For Lagunense playwright Frank Rivera, art should serve more than simply as a medium to display talent or expertise.
"Ang sining ay hindi basta sining. Ang sining ay hindi basta para ipakita lamang na magaling akong magsulat, magaling akong mag-direk, magaling kayong umarte, magaling kayong kumanta. Iyan ay sining na sakim," he told artists and other creatives at the sidelines of the staging of one of his works, "Ulan, Ambon, Baha," at the Sentrong Pangkultura ng Biñan last September 21.
For the 78-year-old Palanca Award playwright from Paete, art must serve the needs of the people and give them a venue to voice out their concerns, especially during these times when mankind faces increasing threats.
"Dapat lahat sa atin dito ay magkaroon ng tinig na ipaparinig sa lahat at sasabihin ninyong heto ako, heto ang gusto ko sa ating bayan, heto ang gusto ko sa aking daigdig," Rivera emphasized.
Rivera made these remarks during his appearance at the staging of "Ulan, Ambon, Baha" by the Biñan Youth Performance Council (YPC).
Timely staging
The play, billed as a “Sarswelang Pinoy,” was first presented in the 1970’s by the Sining Kambayoka Ensemble of the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City, a theater group which Rivera himself founded. It was one of Rivera’s best-known works and has seen numerous stagings in the local repertory since then.
“This visionary work tells the story of Nonoy and Inday as they navigate love, community struggles, and the challenges brought by environmental neglect,” the local theatre group said in its social media page.
“Written by Rivera decades before ‘climate change’ became a familiar term, the play encourages reflection on our shared responsibility to care for the earth and each other.”
For the Biñan YPC, which is celebrating its 20th year as the official and one of the pioneering theater groups in Biñan City, the staging of “Ulan, Ambon, Baha” is both a celebration of theater and a meaningful contribution to community dialogue.
“By reviving this timeless work, YPC hopes to spark conversations on stewardship, resilience, and collective action - using art not only to entertain but also to guide audiences toward a hopeful future,” it added.
On the other hand, BJ Borja, head of the Biñan City Culture, History, Arts and Tourism Office (BCHATO) and founder of the Biñan YPC, sees the staging of "Ulan, Ambon, Baha" as a timely reminder of the environmental risks Biñanenses face.
"[Ito ay] isang paalala na lahat tayo ay may bahagi sa hinaharap – na hindi lang tayo dapat magreklamo o manisi, kundi kumilos at magtulungan para sa ating kapaligiran, sa ating lungsod, at sa isa’t isa,” he said in a social media post.
People’s voices
The Biñan YPC’s performance of “Ulan, Ambon, Baha” includes local talents Euden Patrick Moje, Kristel Bianca Calatin, Rijs Dale Noguera, John Paul De Paz, Brix Bartolome, Wilfredo Alipala, Lester Casalla, Danica Samson, Jury Sanchez, Rinoa Caracas, Joy Orzo, Marlou Navia, Oneal Sanchez, Jenver Mallete, Sheena Gonzales, Addie Lacandazo, Uriel Gomez, and Ronquillo Rubio.
Joining Rivera in the creative team are director Leobhel Cueto, musical director James Tagle, production designer Sigrid Carreon, and choreographer Marlou Navia.
Rivera himself praised the YPC’s staging of “Ulan, Ambon, Baha,” saying that he found in the actors and creative team the kind of art that he had worked to impart in his years as playwright, actor and activist.
"Natutuwa ako dahil ang narinig ko ay hindi lamang ang aking sining o ang aking awit. Narinig ko ang inyong boses, ang inyong pangangailangan – at iyon ay napakahalaga," he said.
“Ulan, Ambon, Baha” premiered to local audiences at the Sentrong Pangkultura ng Biñan from September 19 to 21 and 26 to 28.
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