© 2021 Tatler Asia Limited. What did Mariel Padilla and Rica Peralejo immediately unboxed. One of the stops was at the Manila Metropolitan Theater (MET). To me, the more the merrier. During the post-war period, the building was used for various purposes other than cultural and eventually as squatters’ den. from Becco Esquieres Empleyo and Dan Paul Awarayan Reactions: GodLovesUs , FlashNeutrinos , binbin90 and 5 others Check out this delicious summer treat, This eatery brings the best of Filipino cuisine to Texas. In 2002, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo asked the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA) to allocate funds for the renovation of the abandoned MET. Art is the touchstone that we go back to when we have to remind ourselves of the history that we stand on and the future that we stand for. On the other hand, foreign visitors too would want to see our shows, our talents, our music, our performers. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) shared Monday a glimpse of the restored MET which is … Anticipating that challenge, Lizaso assures this writer that as early as now, his team is drawing up a year-round repertoire of activities that will keep the venue alive with various programs and a thriving pivotal hub of the arts. MANILA, Philippines — The first phase of the rehabilitation of the Manila Metropolitan Theater (MET)—a 1930s art deco structure that was a cultural center of prewar Manila… Now under the ownership and leadership of the NCCA, the newly restored MET aims to reclaim its former glory as a premiere cultural cynosure by anchoring its theatrical standards on an elevated status, with gala premieres of original works, as well as a repertoire of new masterpieces alongside the classics, staged by the most imaginative directors working in theater and opera, and will launch a series of initiatives to broaden its reach throughout the country. With the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, (NHCP), the National Museum, NCCA and the Manila City government joining forces, the MET’s restoration has been in full swing. If this theater provided so much cultural enjoyment for our people during the pre-war years, why not let it continue to provide cultural enjoyment for today’s generation? For our native talents. Despite the positive reviews, management found it difficult to sustain it financially. Rehabilitation of the Metropolitan Theater, Manila's "Grand Old Dame," is slowly nearing completion after decades of decay and hiatus. In the late ‘70s, during the Martial Law years, the theater was restored under the leadership of then First Lady and Metro Manila Governor Imelda Marcos and her executive committee composed of Executive Director Conchita Sunico, architect Otilio Arellano, and DPWH Minister Aber Canlas. Not to mention retail food entrepreneurs and merchandisers. For Lizaso, the MET is our cultural bridge to the glorious past and to the future of our nation’s culture. It soon became the venue for the staging of different performances from zarzuelas, dramas to adaptations of foreign classics as well as performances by visiting international artists. Built in 1931 by Juan Arellano, architect of many Manila landmarks such as the Post Office Building, the Legislative Building, Jones Bridge and among others. Read Also: The Life And Art Of Isabelo Tampinco. Participants are entitled to win a special prize. Manila Metropolitan Theater As someone who shares a passion for the arts, this writer can’t agree more. It was inaugurated on December 10, 1931, with a capacity of 1670 (846 orchestra, 116 in loge, and 708 in balcony). LOOK: Beauty queen Rachel Peters’ pregnancy post in a bikini, Opening soon? As chairman of the NCCA, Nick Lizaso is the de facto top honcho of the MET as well as its artistic director. "The inauguration of the new Met is the culmination of a long arduous journey. San Sebastian Basilica: Why Is There A Petition To Save It? P.O. Intramuros, Manila 1002 Besides he wants the ticket prices to be within the reach of Filipinos young and old from all classes. We had a free tour of Manila sponsored by Filipinas Stamp Collectors' Club which is held every 3rd Sunday of the month. “I would actively try to persuade corporate entities to divert some of their advocacy budgets to sponsor MET shows,” he says. On 27 April 2021, the evening show for the quincentennial celebrations will be held at the esteemed theatre. It was still active during the Japanese occupation showing support even for the guerrilla underground. For our native talents.’