Ambon Ulan Baha

“AMBON ULAN BAHA” is a two-hour ethno-rock modern zarzuela that showcases
twenty original musical scores inspired by kundiman, balitaw, ethnic and modern
musical trends with choreography based on ethnic, folk/traditional and creative dances.

An original production of the celebrated Mindanao State University –Sining Kambayoka
( founded by Theater Artist Frank G. Rivera ) in 1978, “ Ambom…” was remounted by
Teatro Metropolitano through NCCA Grant in 1992, also at the helm of Rivera.

This long –time running musicale which predicted the Ormoc tragedy in 1991, highlights
environmental concerns and focuses on the preservation of Philippine forests. It also
deals heavily on Filipino values, the importance of education, religion, family and youth.
It also carries relevant commentaries on socio-economic and political issues of the
times. It aims to educate its audiences especially the youth about issues of urgent and
national importance.

To – date, ARNAI’s “ Ambon, Ulan, Baha” has been sponsored by several organizations
and institutions and has seen more than 500 performances.

The zarzuela’s success in depicting the Filipino lives after almost three decades
after it was first staged, proved its timelessness and its relevance to the evolutions of
Philippine Theater.

Its music, inspired by folk/traditional songs like balitaw and kundiman, formerly
considered provincial “ bakya “ , and unsophisticated as compared to “mainstream” of
legitimate theater, proved to be good venue for improvisation and fusion, thus exploring
and experimenting for new forms.

Its dances: a fusion of folk/traditional, modern and creative movements showcase creative
interpretation of the play’s songs and scene.