The Kundiman Party: Timeless and Timely

by Gerone Baladhay

When word came out that Floy Quintos’ critically acclaimed play “The Kundiman Party” will once again roost on the theater stage, this time finding home at PETA, murmurs and whispers scattered with both big expectations and unease. Big— because such a well-crafted and thought-provoking story brought a huge impact on its first run a year ago at UP Diliman’s Wilfrido Guerrero Theater, though memorable there is looming uneasiness on its restaging, not in a discomforting kind of way. Rather, an apprehension on how its theme will reach out this post-midterm election period when the country’s political climate is seemingly brewing a storm stronger than before. But the preview show had first-time watchers heavily entertained with the humorously solid lines, soul-touching singing, and relatable connections. Watchers of the first run were pleasantly surprised with the rewriting of several aspects, aptly taking the story to a new level of relevance both as a message and a performance. Simply put, it was immaculate!

Never have a play been so simple yet profound by giving its audience scene after scene that leaves your heart broken by a love story on one page while burdened on the other as it speaks not only of our responsibility to our passion as artists, as a lover, or as part of a family but shakes our fervor for the country we live in.

We are brought again into Maestra Adela’s (reprised by Shamaine Buencamino) iconic house as she teaches a young Antoinette (Miah Canton) on the proper internalization of singing a kundiman; to be disturbed by the arrival of the “woke” titas: Tita Mayen (Francis Makil-Ignacio), Tita Helen (Stella Canete-Mendoza) and Tita Mitch (Missy Maramara alternated by Jenny Jamora on upcoming shows) who just came from a rally.

We are then able to have a first glimpse of some newbies to the party: Boo Gabunada who plays Bobby (Antoinette’s love interest and woke slash millennial slash vlogger), and Gabby Paguirigan who plays Ludwig, Maestra Adela’s pianist who definitely stole the spotlight several times with his flamboyant presence and funny one-liners. Also, as the play progresses, we are introduced to Melissa (Rica Nepomuceno) a struggling self-proclaimed Geriatric Kundiman Diva who Maestra also coaches, and Sir Nonie Buencamino who plays Senator Valderrama (Bobby’s father).

Plot remained true as before, how Maestra Adela in meeting Antoinette’s boyfriend finds herself recalling her past as a nationalistic artist who used music to protest against the very government that put her to the limelight. While worth noting is the elegant portrayal of Shamaine Buencamino partnered by the untiring chemistry of the kundiman party titas and their relatable connections and conversations that hints stimulating messages partnered with humor and finesse.

The narrative had several new facets added to it, and it still collectively portrayed the main theme— resisting tyranny, corruption of the government, and suppression of the people and their human rights. Despite the heaviness of its premise, Director Dexter Santos was successful in making it light, reasonable and very much compelling. Thanks also to the magic brought by the transcending of kundiman from music to a tool for emotions to speak truth to power. Compared to its first run, this year’s production played well with various factors such as the “woke” culture and shocking trends which are relatable to the post-election atmosphere.

High praise to Canton and Nepomuceno who gave justice to the legendary works of Nicanor Abelardo and Francisco Santiago with their singing prowess. Nonie Buencamino gave a delightful representation of fatherhood and politics which he sealed with that memorable “in your face” skirmish on his scene with Gabunada.

In the end, The Kundiman Party at PETA Theater, was both timeless and timely. Timeless for it will forever be a masterpiece and will not cease to be one, and timely as it talks of a crucial need to approach and implement social responsibility especially in these trying times of social turmoil.

A well deserved standing ovation during the press preview.

This is a party where everyone is invited and this is a party you wouldn’t want to miss!

The Kundiman Party will be running from May 24-June 2.