. A piece of music or song, a dance, a short story or a play, can give us words of comfort and hope to steel us even if they hold up to us a mirror of the harsh, hard realities that we must face to be able to move up the hill. He was sent to the US to be guided by one of the experts in designing theaters, Thomas W. Lamb of Shreve and Lamb. © 2021 Manila Bulletin The Nation's Leading Newspaper. I see it as a continuum. The Manila Metropolitan Theater or MET is an art deco building in Manila, designed by Filipino architect Juan M. Arellano. Just at the beginning of the year, sneak peek photos of the restored elements of the theatre have gone viral on social media—showing excitement among visual and theatre arts enthusiasts as well as those who once had the chance to step on stage of this historic theatre either to perform or be, at least, enamoured of its productions. The Manila Metropolitan Theater, together with the Coconut Palace, is one of the main landmarks of the capital of the Philippines.It plays an essential role in the cultural life of Manila. Coming from the world of theater, TV, and cinema, Lizaso knows only too well that theater is a shared physical experience. It was reconstructed but gradually fell into disuse in the 1960’s. Why not add one more beautiful venue for them to shine on stage here in Manila so they don’t have to go to other countries to showcase their talent?”. At the height of the Japanese Occupation, it continued to house important concerts like the inauguration of the Philippine Republic under Japan. This model and presentation is made for a friend's (Lloyd Evangelista) Documentary. But we will find a way to make this theater contribute to the Filipino’s daily life somehow even during the pandemic.”. Another striking feature of the building that everybody has been dying to see in its former glory is the decorative window of stained glass on the façade. “After all, being associated with a prestigious cultural entity like the MET would be good for their branding.”. In 1924, during the American Colonial period, the Philippine Legislature approved the building of a theater within the Mehan Garden (now Sining Kayumanggi). On the awards night at the Manila Metropolitan Theater, however, the superstar broke the prediction and rose as the best performer. MANILA, Philippines — Ahead of its April reopening for the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan, the Manila Metropolitan Theater, also known … The Manila Metropolitan Theater (Filipino: Tanghalang Pangkalakhan ng Maynila, or MET) is an Art Deco building in Manila, designed by the Filipino architect Juan M. Arellano. A tripartite agreement was worked out among the GSIS, the NCCA and the City of Manila, to revive the theater. It will become a beacon of hope for all the Filipino artists waiting for the resumption of public performances once the ongoing health crisis comes to end, knowing that there is a home at the heart of Manila waiting for their return to the spotlight. Eventually, he adds, the hope is for the resurrected Manila Metropolitan Theater to serve as a keystone to the regeneration of the whole area. I look forward to shows that will entertain people, provoke them, uplift their spirits, find consolation or catharsis and bring them together. “But so many people who had a shared dream and passion of restoring the MET paved the way for this event. Third time lucky: An exclusive tour of the restoration works of the Philippines’ national cultural treasure words* & photos: MATTHEW COWAN T he Metropolitan Theatre — or The Met — in Manila is more than 12 months into a restoration project that will see performance art return to its stage once more. ‘This will be a Teatro ng Bayan, a theater for our people. The opening nights were all marked with glamour as all of Manila’s crème de la crème, dressed to the nines, attended. Moreover, it also launched the careers of Leo Valdez, Isay Alvarez and Boy Abunda, who was Sunico’s protégé and served on and offstage. The Manila Metropolitan Theatre is an art deco building designed by the Filipino architect Juan M. de Guzman Arellano, and built in 1935. MANILA -- The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) on Monday gave a glimpse of the newly restored Metropolitan Theater. “The MET can contribute to people’s well-being,” Lizaso elaborates, waxing poetic. A restoration was initiated by then governor of Metro Manila Imelda Marcos in 1978, only for the venue to be closed down again in 1996. Decades after, the MET found its arduous revival under the critical eye of society grand dame Conchita Sunico. It was designed by architect Juan M. Arellano. I'm interested in writing a paper on the Metropolitan Theater of Manila for my history class this semester. Through the […] 5 reviews of Manila Metropolitan Theater "If you're a Metro Manila local, I'm sure you've passed by the Manila Metropolitan Theater countless times before. Its ornamentations are remarkable and affluent; an apparent decadence to our country’s better off times. Acclaimed composers Lucio San Pedro, Ramon Santos, Alfredo Buenaventura have graced the orchestra section of the MET and introduced younger composers such as Danny Tan and Chito Toledo, director Antonio Mabesa and dance mistress Veda Banez. The MET will provide them a beautiful eye-pleasing setting to help them escape and have their spirits be soothed and renewed.”, This somehow echoes what one poet said: “There must be space for grief and horror and hope and a breath for joy