To open the celebration of the 2025 National Literature Month, first-year Master of Arts in Literature (MALit) students in the Advanced Literary Genres course, under the guidance of Assistant Professor Josephine May Grace Famoso, showcased their literary talents with a dramatic performance of “When Kuya Leo Brought Ria Under the Stars”, a transcreation of Manuel Arguilla’s seminal short story, “How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife” on April 5, 2025.
Renowned for its depiction of local color, Filipino values, and rural life, writer and director Ms. Consuelo Celine Fuentes reimagines the original story, relocating it from pre-war Ilocos to present-day downtown Davao City. The play centers on Ria (portrayed by Ms. Rhea Mae Vanessa Tuazon), a doctor’s daughter attending an upscale university, as she meets her boyfriend Leo’s (played by Michael Aaron Puzon) family for the first time during a shared home-cooked meal in a squatter’s area.
Both versions of the story emphasize a love that endures and joyfully embraces each other’s roots, while also highlighting a parent’s unwavering love and concern for their child’s well-being.
Written in a camp style, “How Kuya Leo Brought Ria Under the Stars” transforms the original’s serious and nostalgic tone into a lighthearted celebration of Filipino resilience and humor in the face of adversity. This fresh interpretation came to life through the dynamic performances of Ms. Josebeth Aumada, Ms. Rosalinda Cataros, and Mr. Christian Coronado, who skillfully embodied Mamang, Bal, and Papang, respectively—Leo’s family. The play’s vibrant and immersive atmosphere was further elevated by the outstanding visual and sound direction of Ms. Princess Fel de Jesus and Ms. Jonnah Kris Paradela, whose creative contributions added depth and richness to the production.
The play transcends its purpose as an academic exercise. In line with National Literature Month’s theme, “Sikad Panitikan: Kultura at Panitikan ng Kaunlaran,” it challenges the boundaries of literature and culture by unapologetically embracing its Mindanawon roots. The blending of Davao Bisaya and Davao Tagalog injects local color and authenticity into the characters, highlighting inclusivity, regional pride, and peaceful diversity.
By showcasing how individuals from different social backgrounds come together in love and respect, the play promotes local literature, contributing to the larger Philippine literary landscape. The narratives and voices of Mindanao enrich the nation’s literary heritage, adding depth and diversity to the country’s literary canon while reflecting the varied experiences of Filipinos across all regions.
Article by: Consuelo Celine Fuentes
Photos by: Jay Mart Custodio and Gladys Consolacion
