity of Ms. Leony Garcia, my SEA Inc. colleagues and I found ourselves choosing a far more magical option: falling straight down the rabbit hole into Ballet Philippines’ Alice in Wonderland.
We were not ready—and we loved every minute of it.
A Wonderland Reimagined… Literally
Before stepping into The Theatre at Solaire, I thought I knew Alice in Wonderland. I grew up with the book’s eccentric characters, bizarre logic, and that one chaotic tea party that felt like a family reunion. But Ballet Philippines had other plans.
This production—part of their 56th Season lineup—was “Alice like you’ve never seen,” and that promise proved true the moment the lights dimmed.
Choreographed by Artistic Director Mikhail Martynyuk, this adaptation blended breathtaking ballet with comedic pantomime—a combination I didn’t know I needed in my life until last night.
The moment Alice chased the White Rabbit across the stage, we were hooked. Suddenly, we were children again—wide-eyed, confused, delighted, and whispering “Ay, grabe ka-ayo” at every turn.
The SEA Inc. Team, Fully Immersed
There’s something delightful about watching your co-workers react to pure whimsy.
One seatmate gasped so loudly when Alice shrank after eating the enchanted cake, I thought she’d fall off her seat. Another couldn’t stop laughing at the Caterpillar, who somehow managed to look both philosophical and sassily unbothered—exactly the energy we all aspire to bring to Monday meetings.
And the tea party scene? Chaotic brilliance. The Mad Hatter, March Hare, and Dormouse danced like they were fueled by six espressos and zero inhibitions. It was joyful, nonsensical, and oddly therapeutic—kind of like our internal planning sessions, but with better costumes.
A Ballet That Talks Without Talking
What struck me most was how storytelling unfolded beyond words—just as Martynyuk intended. Through movement, mime, humor, and expressions that transcended language, the dancers conveyed everything: Alice’s curiosity, her courage, her confusion, and ultimately, her transformation.
As she stood up to the Queen of Hearts—who, by the way, delivered camp, comedy, and pure diva energy—it was impossible not to root for her.
And when Alice finally cried “Stop!” bringing the dream to an end, I felt that.
(Imagine shouting that during deadlines. Instant peace.)
A Reminder We Didn’t Expect
What made this experience stay with me was the message behind the magic:
Courage, imagination, and staying true to yourself.
As Ballet Philippines President Kathleen Liechtenstein said, productions like this celebrate not just creativity, but the Filipino artistry that shines on the global stage. And watching those dancers—precise, expressive, fearless—you feel that pride in your chest.
For a moment, I stepped out of the world of reports, community work, and advocacy—and into a reminder that imagination also builds safer, kinder worlds.
The Magic Behind the Tickets
Of course, none of this would have happened without Ms. Leony Garcia, whose thoughtful gesture brought us all to Wonderland in the first place.
Her kindness didn’t just give us seats to a ballet—it gave us shared laughter, awe, and inspiration we didn’t know we needed.
We left the theater lighter, a little more joyful, and slightly convinced that flamingos could be croquet mallets if we just believed hard enough.
Final Thoughts from the Rabbit Hole
Alice in Wonderland wasn’t just a show.
It was an experience—playful, imaginative, visually spectacular, and heart-stirring in ways I didn’t expect. A perfect reminder that even adults need moments of wonder.
To Ballet Philippines: bravo.
If you haven’t seen it, follow the White Rabbit (not the candy)—you might just rediscover your sense of wonder.