Cover Ongoing rehabilitation of the CCP Main Theater
Ongoing rehabilitation of the CCP Main Theater
1 / 1
Amid ongoing rehabilitation of the Tanghalang Pambansa, the Cultural Center of the Philippines has a full year of artistic programmes and projects
It is business as usual for 2024, assures the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), despite the ongoing rehabilitation of its Main Building. “This year, the CCP heralds another year of firsts and good old reliable programming, celebrating and advancing the unique creativity of our people and culture,” said CCP vice-chair Margie Moran-Floirendo during the CCP Institutional Press Conference, held recently at the Liwasang Kalikhasan’s Bamboo Pavilion.
The rehabilitation has been underway since January 2023, which emanated from the building audit the CCP did from 2018 to 2019. The findings from the audit necessitated that the 55-year-old building needed more than its usual maintenance.
The audit findings showed the apparent wear and tear due to the building’s old age. But the deterioration seems much worse beneath the surface, although the foundation of the building remains strong.
“As we all know, CCP is the work of our National Artist Leandro Locsin. We can’t just overhaul the whole building. It has been a delicate balancing act of preserving the design and modernising the building to keep up with the time,” said CCP president ad interim Michelle Nikki Junia.
Above Ongoing rehabilitation of the CCP grand staircase
Ongoing rehabilitation of the CCP grand staircase
1 / 1
Repairing the damages is a very tedious process. Because these structural works redefine the structural integrity of the building for the next 50 years, the construction has been very meticulous.
For Phase One of the rehabilitation, the CCP engineers, the construction firm and hired consultants have been doing structural retrofitting following the 2015 building code standards while adopting sustainable options.
Phase One centres on modernising structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical features. Phase Two will simultaneously happen with Phase One once the structural works are done. Phase Two focuses on the mechanical and technical capacities of the theatres.
As of January 2024, the rehabilitation is about 30 per cent complete. The CCP expects the work to speed up with all the consultants already onboard.
“We project full completion by 2025. The Main Building and its theatres will open by 2026, welcoming everyone to its theatres with new productions and programs befitting the call of the time,” said Junia.
Despite the rehabilitation work on the Tanghalang Pambansa, the CCP forges ahead with a full year of artistic programs and projects led by its artistic director, Dennis Marasigan.
“For 2024, we are targeting to produce 765 events, ranging from performances, screenings, exhibits, and workshops both onsite, off-site, and online. We hope to reach over 200,000 onsite viewers and engage over 6000 artists. For our workshops, we hope they can benefit 16,000 participants,” shared Marasigan.
Well-loved festivals such as CCP Pasinaya, Virgin Labfest, and Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival will continue to provide unique artistic and cultural experiences with expanded reach to the regions. Expect captivating seasons from the resident companies such as the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philippine Ballet Theater, Bayanihan the National Dance Company, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Ballet Philippines, and Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, among others.
Read also: Margie Moran-Floirendo looks forward to a future-ready Cultural Center of the Philippines
1 / 1
Popular film programs such as CCP’s The Met Live in HD, National Theater Live, Cine Icons, CinemaUnder the Stars and Lakbay Sine will give a unique cinematic experience and truthful storytelling. The CCP Out-of-the-Box Series continues with its second edition, while Triple Threats returns with LeadingLadies concerts.
After two years, the CCP Children’s Biennale with its colorful and edu-tainment offerings for childrenaimed to open their eyes to the diversity of Philippine arts, indigenous cultures, and natural environment. The children’s festival aims to develop their curiosity at no charge through interactive art installations, educational film and play screenings, creative workshops, children’s book fairs, and other activities.
CCP BOT-initiated program Kanto Kultura takes flight once again with ‘Baraptasan’, a modern take on the Balagtasan, in celebration of the centenary of Francisco Balagtas Baltazar. The ‘Baraptasan’ will feature literary jousting in Filipino, Cebuano, Hiligaynon and Ilokano. Kanto Kultural aims to bring arts in any of its forms to different Kanto all over the country.
“CCP is not just about performances and shows. We are proud of our arts education programs that nurture the next generation of artists and the audiences who will support their work through training, exposure, and audience development activities,” said Marasigan.
This year, the CCP celebrates 45 years of bringing outreach programs to the regions and the world. Through exchange programs with various organisations and institutions, the CCP provides glimpses of the Philippine culture and becomes a conduit for cultural exchanges across the regions and to different countries.
“This year, we are intensifying our presence in the regions, creating new partners with LGUs and cultural organisations, collaborating with as many artists as we can, and producing shows in alternative performing spaces and venues across the country,” said Marasigan.
1 / 1
CCP rolled out the National Performing Companies (NPAC) earlier this year. Applications are ongoing to find the best national performing companies in dance, theatre, orchestra, chorus, and Indigenous performing ensembles. The NPAC program significantly boosts the creative industry by conferring national status and providing significant funding to deserving non-government performing arts companies.
Indeed, CCP will have a tighter, busier artistic calendar, with more and more production that would provide livelihood to artists, cultural workers, and technical crews, which would help the creative industry and lead to national development while keeping the innovative spirit of the Filipino alive.
NOW READ
All roads lead to art: What to look out for at Art Fair Philippines 2024
Gallery hop around the metro for Art Fair PH 2024
Art Fair PH 2024/Residencies: 5 artist-residencies to look out for
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.
Work
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.
