Rhea asks her best friend, Norma, to be the surrogate mother. While Norma agrees out of loyalty, the situation becomes increasingly complex as she develops romantic feelings for Rhea's husband, leading to themes of betrayal and emotional turmoil. Themes and Cultural Context
While staying true to oral roots, Kabuyan incorporates —projected baybayin calligraphy, soundscapes recorded from rice fields, and kinetic lighting. These additions amplify the sensory experience without eclipsing the central poetry. Critics have praised this balance, noting that Kabuyan “ writes with the pen, but she also paints with sound .” Myrna Castillo Kabiyak Tagalog Penekula
Kabuyan’s revival of penekula has spurred a wave of academic interest. Notable scholars such as ( Journal of Philippine Studies , 2021) argue that Kabuyan “re‑situates penekula as a critical lens through which the nation can interrogate its colonial past and contemporary anxieties.” Moreover, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has listed Kabuyan’s works in its “ Living Heritage ” registry, granting them protection and funding for community workshops. Rhea asks her best friend, Norma, to be the surrogate mother