Musical theater makes me emotional.  Let me correct that. Music makes me cry.  A love song plays on my heartstrings in such a way that I normally end up with mascara streaming down my cheeks.  Yes, I am the messy person in the audience who, even during the national anthem, is fishing out Kleenex to mop up the tears.

Last weekend was unusually poignant. I had tickets to “Sound of Music” and an invitation to “Aawitan Kita.”

Where do I begin?

At the awesome Newport Performing Arts Theater, the hills were alive with the sound of music.  Resorts World Manila treated us to three delightful hours of Rodgers and Hammerstein!

Thanks to the genius of video producer Paul Soriano, we were transported to the Austrian countryside via a gigantic LED screen, combining video animation scenes with the action on stage.

We sang “Hallelujah” with the nuns at the Abbey, and waltzed at the elegant residence of widower Capt. Von Trapp. We do-re-mi-ed with his seven children; climbed every mountain and were 16 going on 17 once again.

Capt. Von Trapp was played by Ed Feist in last Sunday’s matinee.  He was excellent as the strict and unbending father of seven, who meets the new governess, unwittingly falls in love with her, and slowly becomes gentle, kind, and lovable.

Accidentally left open

Feist’s first scene was almost spoiled when someone’s microphone, accidentally left open, picked up a conversation backstage. Unruffled, Ed gamely blew several times on his whistle, walked down the regal stairway, and made a grand entrance.

Cris Villonco was Maria. What can I say! She was pitchperfect, vocally impeccable. She owned that enormous stage. Transformed from a rambunctious convent aspirant, to a governess, then to a woman in love, a bride, a wife and mother, Cris was truly Maria!

Fantastic! Brava Cris!

Kudos go to my favorite director Roxanne A. Lapus, who is gifted with a genuine heart for theater. We look forward to more big productions in this world-class theater.

Who needs Broadway?

Did I say that music makes me cry?

Still breathless from getting out of the traffic of Edsa/Guadalupe, we made our way up to the auditorium on the sixth floor of University of Makati. The elevators were crowded, but we patiently waited our turn excited to watch, live, Armida Siguion Reyna’s “Aawitan Kita,” a monthly treat for the senior citizens of Makati.

Although we are Alabang residents, we managed to get invited to this particular presentation.

Okay. I was a mess from “Lupang Hinirang” onward.

We had enjoyed “Aawitan” on television for God knows how many years. But seeing it on stage is a thrill that is hard to describe.

Sets were simple, understated. Costumes, as usual, were classic, graceful, vintage “Aawitan.”  This was Filipino artistry at its finest.

Written and directed by Bibeth Orteza (yes, the lady who wears shoes that don’t match), this “Aawitan” story reminded us of our culture in the light of today’s turbulent climate. It portrayed the Filipino family fractured by the urgency to seek greener pastures, and showed the youth of the land driven to raise voices and take up arms. It sadly and eloquently portrayed the painful exodus of the overseas Filipino worker.

The message spoke of the true Filipino soul, simple, tender and passionate, yet willing to sacrifice it all for the sake of the family and our country.

Rizal’s words

We remembered Rizal’s words in “Mi Ultimo Adios”:

“El sitio nada importa  cipres laurel o lirio,                       cadalso o campo abierto, combate o cruel martirio, lo mismo es si lo piden la Patria y el hogar.”

Highlight of the second act was a heartfelt and stirring interpretation of Constancio de Guzman’s “Bayan Ko.” In the audience, I noticed many fists up in the air. Most of us had tears in our eyes. It is that kind of a song. It stirs your very Filipino soul.

“Aawitan Kita” was on television for 35 years and is now on its sixth year in the University of Makati. It is no doubt a laudable artistic endeavor dedicated to the senior citizens of that fair city.

What a privilege it was to sit in the audience last Friday and weep while listening to Rachel Gerodias’ heart-wrenching rendition of Nicanor Abelardo’s “Mutya ng Pasig.”

It was an honor to stand with the audience to applaud the likes of Gerodias, Lirio Vital, Bo Cerrudo, Richard Reynoso, Cris Villonco, Miguel Castro, Bayang Barrios, Raul Montesa and the inimitable, indestructible, still feisty (if a bit frail) Armida Siguion Reyna, the visionary behind “Aawitan Kita.”

But where were the young people? Is “Aawitan” also available to the youth? Will other educational institutions dare stage “Aawitan” free of charge for their students?  I pray so.

I also pray that these young men and women take enough time (and thumbs?) off their cell phones, iPads, and video games to feast upon scenes of their own beautiful culture, set to unforgettable music.

Maybe, just maybe, they will pick up from that stage an idea or two about the morals and values of that era, customs, and traditions that today seem foreign or forgotten.

I sincerely urge the young and the “not-so-young” to catch, wherever and whenever you can, at least one “Aawitan Kita” presentation.

If it does nothing else, it will make your heart want to burst with pride because you are Pinoy!