The likely success of Albay’s initiative to harness arts, culture and romance for socio-economic development could have tremendous implications on Philippine development as a whole.

Three contemporary Filipino artists have fused their talents to help push this objective by collaborating on the stage ballet production of Daragang Magayon, the legend of Mayon Volcano and Albay province to be staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Main Theatre on February 8, 2013.

National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario, a poet and art critic, penned its lyrics; composer Ramon Pagayon Santos crafted its musical score; while multi-awarded writer-researcher Abdon Balde, Jr. introduced new elements and enhanced old Bicol rituals including the fight scenes between the just and mighty god Gugurang and the evil Aswang,

Almario, also known by his pen name Rio Alma, figured prominently in the successful modernist movement in Filipino poetry. Santos was earlier involved in the earlier production of Magayon. Balde heads the recently established Albay Poet Laureate Office, another first in the history of local governments’ tangible respect for the arts.

Daragang Magayon is produced by the Albay provincial government as part of a revitalized tourism development program that would offer guests an opportunity to take a fresher look into Albay’s mesmerising mythical past, magic and mystery .

Those familiar with the Daragang Magayon saga are up for some pleasant surprises. They will find many new things in the rather worn out tale of love and sacrifices, particularly in its ballet interpretation which no doubt will find it a fittingly romantic Valentine fare.

There were stage renditions of Daragang Magayon involving renowned writers, poets, theater artists and musicians through the years, but the 2013 production will decidedly present it with novel dimensions.

The E-dance’s version of the legend, now aptly titled Daragang Magayon: An Istorya ni Mayon, smoothly elicits and provokes new expressions from out of the latent emotions in both old and new complexes of the legend.

With the creativity of choreographer Gerald Mercado of eDance, new dance movements that are uniquely Filipino, both in techniques and aesthetics, and the use of ethnic Filipino instruments, give a stage fare an original aura.