At first, kinakabahan pa ako slight kasi baka hindi ko ma-enjoy at maiintindihan yung play kasi prior to the day of watching the play live, I tried looking it up on the internet to get little overview while still making sure na I won't get spoiled too much about the content of the play. While at it, madami akong nakitang about sa play na ito pero di ko rin talaga naintindihan. Pero, I was proved wrong dahil nung actual play doon ko na talagang na-gets yung nature ng play being an absurdism and talagang nag-enjoy ako sobra. In fact, nanakit na yung panga ko kakatawa HAHAHA 😂. Lalo na sa character ni Mrs. Santos, talagang tawa ako ng tawa sa mga lines niya. Plus, sobrang amazed ako on how good the actress played the role of Mrs. Santos. Nonetheless, syempre hindi makukumpleto ang play kapag wala yung ibang characters din na talagang kapag pinagsama sama silang lahat, mananakit talaga panga mo HAHAHAHHAHA🤣. Kaya talagang kudos sa lahat ng mga actors and actresses, at sa buong production team ng Sopranong Kalbo for creating such a wonderful performance. 👏🙌

Moreover, I really love kung paano na despite the nature nitong play ay may matututunan pa rin talagang lesson na sobrang relevant talaga lalo na sa ating mga Pilipino. This is because for me, it was able to shed light on the importance of having a proper and good communication with other people, especially our love ones. This means having a meaningful conversation wherein you listen, understand each other, and think carefully about what we are going to say.😚

Once again, Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you so much, Roleplayers Inc.!!! 💖🥰😍

- Samuel Calungsod😘

Firstly, I just want to say, ang sipon—charot—THANK YOU SO MUCH for giving us the chance to watch this show. It was also my first time seeing a theatrical performance. Like—first na first ko po. I can confidently say that I enjoyed it so much, the timing, the dialogues, the lights, the props and set design—KUDOS TO ALL OF YOU POOOOOOOOOOO AAAAAAAAA-E-I-O-U AAAAAAANG SIPON

To Roleplayers Inc., Sir Ron, Sir Joseph, Teatro Meron, and all of the staff and volunteers who helped in this absurd play,

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! It was beautifully dismantling from the usual narrative prose that I am constantly exposed to. It's perfectly imperfect, ironically 😭 It's also hard to put into words and what I like most about it is the absurdity itself. The spontaneous bursts of phrases and sentences, turning into out-of-context lines like “HUGASAN ANG ******!” that eventually turns into non-sensical babble in the end. The random turns and curves of their dialogues with each other and the utter lack of logic—especially during the part when the Hepe ng mga Bumbero enters 😂 Overall, I am happy, satisfied, and grateful to have been given this chance, and for Sopranong Kalbo to be the first theatrical performance I witnessed live 💗

After watching the play, I have realized things—particularly, in the context of Pinoy mental gymnastics in the family. First, I tried to make sense of it, until it hit me—I'm not supposed to HAHAHAHAHA. So instead of questioning what the meaning is, I tried to ask, why do they say these phrases that are seemingly random but seem to have meaning behind them. If you were to look at the characters, beyond the hair, make-up, and clothes, they're bland. There's no past, no future, no background, no context behind their character. I think there's a part of them that knows this—that they lack the dramatic life of the rich yet have the privilege to spend time to have a discourse over nonsensical things, such as “Ang Sipon” or their continuous exchange of illogical one-sentences. A classic middle class family. They have a life so bland that they try to fill it up with random, illogical, and nonsensical talks in order to feel something. Trying to overcome nothingness—which is what families do when they are disconnected. Not physically, but emotionally. An example is when your matapobreng, seen-once-in-a-blue-moon tita visits during a family occassion. Telling others what she saw, what she thinks, what she felt—even when no one asked. It can also be seen from the tsismosas of the streets to the barber's nonsense stories. There's also the distortion of time, symbolized by the malfunctioning grandfather clock. As the show progresses, not only logic is dissolving, but also the flow of time. Until it ultimately runs out in the end, where Mrs. Santos circles back to the beginning—just spewing out babbles and sounds. If you think about it, words are also sounds that we have put meaning behind—us being humans. In Absurdism, however, meaning does not matter, nor do you have to make or search for it, which is the beauty of this play.

