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With Makati City's central business district being equally famous for its vibrant arts and culture scene, Ayala Land and Samsung partnered for the creation of Metro Manila's newest state-of-the-art theatre fit for world-class talents
Ayala Land welcomes home theatre lovers to the newest Samsung Performing Arts Theatre as it opens its doors to the public this July 14.
Sophisticated and accessible, the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre is located inside Circuit Makati, making it an essential addition to the city's ever-dynamic arts and culture landscape. It will be staging starting on August 26, Mula sa Buwan, a Filipino musical reimagining Edmond Rostand's classic Cyrano de Bergerac. It will soon be followed on October 27 by We Will Rock You, a post-apocalyptic rock musical featuring Queen's greatest hits.
Above (L-R) Ayala Land Makati Marketing Manager, Sharon Vital; Ayala Land Estates Head of Marketing and Communications, Chrissy Roa; Ayala Land Makati Project Development Head, Shiella Aguilar; Ayala Land Vice President and Estate Head of Makati, Mel Ignacio; Steps Dance Studio Owner and Managing Director, Sofia Zobel Elizalde; Samsung Performing Arts Theater Managing Director, Christopher Mohnani; Ayala Land Project Development Manager of Makati, Misha Quimpo; “We Will Rock You” Show Producer, Sam Sewell; and “Mula sa Buwan” Show Producer, Pat Valera
(L-R) Ayala Land Makati Marketing Manager, Sharon Vital; Ayala Land Estates Head of Marketing and Communications, Chrissy Roa; Ayala Land Makati Project Development Head, Shiella Aguilar; Ayala Land Vice President and Estate Head of Makati, Mel Ignacio; Steps Dance Studio Owner and Managing Director, Sofia Zobel Elizalde; Samsung Performing Arts Theater Managing Director, Christopher Mohnani; Ayala Land Project Development Manager of Makati, Misha Quimpo; “We Will Rock You” Show Producer, Sam Sewell; and “Mula sa Buwan” Show Producer, Pat Valera
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The theatre is a fitting addition to Circuit Makati, a portion of Makati where the famed Sta Ana race track used to be. In 2012, Ayala Land Inc (ALI) announced its plans to convert what used to be an entertainment hotspot for the Filipinos to be a new venue for the arts, entertainment, and culture. The 22-hectare integrated, mixed-use lifestyle district in the city, now known as Circuit Makati, offers citizens of all ages and walks of life multiple ways to enjoy a rich and diverse artistic lifestyle.
Circuit Makati's latest addition, the state-of-the-art Samsung Performing Arts Theatre, was designed by US-based consultants Theatre Projects Consultants, and experts on sound design Akustiks, in partnership with GF & Partners Architects and world-renowned architects from Calliston RTKL. It is a 1,500-seater landmark performance facility built to provide a home for Filipino, international, and global talent. The exquisite modern Filipino interior design and architecture were made by esteemed designers Ivy Almario, Cynthia Almario, and Anton Arcellana. The mahogany panels, muted grey seats, and blue carpet pop as colours inside the theatre just right to accentuate the colourful lights and set design of each performance. Aside from its spacious theatre atrium, it also houses the Jaime Zobel de Ayala Snr Hall, which is perfect for smaller events and cocktail parties, and the Cua Patrons' Lounge on the seventh floor for intimate gatherings and press conferences.
Read also: Why Sofia Zobel Elizalde is 'Never in a State of Inertia'
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Upon entering the ground floor, guests can take the scenic route through the long escalators to the fifth floor, where the ticket outlet is stationed. The high ceilings and windows exude a feeling of grandness while featuring various artworks—including artwork by Jaime Zobel de Ayala Snr at the main hall.
Each level—from the orchestra to the balcony floors—has a concession area and restrooms to accommodate guests. The concessionaires are staffed by chef Gilbert Pangilinan of Kai Restaurant.
After the show, guests can drop by the gift shop on the third floor for exclusive merchandise they can keep as memorabilia of their one-of-a-kind theatre experience.
Above Sofia Elizalde’s Steps Dance Studio Scholar Kevin Cascano
Sofia Elizalde’s Steps Dance Studio Scholar Kevin Cascano
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Above Samsung Performing Arts Theater Auditorium
Above Samsung Performing Arts Theater JZA Hall
Samsung Performing Arts Theater Auditorium
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The new theatre was meticulously engineered to wow audiences of all ages. ALI made investments to ensure the safety of performers by installing Harlequin© sprung floors—a special type of flooring that reduces the risk of dancers getting injured through impact, slipping, or falling. In fact, the Samsung Performing Arts Theater is proud to be the only performance stage in the country to date that has the state-of-the-art Harlequin© sprung floors. Moreover, this theatre has its own rehearsal hall. With dimensions as big as the actual performance stage, talents can confidently rehearse to master every turn, line, and timing as if it were already showtime.
Although the theatre will not have any resident companies, this year, it is packed with performances from the Manila Symphony Orchestra and Tatler Asia's Most Influential 2021 Honouree Sofia Zobel Elizalde's Steps Dance Studio, among others.
Read also: 7 Filipino Folk Dances to Know
Above Samsung Performing Arts Theater Managing Director, Christopher Mohnani
Samsung Performing Arts Theater Managing Director, Christopher Mohnani
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“The Samsung Performing Arts Theatre was thoughtfully designed to bring arts and culture to the forefront for the enjoyment and enrichment of many Filipinos. Aside from the audience, we also took our collaborating partners and talents into consideration to ensure that they would feel safe and comfortable as they perform and rehearse in our facilities. We wanted to introduce a theatre that is on par with global standards in Makati to further solidify its position as the leading city for arts and culture.” shares Christopher Mohnani, managing director of the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre.
“It’s been too long since we last saw a show on stage. We are very excited to finally unveil the newest arts and cultural hub that will bring many people back home—and without having to travel far to get there!” says Mel Ignacio, Vice President and Head of Ayala Land Makati Estate. She continues, “Arts and culture are very integral to what Ayala Land stands for. We are here to enrich lives, and with that, we continue to curate a vibrant entertainment scene in Makati that would bring big smiles to many Filipinos.”
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
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Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
