Metropolitan Theater cancels June 12 reopening
The much-awaited reopening of the iconic Metropolitan Theater has been delayed momentarily.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) made the announcement today, June 9, citing the health and safety of the public as the primary reason.
“Due to the recent surge of COVID cases in the country, and in line with the regulations under the prevailing General Community Quarantine (GCQ) with restrictions, the management of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts' (NCCA) Metropolitan Theater (MET) has decided to move its launch via the show 'Lapulapu, Ang Datu ng Mactan,' scheduled this 12 June, to a later date,” the NCCA posted on Facebook.
It added, “The NCCA's MET prioritizes the safety and welfare of everyone involved in this production and all its stakeholders.”
The NCCA said it is following all safety protocols as recommended by concerned government agencies.
Lapulapu, Ang Datu ng Mactan is part of the celebratory events marking the quincentennial or 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan.
It will also be the first time that the MET will be hosting a show after years of inactivity due to various reasons including ownership issues and renovation.
Inaugurated on December 10, 1931, the MET was designed by architect Juan Arellano.
The stunning art deco structure has been dubbed as the Grand Dame of Manila's theaters' for its lavish architecture.
The theater has hosted many performances during its glory days including the first Mickey Mouse cartoon and the maiden movie produced by local studio LVN Pictures.
It was among the structures badly destroyed during World War II.
Since then, efforts have been made to bring back the theater's old glory but to no avail.
Plans to reopen the theater have also not pushed through and years of neglect have significantly reduced the structure's beauty and grandiosity.
The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in 2015 sold the property to the NCCA, which initiated painstaking renovation works that continues to this day.
It was announced in May that the theater will now be called the NCCA Metropolitan Theater.
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