Performing Arts in the Philippines

INTRODUCTION

Metro 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.