According to Mega’s Sean Castelo III, “For a designer whose work has long been an ode to Filipino craftsmanship, the opportunity was more than just a milestone, but fate in motion.” In his article, he narrates that “as part of his 20th year in fashion, Espina has taken on a challenge both grand and personal: crafting the costumes for Ballet Philippines’ 55th season-ending production. He further states, according to Espina: “It’s actually a Filipiniana. And, you know, the Filipiniana is very close to my heart. This is one thing that I’m very passionate about.”
The author elaborates, sharing, “Directed by artistic director Mikhail Martynyuk, the ballet takes its pulse from Glenn Aquias’ evocative score and moves to the rhythm of Mawi Fojas de Ocampo’s libretto. Loosely inspired by the Grimm Brothers’ The Dancing Princesses, it follows a band of royal sisters who slip beyond the boundaries of their prescribed lives, escaping into a realm where they can be anyone—perhaps even themselves. But where the original tale had twelve princesses, Ang Panaginip expands the vision, multiplying the sisters to eighteen, each a reflection of the Philippines’ eighteen regions.”
In addition, according to the author, “To create for ballet is to understand movement not just as a function, but as a language. Every pleat, every bead, every thread must not only catch the light but also obey the rhythm of a dancer’s body. Espina, who has been a devoted Ballet Philippines audience member since 2019, approached the task with reverence and instinct.”The article states: “Well, actually, it’s tiring,” he admits with a laugh, “but, you know, it’s tiring when you’re not doing anything. So, I want to do things right away when I think of something.” He had been dreaming of designing for ballet long before this opportunity arrived. “As a designer, gusto mo rin naman nakikita yung damit mo on stage, and when they showed me the piyesa, the libretto, I said, ‘this is something I’m interested in.’ So, I want to do this, and it’s Filipiniana, and it’s very me.” Read Sean Castelo III’s full story in MEGA.