CONFLICT OF THE PLAY

The conflict in the story New Yorker in Tondo is that Kikay has taken on
all of the style and attitude of New York and brought it back with her to
her Philippines home. Her friends and family find her behavior odd.

We can also say, It portrays the actuality how most people likely forget
their real identity once they move overseas. And this is true among some
Filipinos abroad although we can't really blamed those folks who altered
their ways because they have to incorporate themselves in the new
environment that they are in. They were put in those circumstances, and
they have to deal with it since in the long run, they moved to get a
better life.

KIND OF PLAY
New Yorker in Tondo is a famous Filipino one-act play of Marcelino Agana
Jr. written in 1956. It is a popular type of comedy which is based on
situations that might happen in everyday life. It is a comedy for
everyone because it delivers more value and meaning by transcending
the belief that one can take out of the Philippines, but the Philippines
cannot be taken out in oneself.

As a classic satirical play, it deals with human folly, which are neither
painful or destructive. It depicts accurately the average Filipinos faux
love for the country which was completely lost when exposed to a
foreign countrys cultural aesthetic. This satire is being portrayed by
Kikay who acculturate the New Yorkers manner, style and custom. Since
this type of drama is a comedy the conflict involved is fortunately solved
to give the the play a happy ending.

SYMBOLS USED IN THE PLAY

The Mango Tree symbolizes their cherished memories. The four of
them namely Kikay, Tony, Nena and Totoy were childhood friends. Every
happy and sorrowful moments that they encountered was witnessed by
the mango tree. The mango tree was also a symbol of their love and
friendship. The mango tree was their playground, they shared jokes
under the tree and laughed on little things.

The name Francesca symbolizes acculturation. Francesca was away for

a long time and she now adopted the norms and mores of the
Americans. She dresses like an American, shares their values and
interests. Francesca has become highly acculturated into American
culture.

THEME OF THE PLAY

New Yorker in Tondo is a play about a girl named Kikay who has fallen in
love with the concrete jungle, New York, and has forgotten about her
native land, the Philippines. New Yorker in Tondo is a very comical play
but also evokes a deep and serious message. In the story, the
protagonist neglects her motherland and changes her ways, even her
name, and adopts the lavish lifestyle of a New Yorker. She willingly
leaves friends and vows, and her lover. As fate brings her back to her
roots, she encounters different conflicts with the characters and in the
end is found struggling to gain her lover back. A reconciliation awakens
her to the reality.

The message of the playwright is that love and love for the country wins.
One should never forget to look back at where he came from. Love for
ones cherished traditions will always go beyond the love for worldly
things and the lavish lifestyle. As for Kikay, she learns that there really
is no place like home.