in our daily life.”, When asked why invest in another theater when we already have the CCP, for instance, Lizaso counters: “Why not more theaters? Now that it’s here, what do we do now to prove worthy of the people’s expectations? Metropolitan Theater Reopening. Metropolitan Theatre. All rights reserved. The iconic Manila Metropolitan Theater is set to open its doors this 2021 after a series of restoration efforts to revive the long-neglected art deco masterpiece. In time for the national celebrations of the momentous fifth centenary of the Victory at Mactan and 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) will be opening the doors of the MET for a special programme. In 2010, the National Museum declared the MET as a National Cultural Treasure and President Arroyo led its re … The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) shared a glimpse of the newly-restored Manila Metropolitan Theatre which is set to reopen its doors this year.. From its bright interior with ornaments disguised as local produce adorning the ceiling, to the colorful exterior that beckons the people to give it a visit, the theater is now looking marvelous, 25 years after its closure in 1996. As we took our last sips of strong coffee, Lizaso caps our conversation with his vision of what the new MET should become: A self-sustaining, thriving Teatro ng Bayan for all seasons, for all reasons for all Filipinos. Lizaso stands his ground: “It is unfortunate that we are opening it at this time of social distancing and a ban on large gatherings. Finally after all these years, the MET gets a new lease on life. Equipped with the most modern theatre and film projection technologies at the time, it premiered Hollywood films as well as significant Filipino films from local studios like LVN Pictures. In true Iskoian fashion, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso shared the near completion of the Metropolitan Theater during a visit on Monday through his Facebook page. In order to provide you with the best possible experience, this website uses cookies. Though surviving the Battle for the Liberation of Manila in 1945, the theatre had its fair share of battle scars. While it had played host to vaudevilles… For where else can 50, 500, 1000, or more people sit together, breath the same air, and share a one-time-only experience, in which the audience and performers agree to journey somewhere together? There was a time when everybody thought it wouldn’t happen. Declared a National Cultural Treasure and a National Historical Landmark, the Metropolitan Theater (Teatro ng Bayan) or simply MET will soon take its former place as a grand stage for creative and talented singers, conductors, composers, musicians, stage directors, designers, visual artists, choreographers, and dancers from around the Philippines and visiting foreign talents from the world’s cultural capitals. The Manila Metropolitan Theater is one of the best examples of a Philippine Art Deco building, which was designed by Philippine Architect Juan M. Arellano, and one of his most important projects. In my case, I used to pass by the structure every day back in college as I took my FX to class. Billed as one of his key projects in his quest to bring back the “old jewels of Manila,” Isko vowed to reopen the Art Deco structure by the end of his term in 2022. Now more than ever, the world needs the arts. This is the big challenge.”, Already, some quarters are asking why do we need the MET? It was designed by architect Juan M. Arellano and inaugurated on December 10, 1931. BOX769. The initial announcement claimed that the iconic theater will host a special program to mark the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan on April 27, 2021. But during the liberation, the theater’s roof and walls were partially destroyed. Aanhin natin ang isang gintong pamana kung walang pakinabang dito ang henerasyon ngayon?”, He vows that he will not allow it to be a white elephant but a self-sustaining tourist destination, drawing domestic as well as foreign tourists. He is most concerned about making the MET relevant and appealing to members of the “digital generation” who are steeped into multimedia pop culture and now reside in the realm of the digital and virtual. Sporadic events were staged to help keep it alive but eventually folded up and faded once again into oblivion and disrepair. The Metropolitan Theater (Manila) History and Information Designed in 1931 by National Artist for Architecture, Juan Arellano, the Metropolitan Theater is a primary example in the art deco style prevailing during those times. The Manila Metropolitan Theater is a Philippine Art Deco building found near the Mehan Garden located on Padre Burgos Avenue corner Arroceros Street, near the Manila Central Post Office. 