Christian Bautista, The Company lead today's performers at the Metropolitan Theater

The stage is set for the Metropolitan Theater's soft opening happening today, June 23.

Organized in time for Manila's 450th founding anniversary, the event aims to recognize outstanding Manileños, frontliners who passed away from COVID-19, and top business and real property taxpayers.

The program will also include performances by Christian Bautista, The Company, Angeline Quinto, and Bugoy Drilon.

This marks the first time that performance will be staged inside the iconic venue after it shut down operations for years due to several reasons.

Inaugurated on December 10, 1931, the MET was designed by architect Juan Arellano.

The art deco building was badly damaged during World War II and since then has struggled to regain its old glory.

Plans made over the years to reopen the ill-fated venue failed to progress.

The MET reopened albeit in a limited period only as it was once again shut down in 1996 due to ownership issues.

In 2011, local rock band Wolfgang performed in the decrepit venue for a concert.

The concert was intended to draw attention to “this near-forgotten architectural masterpiece” and to mark the 440th year of the City of Manila.

On December 14, 2016, an event was staged at the MET to commemorate the building's 85th anniversary as well as to highlight the restoration initiatives and the theater's role in Philippine culture.

That was the last time the building was used for a public event.

Today, the MET will once again lift the curtain and become the stage for Filipino artists to showcase their talents.

The event this afternoon can be viewed on the Facebook page of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno at Isko Moreno Domagoso.

Meanwhile, here are 10 Philippine museums and galleries you can visit from the comfort of your home: