CCP turns 50

PREMIER VENUE Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) board member Baltazar Endriga, special guest Andy Locsin, CCP chair Margie Moran Floirendo and CCP president Arsenio Lizaso at the unveiling of the commemorative markers on the CCP’s 50th anniversary —EDWIN BACASMAS

MANILA, Philippines–Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) officials recently led the unveiling of commemorative markers as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the country’s premier institute and venue of the performing arts.

The markers were installed at the lobby of Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater), with CCP president Arsenio “Nick” Lizaso welcoming guests, and chair Margie Moran Floirendo and board of trustees member Baltazar Endriga reciting the text of the markers in English and Filipino, respectively.

“The Cultural Center of the Philippines is a fulfillment of the decadeslong quest of countless Filipino artists and government officials for a national theater,” the markers read.

The Philippine Madrigal Singers, one of the CCP’s nine resident companies, sang the anthem “Tanghalan Naming Mahal.”

Gracing the occasion were CCP’s board of trustees, executives, employees, former chairs and presidents and the family of National Artist Leandro V. Locsin, who designed the center in the Brutalist architectural style.

Among the special guests were representatives of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, National Museum, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and other arts and culture stakeholders.

The CCP formally opened on Sept. 8, 1969, with the premiere of the musical “The Golden Salakot: Isang Dularawan.” Since then, it has been presenting live music, dance and theatrical performances, film screenings, visual arts exhibits, literary gatherings and workshops featuring Filipino and international artists.

Its nine resident companies include Ballet Philippines, Philippine Ballet Theater, Tanghalang Pilipino, Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, University of Santo Tomas Symphony Orchestra, Philippine Madrigal Singers and the National Music Competition for Young Artists Foundation. —POCHOLO CONCEPCION