Manila, Philippines – The floodgates of the theater have reopened again for the homecoming of the ethno-pop-rock modern zarzuela Ambon, Ulan, Baha, written by multi-awarded playwright Frank G. Rivera, this September 26 and 27, 2026, at the Metropolitan Theater (MET).
Three decades after its premiere, the prophetic Filipino musical Ambon, Ulan, Baha precipitates to the historic MET, bringing both the production and a pivotal era of Philippine theater at center stage.
Spearheaded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) alongside the Metropolitan Theater and producer Pixel Art Media Production Co., the musical is set to make it onstage in time for the ongoing habagat season.
The new staging serves as a poignant cultural commentary, tackling deep-seated issues of commercial greed, social inequality, and ecological crisis.
Written by multi-awarded playwright Frank G. Rivera, the acclaimed ethno-musical presents a timely reimagining of pressing social themes, probing deep into issues of commercial exploitation, economic marginalization, and nature’s retribution to mankind’s recklessness.
In the photo: The 1978 poster of Ambon, Ulan, Baha.
The production originally made its debut during the MET’s celebrated “Second Golden Age” under Rivera’s leadership as founder and artistic director of Teatro Metropolitano, the theater’s resident company at the time. More than 30 years later, its homecoming revisits a significant chapter in the venue’s theatrical legacy while offering audiences a renewed reflection on its enduring social commentary..
Set in the fictional Barrio Magubat, Ambon, Ulan, Baha follows young lovers Nonoy (CJ Navato) and Inday (Thea Astley), whose dreams are disrupted by the powerful Don Calixto (Anton Juan) and his son, Dr. Anton (Rendell Sanchez). Driven by political aggrandizement and self-interest pursuits, the forests are divested, followed by a devastating flood, changing the community’s lives forever.
In the photo: CJ Navato as Nonoy and Thea Astley as Inday.
The musical’s lasting contribution to Philippine theater and environmental advocacy is also cemented by top recognitions, including the 2004 Aliw Award for Best Musical Production and the 2012 Fr. Satur Nery Environmental Heroism Award.
At the heart, the revival stands out as a vital piece of cultural commentary, giving voice to the collective frustration of Filipinos grappling with persistent, corruption-fueled flooding. Transmuting real-world crises into a powerful theatrical narrative, the production offers a timely and resonant reflection of the nation’s socio-political landscape.
Moreover, the return of Ambon, Ulan, Baha is also part of the 52nd anniversary celebration of Sining Kambayoka, the trailblazing theater company led by Rivera at Mindanao State University in 1974.
Reimagined for contemporary audiences, the production brings together some of Philippine theater’s most seasoned creative talents. The artistic team is led by Director CJ Andaluz, Playwright and Principal Composer Frank G. Rivera, and Musical Arranger and Director Pipo Cifra, alongside Choreographer Anthony Cruz, Production Designer Ohm David, Costume Designer Raqs Regalado, Lighting Designer Charlotte Despuez, and Technical Director Roman Cruz.
MET is set to transform and bring life to the stage through immersive projections and visual storytelling; highlighting rainfall and breathtaking aerial sequences, creating an evocative world centered on themes of rain, memory, destruction, and hope.
In the photo: rehearsal at the Metropolitan Theater.
The very essence of the musical play is how it retains and mirrors the stratum of contemporary society, underscoring the impact of human actions to long-term environmental deterioration.
Production Director and Pixel Art Media Production Co. Creative Director CJ Andaluz emphasized that Ambon, Ulan, Baha remains deeply relevant today, drawing directly from real-world political, environmental, and social issues.
The play confronts audiences with an urgent ethical dilemma: Is it ever justifiable to inflict man-made destruction on the natural world in pursuit of economic power and commercial gain?
Tune in to this most-anticipated play this coming September 26 and 27 to witness the downpour of emotions within the historic roof of the Metropolitan Theater.
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For details on this press release, contact Mr. Rene S. Napeñas, Head, Public Affairs and Information Office, through paio@ncca.gov.ph or 0945 788 5698. Visit www.ncca.gov.ph and the Facebook page @NCCAOfficial.
PHOTOS: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1M7xUn71hANEDCbq2T7N39myxKjexNqnN?usp=sharing