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Read More: Inside The Manila Metropolitan Theatre Restoration With Then Project Heads Gerard Lico and Timothy Augustus Ong, Arts & Culture It was designed by Juan Arellano, one of the first pensionados in architecture. manifestation during American colonial regime. It would mean a great deal to us if you can answer this short survey about your experience with the Manila Bulletin website. “The event will serve as the maiden show of the MET after 25 years since its closure in 1996,” the NCCA said in a statement. A National Cultural Treasure and a National Historical Landmark, the Manila Metropolitan Theater (MET) is a 1930s art deco structure that was the center of the arts and culture in the pre-World War 2 era. Aside from being providing a much needed shot in the arm for artists and performers who have been idled and whose sources of livelihood were disrupted by the long lockdown, the MET will be a major employer, spawning some sort of cottage industries for set designers, prop makers, stage hands, and so on. He points out the fact that music, dance, and theater are often key features of cultural promotion intended to attract tourists and regularly feature in the itineraries of tour operators: “Kung may West End sa London or Broadway sa New York, dito may Metropolitan Theater tayo. The Manila Metropolitan Theater is a Philippine Art Deco building found near the Mehan Garden . “I am honored the opening of the newly restored MET will be under my watch,” says Lizaso. If we can have so many venues for sports, why not more venues for the performing arts? It reopened on Dec. 17, 1978. Before the Nora-Vilma hullabaloo, the Met also witnessed the audacity of national artist for film Lino Brocka. Our MET will be that venue where they can experience the best that our performing artists can offer.”. Sign up for our newsletters to get all our top stories delivered. It was one of Manila’s iconic landmarks during the city’s years as the “Paris of Asia” Image credit: … While recent write-ups about the new MET have all been harkening back to its gloried past, about bringing back the good old days, Lizaso is already looking forward to building its future glory. Pics. "The Met" as many fondly call it, had hosted countless of international artists. He expounds: “This newly restored MET is part of our cultural legacy. Manila, Philippines. It interprets Juan Arellano' s Metropolitan Th eatre of Manila (1931) design in the garden as a luxurious theatre in Manila. He used familiar native motifs to assert cultural independence, like the country’s distinct flora and fauna for ornamentations, as well as details like bamboo banister railings, carved banana and mango relief and batik mosaic patterns. Undoubtedly, the MET is the only existing art deco building of its size and integrity in Asia. Nov 2008. Art Deco Far different from his previous works that are stately and monochromatic neoclassicism in design, Arellano adapted the fanciful art deco style that originated in the Paris Exposition of 1925. Besides that, the theater is interesting from the perspective of architecture and history. The projected completion of the first phase of the rehabilitation of the Manila Metropolitan Theater (MET) is on the first quarter of 2020. With its series of pinnacles rising at the top like a crown, the iron grills depicting stylised birds of paradise, the brilliantly coloured tileworks and the sponged multicoloured paint reminiscent of batik, the front of the theatre is indeed an eye-catcher for passers-by. The restoration of the Metropolitan Theater (MET) is well underway and its metamorphosis from an old decrepit structure back to being the Grand Old Dame of Manila signals the revival of a Philippine architectural heritage. Would you buy these Virgil Abloh x Jacob & Co. luxury paper clip accessories? The construction of the edifice began in 1930 and was inaugurated on Dec. 10, 1931. In 1862, the Teatro del Príncipe Alfonso XII was built within Plaza Arroceros, near the present-day Metropolitan Theater. The best shows, the best programs, best performances would be experienced live by our people from all walks of life. The revered national cultural treasure, the Manila Metropolitan Theater (the MET) along Padre Burgos Avenue in Manila, has finally completed its so-called “metamorphosis” that began in 2015. Do share, So Filipinos would know about the MET. The theatre is an example of Philippine art deco for its native designs and carvings. Standing on Padre Burgos Avenue corner Arroceros Street, near the Manila Central Post Office, the MET is a 1930s art deco building that in its heyday before World War II was the center of the arts and culture, or what was then called “high society.”. Reasons why we’re excited with the first Ikea in the Philippines, LOOK: Chito Miranda and Neri Naig have names for baby number 2, The collab we all want: Studio Ghibli x Pixar, What’s for ulam: Filipino love language for community and connections, Cocktail ice cream, anyone? He is even open to the idea of making MET performances accessible on digital streaming platforms. From 1979-1986, the MET produced five to six shows yearly and consisted mostly of Filipino works.
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