Performing Arts in the Philippines

INTRODUCTION

M

etro Manila is the center of entertainment and culture activities. The premiere venue for the performing arts, the Cultural Center of the Philippines features world-class performances by local and international guest artists.

Manila's theater calendar is booked most weekends of the year. Theater fare ranges from classical ballet to "Neo-Filipino" modern dance; Broadway musicals to socially-relevant Filipino plays; zarzuela to musica; variety shows; classical music by full orchestra or chamber ensembles to pop/rap music concerts.

The following are the more popular venues for performances:

POPULAR THEATERS

• Cultural Center of the Philippines
  CCP Complex
  Tel: 832-1125
  The Main Theater is the venue for performances of the Philippine Philarmonic Orchestra, Ballet Philippines, and of most gala performances; the Little Theater is the venue for smaller productions.

• Folk Arts Theater
  CCP Complex
  Tel: 833-3640
  Favorite venue for pop/rock concerts and musical variety shows.

• Manila Metropolitan Theater
  Liwasang Bonifacio
  Tel: 48-4721
  The "grand dame" of Manila's theaters; art deco architecture reminiscent of 1920-30s; favorite venue for revivals of zarzuelas and all-time favorite musicals.

• Paco Park
  Paco, Manila
  Al fresco setting for classical musical programs taped for TV and occasional poetry readings on Friday evenings.

• Rajah Sulayman Theater
  Fort Santiago, Manila
  Tel: 49-6569
  Historical setting for contemporary plays staged by PETA (Philippine Educational Theater Association)

• Shaw Theater
  EDSA Plaza
  Home of Repertory Philippines, the Filipino theater group which produces contemporary Western plays and trains world-class performers like Lea Salonga and Monique Wilson.

• F. Santiago Hall
  PCIB I Paseo de Roxas, Makati City
  Tel: 817-1021
  Home of the Manila Chamber Orchestra, 20 dynamic young musicians play popular classical music in July-January season.