MANILA, Philippines – PETA’s adaptation of Floy Quintos’ “The Kundiman Party” breathes life into the fading art of the kundiman. With the compositions of Nicanor Abelardo, and the poetry of Huseng Batute, The Kundiman Party is more relevant today than some might think.
A soprano in decline, Maestra Adela has long retired from the limelight and only takes pleasure in teaching young singers. She takes in a protege Antoinette—a stark contrast to her fierce and age-worn character.
Antoinette is a young soprano in search of her voice, and introduces her suitor Bobby to the Maestra and the close circle of titas: Tita Mayen, Tita Helen and Tita Mitch, who later uncover Bobby as the rebel son of Senator Juancho Valderama.
Maestra Adela’s world is divided into generations, from her glorious days as the first Filipino to perform in the Teatro Alla Scala in Milan, to eventually becoming the breakout rebel to the surprise of her elite patrons, and finally leaving the spotlight to find solace in the corners of her house.
Between La Scala and Mendiola, between patriotism and patronage, the Maestra made her life decisions as she felt for her country. Unfortunately resulting into the damage of her vocal cords shortly after 1986. Thinking that her sacrifices were futile, she has tried to bury her ties with history and role in the revolution.
More than history
Once he found out Maestra’s role in the revolution, Bobby went on a quest to introduce the Maestra to the millennials on social media. With the trusty pianist Ludwig and the backing of her close circle of friends, Maestra Adela eventually decided to take a stand and do right by her nation as an artist.
The plot then weaves the artful kundiman into current political and social issues, being fought by millennials both behind the keyboard and on the streets. Using her students’ rendition of Mutya ng Pasig and Nasaan Ka Irog, Maestra Adela would annotate how the songs were larger than life and history, and can provoke strong emotions as they did before.
Leading the cast as Maestra Adela is Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino. Miah Canton plays Antoinette; Rica Nepomuceno as Melissa; Gabriel Paguirigan as Ludwig; Boo Gabunada as Bobby Valderama, and Nonie Buencamino as Senator Juancho Valderama.
Titas of Manila
Made more vibrant by the trio of titas safeguarding the best interests of Maestra Adela, The Kundiman Party casts once again Frances Makil-Ignacio as the feisty Tita Mayen, Stella Cañete-Mendoza as the nurturing Tita Helen and Jenny Jamora and Missy Maramara as the sexy, savvy Tita Mitch.
The Kundiman Party bridges three generations into one cause and courageously fight with their means, for their nation.
With a stellar cast and a compelling storyline, it goes without saying that it is a delight to watch The Kundiman Party. But more than that, The Kundiman Party is an essential watch, not only for reintroducing the timeless kundiman but for its insight about our societal landscape.
The Kundiman Party is written by Floy Quintos, with direction by Dexter M. Santos, Nour Houshmand as assistant director, production design by Mitoy Sta. Ana, Krina Cayabyab on music design, Meliton Roxas on lights design, Io Balanon as technical director, and Steven Tansiongco as video and graphics designer.
The Kundiman Party has remaining performances on May 30, and 31 and June 1, and 2. Visit their Facebook page for details.
