In September 10, the Cultural Center of the Philippines unveiled two new historical markers at the building's Main Theater Lobby, commemorating the institution's 50 years of promoting, preserving, and developing the Philippine arts and culture.
A Brief History
Through the initiative and fund-raising ventures of former First Lady Imelda Marcos, the CCP officially opened on September 8, 1969, with The Golden Salakot: Isang Dularawan as its very first show, graced by then California Governor Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy, who represented then US President Richard Nixon.
Fifty years later, the Brutalist building that was designed by National Artists Leandro Locsin and Ildefonso Santos Jr. still stands strong. It is still home to the people who keep the CCP true to its mandate: to make arts matter to every Filipino.
CCP's Golden Anniversary
In celebration of their Golden Anniversary, the CCP has prepared a year-long celebration starting off this month. So if you want to explore more about the institution but you're having a tight budget, now's the perfect chance to immerse into CCP's arts and culture. Here are some of the events and activities you can check out with zero to a hundred-peso budget!
1. Sinag: A Festival of Radiance
FREE
Just in time for the holidays, a light and sound installation will be launched on September 19 (moved to September 26) at the CCP Front Lawn for everyone to see. There are also performances that will be interactive to the light show in the first weekend of its installation.
The lights are made in partnership with the City of San Fernando which is known for the grandeur of its giant lanterns, further enhanced by award-winning multimedia artist Toym Imao Jr. and Kapampangan lantern artisan Arvin Quiwa. National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera wrote the lyrics for the installation's accompanying song Pagdiwang sa Ginintuang Pagsilang with music and orchestration by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab.
After that, the light and sound spectacle will continue to glimmer for passersby and visitors until January 5, 2020.
2. People's Gala
P50 – P100
To give back to the people, CCP makes this year's People's Gala on September 21, 8PM, more affordable with prices P50 for Balcony I and P100 for Balcony II. Witness the best of CCP with these tickets as renowned performers will grace the stage showcasing some of the various art forms that the institution has supported in the past 50 years.
These artists include theater actress Joanna Ampil; music virtuoso and pianist Raul Sunico; ballerinas Candice Adea and Julio Blanes; contemporary artists Poppert Bernadas, Gian Magdangal and Lara Maigue; soprano Rachelle Gerodias; veteran actors Celeste Legaspi, Nonie Buencamino, Shamaine Buencamino, Audie Gemora, and Monique Wilson; and film director Jerrol Tarrog and editor Chuck Gutierrez in a Cinemalaya segment to pay homage to the golden years of Philippine cinema.
For tickets, you may call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704.
3. QRated: CCP DIY Walking Tour
FREE
If you'd like to know more about the CCP building itself and the different artworks located inside it, a CCP Do-It-Yourself Tour will be launched on September 25 (moved to October 15). Now, you don't have to be in large groups and spend money to have a formal tour around the vicinity. After the DIY Tour has been launched, you can learn more about the CCP through a number of QR codes scattered inside the building. You just need a smartphone, a QR code scanner, and an internet connection to have an informative tour of the CCP absolutely free!
These are but some of the events lined up for a year-long celebration of the CCP's 50th anniversary. Here's a full list of the shows and events you can look forward to starting this month until September 2020.
For more information, check out the CCP website and social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.
The CCP building is located at Roxas Blvd. cor. Pablo Ocampo Sr. St., CCP Complex, Pasay, Metro Manila.
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Homestream image courtesy of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Photo by Jojit Lorenzo.
