Rama Hari Returns 2024 Samsung Theater Makati

Christel Payseng
3 min readFeb 19, 2024

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“I’ve been heartbroken this year, so what better way to heal than to watch and find solace in the heartwarming embrace of theatre culture and the arts? My friends and I decided to watch Alice Reyes’ Rama Hari at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater. It was brought back due to popular demand, so we were excited to see if the rave reviews were true. The production was prestigious, held at the Samsung Theatre in Circuit Ayala Makati, simply one of the best. Under the direction of Alice Reyes and music by Ryan Cayabyab, the show was highly anticipated.

As we entered the theatre, we noticed some of the most respected names in the TV, film, and theatre industry in attendance. General Luna actor John Arcilla and Direk Lauren Dyogi were among them. This made us believe that there was something truly special about this theater show, and indeed there was.

With former DOT undersecretary Edu Jarque, and former CCP President Nestor Jardin and Luxury brand strategist Kingsley Medalla

Although I didn’t entirely understand the story of Rama and Sita, I knew it held great importance. Rama, a great warrior prince, falls in love with Sita, and they undergo many challenges and tests.

The show was beautifully directed and written. Even if you’re not familiar with this Hindu tale, you can feel the love between the characters. It felt real, and honestly, it was comforting to witness the love of Rama and Sita and the graceful flow of the ballet dancers. The form and grace of the performers, along with their enchanting voices, held us captivated. We didn’t realize that two hours had passed. Even top TikTok content creators and my friend, a luxury media strategist, came to watch, and we all agreed it was heartfelt.

The Artistic Director for Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP) Ronelson Yadao; PR & Digital marketing strategist Christel Payseng; National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes; conductor of the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth Toma Cayabyab, and Kingsley Benedict Sode Medalla.

We were given the chance to go backstage to talk to the actors, dancers, and other performers, which felt awesome and special. After that, we went outside to enjoy the balcony of Ayala Circuit Makati. It made me realize that love is everywhere. Though I may be heartbroken, love never truly disappears. If you appreciate life, friends, family, and attend beautiful events like this in the Philippines, you’ll truly appreciate life. God is truly good.

Vien King as Sita and Arman Ferrer as Rama.

I hope you also find the time to watch and support theater shows like this because they teach the heart something that will last a lifetime. Rama Hari is showing until Feb. 25, 2024. You can get tickets at premier.ticketworld.com.ph.”

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RAMA, HARI (February 17, 2024)

The best Filipino rock opera ballet, and the only collaboration that features the masterful works of five National Artists, Alice Reyes for Direction and Choreography, Ryan Cayabyab for Music, Salvador Bernal for Production Design, and Bienvenido Lumbera for the lyrics and libretto with English Translations by Rolando Tinio. Presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, in partnership with the Metropolitan Theater, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

- Alice Reyes

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Christel Payseng

Writer, PR Media, Literature Hobbyists, Digital Marketer