1. Social Issues:
- Operas addressed social issues such as poverty, inequality, exploitation, and labor struggles, mirroring the country's grappling with social change and class conflict.
2. Political Themes:
- Operas portrayed historical and contemporary political events, including the fight for independence, martial law, and the struggle against authoritarian regimes.
3. Cultural Identity:
- Some operas explored issues of cultural identity, heritage, and Filipino culture's intersection with foreign influences and Western dominance.
4. Nationalistic Themes:
- Operas celebrated Philippine history, tradition, heroism, and national pride.
5. Modernist Influences:
- Philippine operas were also influenced by modernist trends in music, incorporating new composition techniques, dissonance, and atonality.
6. Collaboration and Fusion:
- Collaborations between Filipino composers, writers, and foreign artists led to unique fusions of traditional Philippine music and Western operatic traditions.
7. Indigenous Culture:
- Certain operas drew inspiration from indigenous myths and legends, retelling stories with operatic grandeur and preserving cultural heritage.
8. Bilingual Works:
- Some composers created operas that included multilingual libretti, combining Tagalog, Spanish, and English.
9. Artistic Expression:
- Operas provided artists with platforms to express personal reflections on Philippine society and history.
10. Experimental Productions:
- Innovative directors and opera companies experimented with alternative staging, non-traditional venues, and immersive experiences to engage audiences.