Metropolitan Theater in 1932 (courtesy John Tewell), Metropolitan Theater – architectural drawing. While several top Filipino celebrities made their debut at the grand dame, Its condition deteriorated in the ’90s due to several factors . I’m glad you found the articles interesting. and the different establishments and institutions you identified in your stories. ( Log Out /  The NCCA envisions the Manila Metropolitan Theater, commonly called the Met, as a 'mini Cultural Center of the Philippines' P9.48-M released to restore Manila Metropolitan Theater … Filipinos have always had a love affair with cars. The Gaiety will always have a place in my memory lane. People who can help preserve our history as a nation, our culture of long ago and everything about us, about our land. MANILA -- From its establishment, decline and now pending restoration, the Manila Metropolitan Theater tells a story of architecture -- one that mirrors the life of one of its ardent supporters. My encounters in “Manila Nostalgia” as well as other sites allowed me to trace or find clues about dredging, land fills, quarrying and reclamation during the 19th century in Manila. I would love to read of some of your stories. He then traveled to New York, where he met Philippine architect Juan M. de Guzman Arellano, who invited him to the Philippines. Arellano retired in 1956 and went back to painting. My grandmother, who was then Jessie Lopez-Mena, was the first person to hire Ronnie Laing, whom all who knew Manila in the 50’s through the 70’s will remember from his shop RONNIE’S. However, he pursued architecture and was sent to the United States as one of the first pensionados in architecture, after Carlos Barreto, who was sent to the Drexel Institute in 1908, Antonio Toledo, who went to Ohio State, and Tomás Mapúa, who went to Cornell. Some photos I copied for a Powerpoint presentation and shared them with colleagues at work. In 1930, he returned to Manila and designed the Manila Metropolitan Theater, which was then considered controversially moderne.He also continued to act as a consulting architect for the Bureau of Public Works where he oversaw the production of the Manila’s first zoning plan. Unfortunately, the Teatro del Principe Alfonso burnt down in 1876, blamed on a irate Muslim terrorist. Out of a desire to create a uniquely Filipino style, he incorporated native flora and fauna designs in his Art Nouveau style woodcarvings. Hi! http://www.facebook.com/metropolitantheatermanila1931/. So he took me to see it a second time, only to save some money, he took me to Gaiety! new photos of the Metropolitan Theater , sadly still in a dilapidated state. We brought ‘baons’. Juan M. Arellano was born on April 25, 1888 in Tondo Manila, Philippines to Luis C. Arellano and Bartola de Guzmán. https://jerichoswalls.wordpress.com/2014/06/22/the-manila-metropolitan-manila-have-you-met-yet/. While the public awaits for the NCCA to deliver on its promise--to restore the Metropolitan Theater to its former glory--we recall the beginnings of this national pride, and how it was characterized by a coming together of Manila's haves and have-littles, and … Designed in 1931 by National Artist for Architecture, Juan Arellano, the Metropolitan Theater is a primary example in the art deco style prevailing during those times. While several top Filipino celebrities made their debut at the grad dame, Its condition deteriorated in the ’90s due to several factors . Thanks ! It really feels good to remember! Badly damaged during World War II, the theater became an ice cream parlor, boxing arena , garage, motel ,  gay club and eventually a squatter colony of about 50 to 70 families. Sana wala ng corruption ay magkaroon naman ng conscience ang mga pinuno na maibalik ang ganda ng bayan, ang naglahong ganda ng Maynila para magkaroon naman tayo ng dignity and pride in this part of the world. He was trained in the Beaux Arts and subsequently went to work for George B. Singapore Botanic Garden was established in 1859 about a year after the establishment of Jardin Botanico de Manila . He and Tomás Mapúa were then named as supervising architects. The imposing Metropolitan Theater in downtown Manila is a symbol of resilience, and of a city that keeps on rising again after the dark clouds have passed. The Crystal Arcade – Art Deco at its finest . Thank you ! The proposal was first conceived in 1924 when Manila was not only known as ” Pearl of the Orient” but also dubbed” Milan of Asia” , reputed to be as charming as Paris . On June 11, 1865, “La Conquista de Jolo” was staged there and it glorified the military campaigns of Governor Antonio Urbiztondo in the south, in 1750. Finally in 1931, a location was selected on a pleasant site amidst the trees at one end of the Mehan Gardens and just across the wide plaza from the impressive new Post Office Building and the approach to the Santa Cruz Bridge. The then upcoming National Artist Nic Joaquin used to invite me to view some of these performances. My aunt, Conchita Sunico, spent her last years, as well as her finances preserving the Met and making sure the musicians got paid. Dalawang dekada na ang nakakaraan nang huling magbukas sa publiko ang makasaysayang Manila Metropolitan Theater na itinayo noon pang 1931. Designed by architect Juan M. Arellano in 1930, it was severely damaged during the second World War. While it had played host to vaudevilles and zarzuelas, performances by world renowed artists like Jascha Heifetz, the violin virtuoso were also