CCP Prepares For Rehabilitation and Affirms That Programs Will Continue

 

THIS year marks the closing of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to make way for the three-year redevelopment in a bid to transform it into a state-of-the-art center for artistic excellence and cultural celebration. 

The CCP’s over 50 year old building necessitates retrofitting and refurbishment so it can continue to perform its roles as the premier national institution promoting Philippine arts and culture.  The planned redevelopment will retain the iconic architecture and focus on structural improvements including upgrading its fire, drainage, electrical and environmental protection systems as well other building codes. The project is a climate change adaptation measure that will integrate sustainable features to improve energy and water efficiency, to name a few.

According to CCP president Margie Moran-Floirendo, “The building has gone through leaks, corrosions, and flooding and other issues from various typhoons and earthquakes over the years.  We are also looking at technological and aesthetic upgrades responsive to CCP’s future programs and activities, particularly the comfort, safety and overall experience of performers, audiences, employees and other stakeholders.”

CCP will also add facilities to make the building gender-responsive and inclusive for persons with disabilities, senior citizens and more, fulfilling its vision of being a globally competitive, self-sustaining and future-ready destination.

The initial budget of Php900 million was allocated for the rehabilitation of the CCP Main Building, initially coming from the proposed budget for an Artist Center.  The Pasay City Government is set to give the greenlight to kick off the first phase of the project, concentrating on the improvement of the center's main performance venues - Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino and Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, as well as the relocation of offices and theaters. This will take up about 40% of the budget, while the rest will be appropriated for the second phase, which will cover the repair of facilities such as the hydraulic lift, Freight elevator, LED lights, Rigging system, acoustics.  But given the scale and ambitions for the project, more funds may be needed.

Throughout the project, CCP reaffirmed that it will continue its operations and will take it as an opportunity to work with artistic communities and bring its programs closer to the people in different parts of the country.  On top of continued live performances and training, CCP will also strengthen its online presence.

“We hope that through our increased geographical presence and more outreach activities, the public will know that we are relentless in offering arts and cultural experiences for people from all walks of life.  While we are temporarily closing our home, our commitment to fulfill our duties will even be intensified,” said Margie Moran-Floirendo.

The redevelopment of CCP supports the national priority to accelerate the reopening of travel and the economy and the creation of jobs.  It also aligns with the CCP’s mission as the premier arts and culture institution of the Philippines to strengthen the Philippine brand.

“We are rebuilding a center for culture and arts that will push the country forward. We request everyone’s support and trust that the endeavor will set the stage for further creative and cultural development as well as international collaborations, showcasing the unique talent and spirit of the Filipino.” 

 

CCP Intensifies Arts and Culture Activities in 2023

THE Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) will carry on its mission and intensify its work in promoting and preserving the best of Filipino arts and culture amid its temporary closure and three-year structural redevelopment.  The institution’s leaders led by president Margie Moran-Floirendo reinforced that CCP is committed to bring its programs and activities even closer to local communities as they tap various venues nationwide.

This year marks CCP’s next chapter by expanding the celebration of artistic excellence and cultural development through a more accessible and diverse lineup of live performances, productions, exhibits, as well as training and education programs highlighting the passion, creativity, and spirit of the Filipino.  CCP shall showcase a more diverse pool of Philippine talent, promoting them alongside the projects of its resident companies Ballet Philippines, Philippine Ballet Theatre, the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group and the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company, Tanghalang Pilipino, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philippine Madrigal Singers and the National Music Competitions for Young Artists Foundation (NAMCYA).

Kicking off the new year is the opening of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s (PPO) 38th concert season and fifth series last January, spotlighting Japanese-American conductor Maestro Shizuo Kuwahara, who is among the conductors shortlisted for the Music Director position. 

During the Sixth and Seventh Series of concert season on February 24 and March 17, respectively to be held at the CCP’s Metropolitan Theater, fans can also immerse in delightful classical music performances with international guest soloists and renowned Filipino artists of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

On February 3, Sunsets At Makiling brings the PPO to audiences in Los Baños and other nearby towns for a rare experience of live orchestral music with a beautiful backdrop of sunset in the mountains.  The concert will feature light classical masterworks as well as “pops” arranged for the symphony orchestra and performed with special guest artists Antonio Jesus Quilloy on saxophone and soprano Pauline Therese Arejola, under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera.

Meanwhile, the largest annual multi-arts festival in the country, PASINAYA 2023: The CCP Open House Festival returns live on February 3 to 5, happening in various venues at the CCP Complex and in partner museums and galleries.  Here music, theater, dance, visual arts, film, and literature are celebrated via over a hundred shows, workshops, and activities.  PASINAYA 2023 invites revelers of all ages to maximize the festival promise - see-all-you-can, workshop-all-you-can, network-all-you-can, pay-what-you-can!

CCP also bids the public to rekindle or discover the joy of witnessing opera in a cinematic experience with the Met Opera Live in HD concert series season 7 featuring Camille Saint-Saëns’s SAMSON ET DALILA.  Screening on February 7, Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1 in Makati City, this biblical epic brings together mezzo-soprano Elīna Garanča, tenor Roberto Alagna and Darko Tresnjak, a Tony Award–winning director. 

Tanghalang Pilipino’s Ang Pag-uusig, the Filipino adaptation of Arthur Miller’s ‘The Crucible’ will also open on February 17 and run until March 12.  A winner of six Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards (including Outstanding Translation and Outstanding Play) in April 2018, Ang Pag-uusig is a gripping production that dramatization of the Salem witch trials that occurred in during the McCarthyism era, a time when the United States government persecuted people accused of communist subversion.

There will also be a three-day festival called Performatura slated on March 31 to April 2, 2023 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez.  Performatura is the country’s biggest performance literature festival celebrating the written word, performance, and the rich history of Philippine literature.  Expect poetry readings, storytelling, theatrical shows, dance dramas, musical presentations, and even spoken word competitions.

On March 28 to April 1, Ballet Philippines will hold a week-long dance celebration featuring electric characters of Carlo Calma’s Diyosa.  Happening at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, this story is set in a dreamy, mythical world, depicting Filipino culture and heritage and even humor traits fusing fashion, art, music and architecture.

CCP will also conduct workshops and training programs for young musicians in different regions to upgrade their skills and performances and prepare them for professional careers with the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA).  Bring out the best in you and join the NAMYCA Children’s concert workshop in Ayala Museum in April 2023.  Aside from these, CCP also has outreach programs offering free musical training and scholarships for public high school students such as the Kabataang Gitarista Program scheduled every Saturday - January to December 2023 in various venues.

Through its programs and activities, CCP celebrates the Filipino creativity and passion, helping enrich Filipino’s social awareness, building the Philippine brand, and contributing to the country’s economic value.

According to Margie Moran-Floirendo, “We urge the public to continue supporting and participating in our celebration of arts and culture to help deepen our identity and tell our story within and beyond our shores.”

For more inquiries and information, visit the CCP website at www.culturalcenter.gov.ph or like and subscribe to their Facebook Page, Twitter or Instagram accounts.