– John Rey P. Borja 🌻

When the play began, I found myself a little confused—things didn’t follow the usual structure I expected 🤔 But as the scenes unfolded, I realized that the genre was absurdism, and that changed everything. The confusion was part of the experience, part of the message. It challenged me to think differently, to embrace the unexpected, and to reflect on the deeper meanings behind the seemingly nonsensical dialogue and situations. 🎭

The cast was absolutely phenomenal 👏 Kudos to all the actors and actresses—your performances were captivating from start to finish. The way you delivered your lines, your timing, your expressions, your gestures—every detail was so precise and powerful. You brought the absurd to life in a way that was both entertaining and deeply meaningful. Super galing po talaga! 💯 I was in awe of your talent and dedication.

But more than just entertainment, the play left me with important lessons. One of the themes that struck me most was the idea of communication within the family—how we speak, how we listen, and how easily meaning can be lost or distorted. It made me reflect on how we connect with the people around us, and how sometimes, even when we’re speaking the same language, we’re not truly understanding each other.❤️

Sopranong Kalbo was more than just a play—it was an experience that opened my eyes to a whole new way of storytelling. It was humorous, strange, and profound all at once 🎭✨ I’m so thankful to have witnessed it, and I’m even more excited to explore more theatrical works in the future.

Thank you again, Sir Joseph, Sir Ron, Roleplayers Inc., Teatro Meron, and Pathways to Higher Education, for this unforgettable first step into the world of theater. I’ll carry this experience with me for a long time. 😍💖

-Michaella V.

It wasn’t just about the humor (which was so smart and well-timed), but also about how it made you stop and think about communication, relationships, and the little misunderstandings that happen in everyday life. The play cleverly reflected the quirks, warmth, and even the chaos that we often see in the average Filipino family and community — things we sometimes overlook but are actually so relatable.

I truly enjoyed how the performance balanced wit and meaning. It made me reflect on how important it is to listen, to understand beyond words, and to see how our connections with others shape the way we live. This was the kind of play that stays in your head long after the curtain closes.

Super grateful for this opportunity and for the effort that went into making it accessible to us. 💗

– Bai Zenith Solano

So eto na nga (eme po), I tried to engage in the play both as an artist and an audience. First, THE LIGHTS. I love the lights po so much like it blends well and so so smooth. Second, wardrobe. Every piece of clothing reflects the character, kahit walang sense 'yung sinasabi, the wardrobe has its own conversation. To wrap my comment up, lastly is the set and design (this includes the props na rin po). They way the blockings does not hinder but rather blends with the set is nice. As someone na naka experience na magperform on-stage and part ng isang prod before, having one location as a set is all fulfilling and also challenging kasi kailangang dynamic pa rin even if 'stagnant'.

Now, I think it reflects the average Filipino fam or community in a way na likas tayong naglilibang at nanlilibang sa mga tao. We try to distract ourselves with stories that we can make, as well as we can creatively tell. Kahit minsan nagkakaalitan o hindi naman kaya hindi pagkakaunawaan, in the end, may pinaghahawakan pa ring koneksyon. Dagdag ko na rin that sometimes nonsense have meaning as long as there is emotion and personal weight on it. Words are reflections of our thoughts after all.

With all said and done, I am so happy to be able to watch this play, with a genre that I hadn't dwelled in before.

- Lirhain (ulanie)

间.

But this one kept me hookeDdd until the veryyy end, and I was still smiling as 1 walked out of the theater with my batchmates.

Even though the play doesn't have a definite storyline, the actors performed so well that I found myself wondering why I couldn't understand the plot (even though there really isn't one)! They were just incredibly good at delivering their cues and bringing the absurdity to life, especially Mrs. Santos, my BIASSSSSS!!!!!

I loved how consistent and alive the energy was from start to finish. I lovelovelovelove it! I even threw my head back laughing like a kid when I finally realized what the play was all about. At first, I was so focused on figuring out why the title is Sopranong Kalbo, ANDD THANKFULLY, that question kept me engaged and made the experience ALLLATT BETTER!!

- Adela Santos 🤍

I really enjoyed watching Sopranong Kalbo by Sir Ron Capinding. I was so excited nung nalaman ko na nakasama ako sa mga manonood ng theatrical performance na ito because I love plays. Despite my hectic schedule, I finished everything on my to-do list para stress-free kapag manonood na po ng Sopranong Kalbo.

Nakakaenjoy po yung mga dialogues, audience interaction, and yung pag-acting ng cast! I was really taking note kung paano nila dinedeliver yung dialogues nila and yung facial expressions nila kasi po I'm terrible at acting, and watching Sopranong Kalbo made me think, "Wow, ang galing naman ng cast. Sana all." Watching this theatrical performance really gave me an idea of what I might be lacking tuwing mag-aact po ako for performance tasks sa school. It really showed me what good acting looks like!

