CCP Continues Its Programmes And Projects Amidst Three-year Rehabilitation Plans
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) embarks on a mission to rehabilitate and renovate its 53-year-old Tanghalang Pambansa (CCP Main Building) to remain the premier arts institution and performing arts venue in the country.
The three-year redevelopment plan focuses on structural improvements including upgrading its fire, drainage, electrical and environmental protection systems as well as other building codes while maintaining its iconic architectural design by National Artist Leandro Locsin. The plan also takes into consideration the current climate change adaptation measures to make it more sustainable.
“The building has gone through leaks, corrosions, 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,” said CCP president Margie Moran-Floirendo.
With an initial budget of Php900 million, the CCP kickstarted the first phase of the rehabilitation, concentrating on the improvement of the centre’s main venues, Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theatre) and Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre). The second phase focuses on structural retrofitting which includes repair and replacement works for the orchestra pit’s hydraulic lift, the theatre’s freight elevator, electrical and plumbing systems, rigging systems, as well as acoustics and sound systems.
The CCP management hopes to add more facilities and make the building more 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.
While the Main Building is undergoing rehabilitation, the CCP reaffirms that it will continue its operations, taking this opportunity to widen its reach beyond the complex.
“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 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 to strengthen the Philippine brand.
CCP shall showcase a more diverse pool of Filipino talents, as well as produce programmes and projects that uplift the Filipino creative spirit, strengthen national identity, and promote the Philippine cultural heritage, which helps in national development.
The centre opened its artistic programming for 2023 with Pasinaya, a three-day CCP Open House Festival with a watch-all-you-can, pay-what-you-can format. The festival which was attended by 37,888 people featured 43 workshops led by 137 facilitators, and 101 performances performed by 2874 artists from 89 groups. During the country’s largest multi-arts festival, the centre partnered with 13 museums and galleries (five of which were new partners) and offered free hop-on-hop-off museum tours to all Pasinaya participants.
Photo Credit: Cultural Center of the Philippines
Musically-inclined fans can immerse themselves in classical music performances with the 38th concert season of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring the aspiring conductors who are vying for the position of music director and principal conductor of the CCP resident orchestra company.
Photo Credit: Cultural Center of the Philippines
Photo Credit: Cultural Center of the Philippines
Tanghalang Pilipino’s Ang Pag-uusig, the Filipino adaptation of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, ran until 12 March, at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theatre). A winner of six awards at the 2018 Philstage Gawad Buhay, this gripping theatre production dramatises the Salem witch trial that occurred during the McCarthy communist era.
Photo Credit: Cultural Center of the Philippines
From 31 March – 2 April, the CCP Intertextual Division presented Performatura at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, a three-day festival which celebrated the written word, performance, and the rich history of Philippine literature. There were poetry readings, storytelling, theatrical shows, dance dramas, musical presentations, and spoken word competitions at the country’s biggest performance literature festival.
Ballet Philippines presented Carlo Calma’s Diyosa on 28 March – 1 April at CCP @ Samsung Performing Arts Theatre. Set in a dreamy, mythical world, the ballet production depicted traits of Filipino culture, heritage and even humor while fusing fashion, art, music and architecture.
CCP will conduct workshops and training programs for young musicians in different regions to upgrade their musical skills and prepare them for professional careers through the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA).
Through its programmes 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.
“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,” said Moran-Floirendo.
She concluded: “We are rebuilding a centre for culture and arts that will push the country forward. We request everyone’s support and trust that the endeavour will set the stage for further creative and cultural development as well as international collaborations, showcasing the unique talent and spirit of the Filipino.”
For more inquiries and information, visit the CCP website at www.culturalcenter.gov.ph. For tickets and other inquiries, call the CCP Box Office: 8832-3704 / 8832-1125 local 1409. Follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok for the latest updates.