Meet the young Bulakenyo cast breathing new life into the iconic ‘Atang’ revival

Rising Bulakenyo performers revive legendary historical icons live at the Nicanor Abelardo Auditorium this September. 

On the historical stage of the Nicanor Abelardo Auditorium, a quiet yet formidable revival is underway. As regional theater re-establishes itself as a vital anchor for cultural memory, three young Bulakenyo performers—Jeanna Maurice Lapada, Jihad Yahya, and Kathlynn Tolentino—stand at the absolute center of this movement.

Jeanna Maurice Lapada: Carrying the weight of Atang

For graduating PLM voice major Lapada, taking on the dual role of Gia Almonte and the young Honorata “Atang” de la Rama was transformative.

“At first, sobrang kaba po syempre. Kasi bukod sa first time kong maging lead sa isang play, na-intimidate rin talaga ako sa role,” she narrates. “I felt the weight of the character, and honestly, nakakatakot po siya. Pero at the same time, excited din ako.”

Her audition unfolded unexpectedly while gigging in QC, receiving a call directly from mentor Nonie. Buencamino. Accompanied by her partner Jihad, she auditioned at the Buencamino home, sang Lucio San Pedro’s “Manalig Kang Iniibig Kita,” and landed the role.

“The most rewarding part was getting to know Atang beyond the image of her bilang ‘Reyna ng Kundiman’… Totoong tao siya na minsang nagbigay ng karangalan sa industriya ng musika, at minsan ding tumindig para sa bayan,” Jeanna reflects. “Not to recreate Atang, but to connect to her.”

Jihad Yahya: Echoing the voice of conviction

Embodying the young Amado V. Hernandez—National Artist for Literature and fearless labor leader—is Yahya.

Jihad’s casting was serendipitous. After driving Lapada to her audition, Nonie invited him to sing. “First time kong makaharap ang Buencamino couple at sobrang starstruck ako… kaya nung inask ako to sing, nagpabida ako! Ibinigay ko ang aking best,” he recalls.

To channel Hernandez, he studied history and period cinema to capture the icon’s commanding resolve. Drawing from his background as a former working student, he connects deeply with Ka Amado’s advocacy. Sharing the stage with Lapada adds rare personal depth: “Bihira mangyari ang ganitong pagkakataon lalo na sa magkasintahan na makatrabaho ang isa’t-isa.”

Kathlynn Tolentino: Igniting the spark of bodabil

Bringing dynamic contrast to the stage is Tolentino as Katy Dela Cruz, the Queen of Bodabil. Asked by Nonie to demonstrate a “jazz-y growl,” a family memory resurfaced: “I remembered what my Ninong, Ninang, and Papa talked about after watching “Katy The Musical” in 2013, that maybe one day I could be casted as Katy.”

The daughter of theater practitioner Neil Tolentino, she studied archival footage to balance Katy’s brassy vaudeville energy against Atang’s classical poise. 

“The best advice my Papa gave me is to enjoy every performance and find the truth in whatever character I’m working in.”

Guiding light and a new chapter

While the trio anchors the stage, their growth stems from Nonie and Shamaine Buencamino’s guidance. “Both of us believe in leaving a legacy by teaching. The best way to learn theater is by doing,” says Shamaine, Nonie’s wife and long-time collaborator.

Through this mentorship, Bulacan’s theatrical renaissance finds its true strength in the next generation—ready to step into the spotlight and wake up the provincial stage once more.

Presented by the Provincial Government of Bulacan through Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (PHACTO) for the Singkaban Festival 2026, Dulaang Filipino Sining Bulakenyo re-stages Floy Quintos’ “Atang.” 

åShowtimes (Nicanor Abelardo Auditorium): September 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 (2 PM, 6 PM). Admission is free.

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