Thank you so much Sir Joseph, Sir Ron, Teatro Meron, Roleplayers Inc., yung staff, and Pathways for this opportunity! I really enjoyed yung absurdity nung play LOL-it's my first time manood ng ganitong klase ng play. Ibang-iba po sa mga pinapanood ko usually. Nung una, I didn't really understand what was happening. I was really confused and kept thinking, "OMG, what is happening right now????" HAHAHAHAHA. Pero habang tumatagal, napapatawa po ako kasi ang galing po ng cast- especially the one who played Mrs. Santos (I love her). I LOVE LOVE LOOOOOVE Mrs. Santos kasi whenever she laughs, natatawa rin po ako LOL XD.

Pero what struck me the most was how Sopranong Kalbo shows the importance of proper communication in a family. The absurd and repetitive conversations reminded me of how we talk a lot but say very little -filling the air with words but leaving important feelings unsaid. Sometimes we avoid serious topics to keep the peace, laugh things off instead of addressing them, or assume everyone already understands us without really listening to each other.

Thank you so much, Roleplayers Inc.!!!!! :)

- Francisca Bernice Cainong

When it was first announced that we were given 10 free tickets, I was so excited and nervous at the same time. I didn’t think I would be chosen since there are so many of us in our batch. Luckily, I was quick enough to grab a ticket as I really wanted to watch the theater play because I’ve always been into art. Before the show, I was already curious and made my own conclusion: “Siguro ‘yung kalbo ‘yung soprano.” It was funny to think that, but I was genuinely trying to make sense of the title (SORRY PO😭).

Even as the show began, I kept thinking about the title—until the character Mr. Ronald appeared. I thought, “Ayan ‘yung soprano!”(I screamed in my head). But as I kept watching, I was worried I wouldn’t understand the storyline—until the end, when I realized there wasn’t one. Because of that, I learned that you don’t always need to overanalyze every word; sometimes, you just have to take things as they are.

In connection with the play to Filipino Families, I think it perfectly portrayed how we treat guests—even unannounced ones—with warmth and hospitality. I also loved Mrs. Santos’ love for food! And don’t get me started on the Bobbys’ family—it was confusing at the same time hilarious (LALO NA PO YUNG KWENTO NG SIPON 😭).

The actors were really great at what they were doing, given that they have been doing it for years already. I am also fascinated by how they can manage to hold their face and not laugh at the dialogues they were throwing, especially when they interacted with the audience.

Overall, I truly enjoyed the show. It was even more fun watching it with my Pathways family. Even after leaving, during my commute, and the next day, I couldn’t stop talking about it to friends and family.

I wish I had expressed myself very well as I don't think words are enough for me to express how deeply thankful I am for this opportunity, Again, THANK YOU PO! 🩷

-Julie Ann Creus

Before the play even started, I already had a funny misconception about it. Just from the title “Sopranong Kalbo”, I honestly thought it was going to be about bald people doing a musical number. But I was wrong—it turned out to be something way more interesting. At first, I didn’t really get what was happening, and I was confused why some people were laughing like they already understood it. My mind kept racing, trying to figure it all out. But then I remembered what Sir Ron Capinding said: just relax and enjoy. So that’s exactly what I did, and from there I started appreciating the play more. All the performances were exceptionally good, and if I had to pick favorites, it would be Ms. Santos and Mr. Martin because they made me laugh the most. After such a long and busy weekend, watching this play was honestly the best stress reliever.

In reflecting on the play, I realized how much it connects to the average Filipino family and community. It reminded me of our everyday conversations—sometimes random or even pointless, but always full of life. We tease each other, share chismis, tell stories, or bring up experiences even when no one asked, and just like in the play, the talk often jumps from one topic to another without direction. Still, it shows the warmth and humor that Filipinos naturally bring into their interactions. At the same time, the play highlighted our resilience—we find ways to laugh and lighten even difficult moments, like the argument between Ms. Santos and Mr. Santos. It also reflected how family roles work: everyone wants to be heard, and even in the chaos, every voice matters. Lastly, it reminded me of our tendency toward miscommunication, where conversations go in circles or don’t fully connect, yet the love and bond remain strong.

In the end, Sopranong Kalbo showed me that through humor, resilience, family roles, and even imperfect conversations, these are the things that keep us close as a community. Thank you again to Pathways, Sir Ron Capinding, and Roleplayers Inc.

- John Clarence A. Guevarra