Noli Me Tangere: The Opera - My First Opera Experience

Indeed, there is a first for everything. I have watched theater plays before, may it be musical or straight plays, but never have I watched an opera ever... Until that night.

We were invited to see Noli Me Tangere: The Opera by one of our organization's (KMBI - Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay Inc.) Board Of Trustees, Ptr. Francis Nicolas. I don't want to waste the opportunity to witness an opera done in Filipino so after I was asked, I immediately said, "YES!" I remember Noli Me Tangere from  my junior year in highschool and how I, actually, find it very dramatic and moving; hence, I have high expectations for this production.

Outfit post with my girlfriends! (Image Source: Instagram.com/Gelleesh)

So maybe I'm not one of those wearing a Filipiniana but I think I dressed up nicely for the occasion. I was wearing my Erzullie dress that night, a pair of strappy heels from People are People and a handbag from Penshoppe to add that  pop of color on my outfit.

#Selfie before the production starts (Image Source: Instagram.com/Gelleesh)

We were given good seats (thank you, Ptr. Francis!) so, it was enough to not overwhelm you but still good enough to see the stage and the performance.  The production started with  the dinner event at Kapitan Tiago's house and Crisostomo Ibarra's return after 7 years of attending school in Europe. Two thumbs up to the amazing performance of the singers as they really did send shivers up and down my spine. One of the most highlighted performance of the night was Sisa's (Antoni Mrndezona) solo. I was really amazed and moved at how she portrayed the role very well and sing superbly at the same time!

I must say, though, the ending was quite abrupt. I understand that a lot of things had to be cut because of how long the novel really is, but, the emotions weren't built up well for a dramatic and tragic ending which is how I felt after I finished reading the novel way back.

KMBI Philippine Coordinating Office & Operations Staff  with BOT, Ptr. Francis Nicolas

KMBI staff representing the organization for Noli Me Tangere: The Opera's Gala Night

Over all, it was an amazing experience and I was really focused on the production the whole two and a half hours (if I'm not mistaken). I didn't even take advantage of the bathroom break! It is a must-see and, definitely, something all Filipinos would really be proud of. You've been spending a lot of money on concerts by international celebrities and in foreign theater productions as well; why not spend your well-earned money to support something that we, Filipinos, created?

Just a little tip to everyone... Please refrain from talking too loud when watching the opera. We all know the story of Noli Me Tangere so no need to continuously talk about it with your friend during the production and then comment on the performance of the artists. Do all those AFTER the production. A little respect, please (Yes, some people close to my seat wouldn't stop talking LOL). Oh, and as a respect, no photos of the performance... I think it's not allowed as well, anyway.

For more information, visit www.nolimetangeretheopera.com. I think they give a discount to students! Good news, no?