Award-winning Filipino musical “Ambon, Ulan, Baha” returns to the Metropolitan Theater (MET) on September 26 and 27, bringing its powerful story of environmental destruction, social inequality, and the consequences of unchecked development to a new generation.
Written by multi-awarded playwright Frank G. Rivera, the ethno-pop-rock modern zarzuela is presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Metropolitan Theater, and produced by Pixel Art Media Production Co.
The production marks a full-circle homecoming for the musical, which was last staged at the MET in 1992 under Rivera’s Teatro Metropolitano. It was the final production presented at the historic theater before it closed its doors.
Set in the fictional Barrio Magubat, the musical follows young lovers Nonoy (CJ Navato) and Inday (Thea Astley) as their community faces the consequences of a logging concession pursued by the powerful Don Calixto (Anton Juan) and his son, Doctor Anton (Rendell Sanchez). As forests are destroyed in the name of progress, the community eventually faces a devastating flood.
First staged as “Kaingin” in 1976 and expanded into “Ambon, Ulan, Baha” in 1978, the musical has remained relevant for nearly five decades. Its themes resonate strongly today as Filipino communities continue to face typhoons, floods, landslides, and other impacts linked to environmental degradation and climate change.
The 2026 staging is directed by CJ Andaluz, with Rivera serving as playwright and principal composer. The creative team includes Pipo Cifra (Musical Arrangement and Direction), Anthony Cruz (Choreography), Ohm David (Production Design), Raqs Regalado (Costume Design), Charlotte Despuez (Lighting Design), and Roman Cruz (Technical Direction).
The cast also includes Nazer Salcedo, Onyl Torres, Shermaine Santiago, and Sweet Buchanan, alongside the Taumbayan ensemble and Koro of Tanghalang Bagong Sibol.
The production further incorporates Filipino indigenous traditions through the participation of Manlilikha ng Bayan Rosie Godwino Sula, whose T’boli epic chanting adds another layer of cultural depth to the musical.
“Ambon, Ulan, Baha” has received the 2004 Aliw Award for Best Musical Production and the 2012 Fr. Satur Nery Environmental Heroism Award.
Nearly 50 years after its creation, the musical returns with a question that remains urgent: Have we truly learned from the consequences of our actions against nature?
Performance Schedule
September 26, 2026
2:00 PM – Matinee / Press Preview
7:00 PM – Gala Performance
September 27, 2026
10:00 AM | 2:00 PM | 6:00 PM
Tickets: Reserved Seating – PHP 1,500 | General Admission – PHP 1,000
Available via Ticketnation.ph or visit https://bit.ly/aubtickets.
“Ambon, Ulan, Baha” is presented by the NCCA and Metropolitan Theater and produced by Pixel Art Media Production Co.
