Kapeng Barako Club: Samahan Ng Mga Bitter

I was almost offended when I’d been invited to watch this play called, “Kapeng Barako Club: Samahan ng mga bitter.” My initial reaction narrowed to the word “bitter,” which usually refers to sore losers. It’s the feeling of embitterment engendered by defeat, whether it be in a sporting tournament, a beauty pageant, an election, a bid to that promotion, or in the most complex game of all, the game of love. So why did the word “bitter” in the title affected me so? Because I am.

But of course, I went because I have always loved plays and I had to know if aside from relating to the story I’d find enlightenment, in any form, from being bitter.

This Palanca-winning play is written by Juan Ekis and it revolves around seven characters, Joel, Anna, Masi, Eric, Stef, Marlowe, and Sunshine. It was staged at Third Cup Cafe in Katipunan; a some sort of a special performance for bloggers and other people who may help promote the show. Though this is the only time I’ve heard of it, this play has been around for four years, each performance, staged in coffee shops.

That night, drinks and snacks were on the house. The setting was quite informal. There was no stage, actors were seated about the room, not completely removed from the audience. It’s like eavesdropping on other patrons’ conversations.

The gist is that six of the characters are in love. The conflict is it’s unrequited love, or much appropriately, love that takes no courage. Ahh… The love that can’t be returned and must be hidden, it’s the most hurtful thing. If you have loved and not be allowed to use it, how can you not be bitter?

That same night, a friend told me,

“You can’t relate because you’ve never loved anyone.”

To which I replied,

“It’s not that I haven’t loved, it’s just that I haven’t been loved.”

Show starts on September 6.