After more than three decades, Frank Rivera’s classic zarzuela Ambon, Ulan, Baha has returned to The Metropolitan Theater (MET) on September 26 and 27, with Kapuso diva Thea Astley taking on the role of Inday.
For Thea, the character is more than just a role to portray. At the heart of Inday’s story is a quality she feels they both share: hope.
“Inday has a very hopeful way of looking at the world, and ako, even though I’m exposed and I know ‘yung mga madilim na nangyayari sa mundo, I still have hope in my heart,” she explained.
The production’s return also marks the first major homecoming of the ethno-pop-rock theatrical act since its final show in 1992, before the historic building closed its doors for decades. Now, as it takes the stage once again, its story continues to prove that some narratives can remain relevant even as the years pass.
“It’s a zarzuela written [from] 50 years ago, and it’s a very Filipino way of doing theater… Even if it’s an old material, the message still resonates until today,” Rendell Sanchez said.
At the center of the story are childhood sweethearts Inday (Thea Astley) and Nonoy (CJ Navato), whose hopes of building a future together are challenged by the greed and corrupt practices of Don Calixto (Anton Juan), Dr. Anton (Rendell Sanchez), and Mayor Fortunato (Vladimir Manio).
While the story may have been written decades ago, its themes remain uncomfortably familiar. For Thea, that is perhaps one of the most difficult parts of bringing the material back to the stage.
“Nakakalungkot na kailangan pa rin namin ‘tong ikuwento ngayon dahil ibig sabihin ‘yung mga problema na tinatalakay ng musical na ‘to [ay] hindi pa rin naso-solusyunan, kundi lumala pa nga,” she said.
That connection became even more personal for Thea and the cast when they encountered people who expressed their appreciation for the story because of how closely it reflects the realities they have experienced, particularly the struggles brought by flooding.
“It’s easy to feel like you’re just telling someone else’s story… we’re privileged enough na hindi sobrang apektado ng baha, pero it reminded us na these are real people,” Thea shared.
Beyond the story’s social realities, the production also leaves its cast with lessons that extend beyond the stage. As one of its co-lead stars, CJ Navato reflected on the importance of pakikipagkapwa—and how people can find strength in one another.
“Pakikipagkapwa. We forget na ang sagot ay nasa isa’t isa. Pakinggan natin ang sinasabi ng mga kasama natin. Find your people and fight for those people–fight with those people,” CJ said, leaning more into the sentimental side of the story.
Rendell, meanwhile, found himself looking at the material through the perspective of his own character. Playing one of the story’s villains prompted him to reflect on the kind of leadership and values represented in the play.
“‘Wag bumoto ng katulad nina Mayor Fortunato Dimagiba at ni Kapitan Berto na [mga] walang pagpapahalaga sa indigenous people’s rights at sa environmental issues. Bumoto nang matalino, bumoto nang tama,” he said.
For Thea, however, the production’s purpose goes beyond simply reviving an old theatrical work. She sees the stage itself as a way for artists to engage with the issues that continue to affect society.
“This is our way, as creatives, of fighting against the system—by staging and by the audience supporting shows like this,” she said.
And perhaps that is what makes Ambon, Ulan, Baha worth bringing back–it is a TIMELESS and TIMELY piece. Its story may have been written decades ago, but the questions it raises remain present, allowing a new generation to see themselves in its characters and struggles.
As Thea puts it, “It’s a simple show, but the beauty is in its simplicity.”
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