Five Minutes with Chris Millado

• Share with us Cultural Center of the Philippines’ key programmes. How do you think the arts can play a part in serving your communities?

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) has four core programmes namely: Production and Exhibition, Arts Education, Outreach and Cultural Content Development. Each of these programmes have a specific role and at the same time work collaboratively to service the broad publics in its different stages of development.

The ideation, creation, and showcasing of excellent works reside in Production and Exhibition. The training for advancement of artistic and technical skills of artists and the education of teachers and young audiences are initiated by Arts Education. The Outreach programmes build the offsite capacities in the arts through partnerships with region based arts councils. The Cultural Content Development develops digital content for further dissemination and for liberalising the access through the creation of online platforms.

Chris Millado

• What are your vision and goals for Cultural Center of the Philippines?

As the Center enters its 50th year, the vision is to engage even more Philippine citizens by playing an active role in value formation. The CCP strives to be the best venue for the creation and presentation of the arts through the maintenance of its iconic buildings and the construction of new facilities. All these feed into the establishment of a thriving art and culture district that enlivens the creative life and industry of the city and the whole nation.

• Could you tell us more about the current arts scene in Philippines, and what you see as Cultural Center of the Philippines’ role in the development of the arts industry?

The creation and presentation of performing arts content is exuberant. There has been a recent increase of privately run commercial venues and smaller artist run spaces that engender new work and cater to new audiences. The CCP can enhance the development and refinement of new works by providing spaces for rehearsals, collaborations, further refinement of these works until they realise their full artistic potential. The CCP can play a leadership role in the sharing of knowledge and technology with regards to running, managing and sustaining performing arts venues.

• The 2019 AAPPAC Conference will be hosted by Cultural Center of the Philippines, what can we expect for the conference?

The conference promises a lively and stimulating exchange on the collaborative potential between small to medium-sized venues, the academe and large performing arts centers. The conference will examine how these collaborations have enhanced the creation of work, stimulated innovation and provided opportunities. The conference coincides with the anniversary celebration of the CCP, the hosting of the conference of the Federation of Asia Cultural Promoters (FACP) and the holding of the Manila International Performing Arts Market. The convergence of these industry-related events enables a grand platform for exposure and exchange.

• If you had a soundtrack to your life what song/songs would have to be on it?

Ease into the day with a song from Izrael Kamakawiwoele, specifically his laidback ukulele version of  Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Pick up the slack and start the creative adrenalin pumping with a string quartet from Philip Glass before letting the rest of the day ooze out with gratefulness with  Merecedes Sosa’s Gracias a La Vida (Thanks to Life).

• What is your philosophy in life?

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

• Do you have a favourite quote or saying that is always on your mind?

“Let a hundred flowers bloom.” – Mao

• Tell us one thing interesting that most of your colleagues do not know about you?

My partner and I love to throw silly hat parties – and other silly-themed parties.

Chris Millado

• What charity is closest to your heart?

I like giving books to the mobile library which allows street kids to take home any book they like from the shelves and replace it with another one.

Click here to visit Cultural Center of the Philippines’ website.