I found this interesting article by Steven Sharp, Quora.
The Philippine opera and Philippine ballet are two distinct forms of performing arts in the Philippines, each with their own unique characteristics and history.
Philippine opera, also known as "Kundiman opera," is a form of musical theater that combines elements of Western operatic singing and storytelling with traditional Philippine music and dance. It emerged in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period and was heavily influenced by the zarzuela, a form of Spanish musical theater.
In Philippine opera, the performers sing in a blend of Western and Philippine languages, often with dramatic and emotional intensity. The stories told in Philippine opera often revolve around themes of love, heroism, and social justice. The musical accompaniment is typically provided by a small ensemble of Philippine instruments such as the guitar, bandurria, and kulintang.
On the other hand, Philippine ballet is a form of classical dance that originated in Europe but has been adapted and developed in the Philippines. It typically features dancers performing intricate and graceful movements to classical music, often telling a story or conveying a particular emotion through their movements.
In Philippine ballet, dancers usually wear pointe shoes and tutus, and perform choreography that requires a high degree of technical skill and athleticism. Philippine ballet companies often perform works by famous European choreographers, as well as pieces created by Filipino choreographers that incorporate Philippine cultural elements.
Overall, while both Philippine opera and Philippine ballet involve storytelling and performance, they differ in their specific forms, techniques, and cultural influences.
