As soon as I entered the Kalayaan Centre on the evening of June 10, I was ready for CARTAS DE AMOR together with the full-packed audience!
Background: The play Cartas de Amor meaning Love Letters, created by Josephine Roces Chavez, presents the tragic tale of romance between our national hero, Jose Rizal, and his greatest love – Leonor Rivera. The musical features an array of kundimans serving as a rich backdrop to this ill-fated love story that did not survive the political tones toward the end of Spanish colonization (1521-1898). We all know Rizal’s advocacy for reforms led to his early death at the age of 36.
Rivera’s romantic relationship with Rizal lasted for about eight years all through. She was immortalized by Rizal as the character María Clara in the Spanish-language novel Noli Me Tangere. Theirs was a forbidden love, the parents of Leonor were afraid that their daughter’s association with a filibustero (Rizal) may cause political upheaval – so all the letters between them were intercepted and destroyed. (Historical accounts said that in the lining of Leonor Rivera’s Maria Clara, the love letters of Jose Rizal were hidden, and another source said that Leonor had burned their letters and the ashes were sown in the lining of her gown). Leonor was forced by her mother to marry Charles Kipping, an English engineer.
Charles Kipping and Leonor Rivera Kipping had one child (Carlos), four grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. Three years after Leonor’s death in 1893, Charles became ill and sailed to Britain for medical treatment, where he eventually passed away. Interestingly, Carlos Kipping married Lourdes P. Romulo, sister of Filipino journalist statesman and diplomat, Carlos P. Romulo.
Note: Dr. Ma. Lourdes Kipping (daughter of Carlos Kipping, Jr. who is the grandson of Leonor), tells the Philippine Daily Inquirer how as a child, she would itch from wearing formal attire made from piсa fabric. She questioned her parents about why their whole family had to be present at the ceremonies when they were not related to Rizal.
For many Filipinos and historians, Leonor Rivera was Rizal’s only true love, despite names such as Dolores, Felipa, Margarita, Ursula, Nellie, Vicenta, Suzanne, Consuelo, Osei-san, Seiko, and others who were charmed by his good looks and witty manner. (What about Josephine Bracken?) Such is the significance of Rivera’s legacy that her descendants are always accorded a place of honor at Luneta Park every December 30.
And so, there we were seated, totally enamored by this play. Actually one of the very best I have seen!.
The performers of Cartas de Amor were outstanding: Leandor Mendoza as Jose Rizal, Josephine Chavez (yes, the author of this play) as Leonor and this great pianist Cristina Patricio Sanchez. Masterful direction by Rey Tamayo who told us “This is the first time the full production was shown at the KCCC, an excerpt was shown before…”
I was astounded by Josephine whose vocal chords could easily shift from a lilting melody like Pamaypay ng Maynila to a soulful interpretation of Nasaan ka Irog with such amazing prowess. Add to this her gifted craft of sharing her sentiments as she penned love notes to express a deep longing for her lover, Jose.
Leander’s versatility raised my enthusiasm, he’s a natural! His stage presence added to his charm and I found myself singing with some of the lryics I am familiar with. But it was when he did Bayan Ko that truly affected me. “..At sa kanyang yumi at ganda, Dayuhan ay nahalina,
Bayan ko, binihag ka, Nasadlak sa dusa, Ibon mang may layang lumipad…” The thunderous applause from the audience confirmed it’s the favorite song of the night.
Let us listen to their responses to my questions starting with Josephine (Leonor). Josie, an accomplished actress and concert artist, has a Business Administration degree from Maryknoll College and Bachelor of Music degree from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. Her favorite roles include Carmen in CARMEN, Walang Sugat and Maria Clara in Ryan Cayabyab’s Nolie Me Tangere.
Q: Is this the start of more ‘romantic/musical’ plays featuring our heroes? That will really spark more interest from the viewing public.