held in the theater. Ang napansin ko maganda ang Pilipinas, ang Maynila noong panahon ng Americans, there was planning. The Metropolitan Theatre was considered to be the Grand Dame of Manila and also as the “crown jewel” of the theatres in Manila. Cruz bridge (I have forgotten its name). I agree with you say regarding the American period, there seemed to be more planning and not just building wherever without thought to aesthetics. Why not a hall of justice to house Manila’s courts? Save the Manila Metropolitan Theater. It was only in 1978 that it was restored to its present form and operas under the American stage director, Lincoln Clark, a regular guest, offered Italian and French works for 5 seasons. In 1978, the old Metropolitan Theatre had undergone a complete restoration after its destruction in the Battle for the Liberation of Manila in 1945 and Post-War decline and misuse. I’m glad that the pictures helped you and hope that students like you appreciate Manila’s wonderful heritage and, as you say, perhaps save our landmarks through the World Heritage site. Ming ruled the planet Mongo from his palace and was always scheming to kidnap Dale Arden, girlfriend of Flash. Culture. This is a photo of a cultural heritage property in the Philippines with ID PH-00-0022 Do you think the Japanese bear some responsibility in the destruction of Manila ? The venue played host to vaudevilles , zarzuelas , performances by world renowned artists like the maestro Jascha Heifetz, and Dr. Herbert Zipper who conducted the Manila Symphony. The years between 1930’s and 40’s is considered to be the theater’s heyday. de Guzmán Arellano. He later joined the Bureau of Public Works just as the last American architects, George Fenhagen and Ralph H. Doane, were leaving. Manila, capital and chief city of the Philippines.The city is the centre of the country’s economic, political, social, and cultural activity. The stained glass facade was commissioned by Kraut Art Glass established by family patriarch Mr. Mattias Kraut . It was inaugurated on December 10, 1931, with a capacity of 1670 (846 orchestra, 116 in the lodge, and 708 in the balcony). Started as National Theater with the design of Architect Juan Arellano. During World War II, the Legislative Building and Jones Bridge, were totally destroyed and the Post Office Building was severely damaged. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. The ice cream parlor you referred to (Remedios corner Mabini), I believe it was called Milky Way? Today we celebrate the 4th of July , the day we became free and so with the Americans. Badly damaged during World War II,The theater became an ice cream parlor, boxing arena , garage, motel ,  gay club and eventually a squatter colony of about 50 to 70 families before it was rebuilt in 1978 by former First Lady Imelda Marcos. Our country needs people like you. Heacock’s Department Store on the Escolta, Puente Colgante – Insular Ice Plant and Cold Storage, The Metropolitan Theater – Art Deco Style. http://meowbykate.blogspot.com/2010/06/manila-metropolitan-theater.html, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manila_MetropolitanTheater, http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Isabelo_Tampinco, http://superpasyal.blogspot.com/2006/07/manila-metropolitan-theatre.html. He designed a demesne along the edge of Manila Bay, which featured a revival-style mansion that took advantage of the seaside vista. He is known for his many works of public sculpture during the Commonwealth and post-war years in the Philippines. On December 10, 1931, the inspired architecture of brothers Juan Arellano and Arcadio Arellano, following the American architectural planner Mr. Daniel Burnham lured by the unique opportunity of designing in tropical Asia, was completed; a beautiful example of art deco of the Thirties and, some would say, the Golden Age of Manila during the American colonial administration. Soon after, he sculpted the relief depicting the Muses on the Meralco building on San Marcelino. Several years later,  During the American colonial period in 1924 , a member of then Philippine legislature proposed that a theater be constructed near the Mehan Garden formerly Jardin Botanico de Manila established in 1858. For those reading this, “baons” are tin containers that stack onto each other and carried like a lunchbox, each tin containing a separate dish. Just trying my luck, maybe you would know as to whom should we ask for permits and the like or if they do allow shoots? April 29, 2010 ( Thursday) Officials of the city government  said that the Met—fondly referred to as the “grand dame” of Manila’s theaters—is on its way to being restored to its former glory. OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license. Murals by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo, namely “The Dance” and “History of Music” adorned the lobby. Thanks for remembering the name of that ice cream parlor. May God bless the Philippines and the USA. One of their major commissions was the Manila Metropolitan Theater, for which Monti designed the Siamese and Oriental dancer sculptures embellishing the exterior and the figures of Adam and Eve in the lobby. De Guzmán s just not let it die another faded memory memories manila metropolitan theater history I once forgot before all historical! Binondo, Manila advertised “ Military Uniforms ” he claimed he could make authentic US Uniforms for 10 pesos Nouveau... 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