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What's it's like to watch a show at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila
The Metropolitan Theater, or the Met, in Manila is a story in itself.
The Art Deco building, designed by Filipino painter and architect Juan Arellano, was inaugurated in 1931.
It has undergone several restorations and closures, and was even partially destroyed during World War II. It closed in 1996 and reopened again to the public in 2021, following a grand restoration.
This quick history is enough to make anybody curious about the Met, what it looks like, and what happens in its premises. So, on a regular Friday in November, I took the time out to catch the one-day affair “Silang Magigiting sa Bayang Magiliw."
Getting There
It took all of just 55 minutes to get to the Metropolitan Theater in Manila from the GMA Network in Quezon City.
I took the MRT from GMA-Kamuning to Taft Avenue, and then transferred to the LRT that took me all the way to Central Terminal.
There is a short two-minute walk from the station to the Met, where several food booths stationed outside proved convenient to get replenishments. Note: the nearest mall or restaurant is a 10-minute walk from the theater — or short tricycle ride away.
The trains are not the only options to get to the Met. There are Lawton-bound jeeps, buses, and FXs that stop behind or next to the theater.
Ride-hailing services are convenient and recommended, as there is only one parking lot at the Met, which is right behind the theater. It doubles as a transport terminal and charges P50 for all-day parking.
Alternatively, you can park at the nearby SM Manila and walk or take a tricycle to the Met.
Upon Arrival
The theater was closed when I got there right before 1 p.m. and there were no waiting sheds or seats available, so I spent time at the food booths.
There was a variety of Filipino street food, rice meals, burgers, Asian food, and drinks, which were all fairly priced. I thought about walking around the Arroceros Forest Park or getting a cup at the coffee shop Pekaps sa Gedli right next to the theater, but did not want to veer too far. I had a show to catch, after all, so I headed back to the theater entrance to wait it out there.
Security separated each section, as well as by reservation or walk-ins. But audiences had to line up and waite outside in the heat, because the theater did not open until 1:40pm.
The air-conditioned lobby was not just a needed place for cooler shelter, but a sight to behold as bronze sculptures and bright paintings were displayed. Ushers were there to guide audience members.
The restrooms were located on each side of the theater, with the female CRs at the left side of the theater, and male to the right.
The restrooms were very clean and air-conditioned as well, with a wide space to check out outfits in the full-length mirrors. There are even toilet paper and bidet. There was also a medical assistance table outside the women’s toilets.
Take a moment to take in the majestic theater.
The word “Metropolitan” sculpted in bronze with human figures right next to it, is found at the top. The ceiling is also decorated with mangoes, bananas, and plants, for some true blue Filipino decor.
The warm lights were relaxing too, perfect for an otherwise intimidating atmosphere. Even the sides are decorated with warm light pieces right next to the fire exits. There is nothing to do or explore while waiting for a show, but it is safe to say that with these sights, waiting for it to start is never boring.
It is easy to find seats. Just check the ticket and locate the seat with numbers and letters printed on the back.
My seat, located at the rightmost side of the theater, had a slightly obstructed view making it difficult to see, so perhaps try to get a ticket right in the middle for better view.
Inside the theater, air-conditioning could be stronger and mobile signal was intermittent, leaving audiences with no choice but to converse and take in their surroundings.
I caught the 2 p.m. matinee show of “Silang Magigiting sa Bayang Magiliw,“ a one-day event that featured some theater veterans and was a celebration of Filipino history and culture.
It started late — at 2:35 — and to signify it was about to begin, chime-like sounds started playing in the theater. A recorded voice message told audiences to take care of the theater, and gave reminders on theater etiquette and safety. Posting about the theater on social media was also recommended.
After the National Anthem, the play opened with first act featuring readings from plays by the Gantimpala Theater. It opened with a song about the Ibong Adarna, quickly showcasing how beautiful the sound system was.
The first part was a reading from “Ibong Adarna,” “Florante at Laura,” “Noli Me Tangere,” and “El Filibusterismo.” It featured Tommy Abuel, Susan Africa, Cora Alforja, Malou Crisologo, Soliman Cruz, Joey De Guzman, Malou De Guzman, Danny Deopante, Ihman Esturco, Bj Tolits Forbes, Earl Ignacio, Jonic Magno, Raymond Talavera, and Maria Bucog.
In the background, photos from the Gantimpala Theater productions were flashed onscreen.
While coming from different plays, the readings were organized into a story with a beginning, climax, and end. An interesting part of the first act was when lighting was also projected on the sides of the theater, making it an immersive experience for audiences.
There is no time to waste during the 15-minute intermission. To stretch your legs and get instant fresh air with some quiet time, there is a garden on the side of the theater just outside the men’s restroom.
On the second floor outside the orchestra entrance, there are Filipino-inspired art pieces, stickers, and shirts by @wantonoodlessoup, and fashion items from The Closet by Norman Penaflorida up for sale.
The second act of the show was a musical about the importance of Filipino history and heroes. Two siblings traveled from the modern day through Philippine history from pre-Magellan days to the pandemic era, thanks to a magical book.
The musical told the stories of Lapulapu, Jose Rizal, modern-day nurses, teachers, delivery riders through popular Filipino songs like “Isang Bandila,” “Walang Hanggang Paalam,” “Bayan Ko,” “Tatsulok,” “Mga Kababayan,” “Leaves,” “Liwanag sa Dilim,” and many more.
It starred rising actors, theater veterans, and groups, namely, Isay Alvarez-Seña, Gab Pangilinan, Arman Ferrer, Tex Ordoñez, Myke Salomon, China Cojuangco, Ericka Peralejo, Jose Mari De Guzman, Cj Navato, Roby Malubay, Almond Bolante, Josh Cadelina, Greg De Leon, Carlo Manalac, Paw Castillo, Phi Palmos, Acapellago, Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, and Tanghalang Bagong Sibol.
Sound, lighting, choreography, costume design, and production design were all on point for the show. Not seeing other blockings on the rightmost side was a small price to pay.
The show and the theater itself pulled me in, pretty much forcing me to stay present. It was a building filled with so many stories and lovely features, from the paintings and colored walls, to the quaint garden and displayed art. It definitely had its own power to make audiences live not just in the building, but in the moment.
Personally, a day at the theater was something I didn’t know I needed. Catching a show, although the story was told countless times before, was needed to change the dynamic of daily life, and is highly recommended to anybody wanting some form of reset.
— LA, GMA Integrated News