A: It is my hope that CARTAS DE AMOR will inspire people to create programs that will feature significant persons in our history. Love stories are good vehicles for giving history lessons in a more palatable way. Most people are more interested in romance rather than history.
Q: Maybe you can also bring this project to other countries as well – ang ganda ng concept. Any plans?
A: This project began in the Philippines and has now been performed in the U.S. and Canada. It would be a great honor to perform it in other countries. There are no plans to take it abroad at the moment but a few people have shown interest in taking it to other Canadian cities. It is a very simple production since there are really only 3 people required (Rizal, Leonor and the pianist). After it was first staged in Manila in 1996, we took the production to many venues such as schools, parks, offices and even the Supreme Court. We only require a piano, 2 desks and 2 chairs. I must mention the importance of having an excellent pianist such as Cristina Patricio Sanchez. The pianist is not merely an accompanist but serves as the “glue” that keeps the songs and letters woven closely together.
Q: Is there a possibility of you launching a production to specifically focus on plays like this? Why not a movie on this?
A: I really have no plans of launching any production. As to making a movie, I think that’s best left in the hands of other people.
Q: Why did you migrate to Canada?
A: I moved to Canada because my ex-husband was already a Canadian citizen. We got married in the Philippines but decided to try living here. Both my children were born in Manila. We moved here in November 2004. My older daughter was 4 years old and the younger one was only 6 months old back then.
Q: What inspires you to author a project?
A: I choose or create projects that strike a chord in me. For example, I went through a long period of heartbreak many, many years ago. I felt that I had to release this profound sadness and the only way I knew how was through music. So I told my story through song in a program that bore the title Touching Fire. ” Napaso,” in other words.
Q: What was the worst moment of stage fright you ever experienced?
A: The worst moment of stagefright I ever experienced was when I auditioned for the Sydney Opera House. I had a complete mental block and couldn’t remember the lyrics to my audition piece which was the Habanera from the opera Carmen. I ended up singing “la, la, la” throughout the song. Needless to say, I didn’t pass the audition.
Q: How do you handle criticism (if any) about your work?
A: Criticism can hurt deeply but it is inevitable when you are a performer. I accept the fact that I will not appeal to everyone. This is why it is important to know why I am doing something. If even only one person in the audience is moved by my message then I can say that the project was a success. Constructive criticism is actually good because it keeps one humble and provides ways on how to improve.
Leander studied music at UST, and in 1995 moved to Canada, began teaching, peerforming extensively in concerts and musicals. His theater credits include Tateh in “Ragtime, Engineer in “Miss Saigon”, Che in “Evita” among others. He produced and recorded 2 CDs entitled In the Moment: the Broadway Album and Hymns from the Heart.
Q. Why did you migrate to Canada? You could have chosen New York considering your many exposures on stage/theatre? A. It was my parents who pursued moving to Canada. I didn’t know back then in 1995 how I would begin to perform in Canada, but fortunately, I met Fil-Can soprano Eleanor Calbes-Thompson, who took me in as her advanced student, and I started performing in musical productions at the Meadowvale Theatre and that really was the beginning of my music career here and I haven’t stopped.
Q. Do you have plans of expanding/organzing productions based on leading materials from the Philippines?
A: Right now, I am very happy working as entertainer at several retirement homes in Halifax, as well as busy directing my choir called Harana Singers of Nova Scotia, performing kundiman, balitaw, love songs and patriotic songs. It is my mission to promote and preserve our Filipino heritage through music.
Q: How do you usually get into the character of the role you’re performing?
A: I do my research on the character, whether it is historical or fictional and put my own twist too. The portrayal of any character has to come from the truth of the actor playing the part–in short, it cannot be forced or contrived, otherwise it will come across as fake.
Q: Have you ever rejected a project? If so, why?
A: No, unless there are feasibility or logistical issues with the project.
Q: What exactly are your preferences/choices as an actor – the roles you love to do.
A: I love doing character roles, more than the romantic ones. My favourite is The Engineer in Miss Saigon, playing as a sleazy pimp. I can play the part with a lot of energy or drama without worrying how good I look…or not. Hahaha. I also loved doing Che in Evita. It was probably one of the most challenging roles musically but it was a lot of fun.
Q: The biggest obstacles you had to overcome in your chosen career?
A: I would say the fact that there are some people that I have encountered who do not see the value in the craft, the art, especially in this day and age where music and entertainment in general has become overly commercialized and the artistic value has gone way down, meanwhile, the mainstream audience consumes these music and pays lots of money, but not artists like myself or somewhat devalues our work. I think culture is slowly fading as time goes by…in a global scale. Sad.
Q: What’s the biggest advice someone has given you on acting?
A: Tita Eleanor was my mentor. She always taught me to be real. React–Not act. Work hard. Do not cut corners or make excuses. And never be LATE!
The Director, Rey Tamayo, honed his artistic and directing acumen as Stage Director for the Manila Children’s Choir of the National Musical Competition for Young Artists, the longest running musical talent grass-roots development competetive program under the Cultural Center of the Philippines. He was also Associate Professor at the Centro Escolar University and San Beda University.
Q: When you were offered this project, what first entered your mind? Did you fall in love with the idea?
A: It is a great privilege to direct it for the 2nd time. I love this musical play, a Filipino Zarzuela full of aspirations, love and romance. I can relate with the story, the script, music, the melody and lyrics. With two outstanding artists, Josephine and Leander, two professional performers with beautiful voices and talents that I adore, I said yes immediately when it was offered to me again. I think we should do more plays like this in the near future.
Q: Can we do more, based on historical events made accessible by turning them into plays?
A: That I assure you is a BIG yes! I believe in the project and the message it wants to impart to everyone. I’m very proud of the cast. It is timely and many talked with me and they want to show this in Halifax and the Niagara region. I am so astonished and overwhelmed with the response and reaction of the audience. I’m a very happy and proud.
Q: What do you think of the cast? A few words about Leander, Josie and our outstanding pianist.
A: Leander a great actor and singer. Easy to work with, very professional, funny and loves his craft. Josephine, a brilliant writer, diligent and hardworking researcher, passionate artist with beautiful voice. Cristina, a very good pianist and musical director. A perfectionist and meticulous choir conductor.
Speaking of the pianist, Cristina Patricio Sanchez – She obtained her Bachelor of Music degree from U.P. Taught music at both St. Paul’s College and Maryknoll. Migrated to Canada in 1971. She directed Himig Pilipino, one of Ontario’s non-profit Filipino choral groups, presented full production performances. Special mention goes to Judy Montenegro of Kalayaan Centre who didn’t leave a stone unturned in making this a big success. A perfect celebration of our 125 years of Independence. Aba, sold-out!
CHIQUI’s Narito Ako
Being talked about in the community right now is the full support of popular songstress Chiqui Pineda to the film GURO (headlined by Rosanna Roces) produced by Christeta Tabliago, which preem nite coincided with Cartas de Amor. Chiqui composed and sang Narito Ako, Guro’s theme song.
What I like most about Chiqui is her humility, she’s always grounded. She said, “Mr Leander Mendoza and Ms Josephine Roces Chavez of Cartas de Amor are two of my original musical mentors and dear friends here in Toronto. WOW. At nasabay pa our events!!!”
If you recall, 12 years ago, in 2011, Kalayaan Centre presented a concert entitled “Putting It Together” that certainly raised the bar and set a new standard for events of its kind in Greater Toronto Area. The concert then was headlined by Chiqui who made the event her comeback show. Her special guest performers then were Leander and Josie Roces-Chavez. Her musical director was Leander who was also on the piano. The show went international with some Italian and French duets with Josie.
Maybe we’d like to see a reunion soon? Why not?
Meanwhile, we’re headed to Hamilton to watch ERASERHEADS.*****