TABLE OF CONTENTS 04 MEET THE MET
Introduction | Historical Context
07 7 FUN FACTS A BOUT THE MET 08 THE SITE
Site | Nearby Landmarks | Original Drawings
10 ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES 11 CONDITION SURVEY OF SURFACES Deformations | Decays | Assessment of Damages
14 TIMELINE OF INTERVENTIONS 16 THE MET AT PRESENT 17 MORE THAN METS THE EYE Historical Significance | Architectural Significance | Cultural Significance | Social Sinificance
18 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 21 BUILDING SURVEY FORM 22 REFERENCES
MANILA METROPOLITAN THEATER
4
MEET THE MET Known for its grand architectural design and Art Deco style, the Manila Metropoitan Theater or “The Met” is the first national theater in the Philippines. The building was designed by Filipino Architect Juan M. Arellano, who flew to the United States to study theater construction with one of the most respected theater architects in the US, Thomas W. Lamb. Arellano stated that he drew the plans for the building with the phrase “On Wings of Song.” True enough, the facade exhibits the statement through its segmental arch defined by tapering pinnacles that resemble oriental stupas, two identical wings, and a frieze with stylized shell patterns and tile mosaic in Javanese patterns that frame the facade. The first grand opening of the Met was held in October 1931 in which it housed different performances from zarzuelas, dramas to translation of foreign classics. Moreover, it has a capacity of 1670 (846 orchestra, 116 in loge and 708 in balcony). . During the Battle of Manila in 1945, the theater was significantly damaged, including several parts of the roof and walls. However, the Americans reconstructed the theater but, unfortunately, the theater was neglected afterwards. In 1978, the building . was restored again but it was then again abandoned. . Fortunately, the National Commission for Culture and Arts and the . Manila City Administration planned on reviving the theater in 2010. .
Juan M. Arellano
5
6
7
INTRAMUROS
PLAN OF MANILA SHOWING THE THEATER IN THE GARDEN (CA. 1930S)
MANILA CENTRAL POST OFFICE
ORIGINAL PLAN ON SITE OF THE MET
8
ORIGINAL FRONT ELEVATION DRAWING OF THE MET
MANILA CITY HALL
UNIVERSIDAD DE MANILA METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT MANILA MEHAN GARDEN MANILA
LRT1 CENTRAL TERMINAL
ARROCEROS FOREST PARK
MANILA MULTIMODAL TERMINAL
LAND TRANSPORTATION OFFICE
THE SITE
PADRE BURGOS AVE, ERMITA, MANILA, 1000 METRO MANILA LOT AREA: 7, 633.10SQM
9
10
emainthscoru;lpM
11
12
13
14
16
18
19
BASIC INFORMATION
BUILDING ANALYSIS
Building Name:
Method of construction:
Metropolitan Theater of Manila
Steel girder construction
Location (Address):
Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
What are the character defining elements?
It has exhibited Filipinized style of ornamentation both in its interior and exterior by mixing ingenious art deco elements and indigenous motifs scattered by the works of Italian Sculptor Francesco Monti, National Artist for visual Arts Fernando Amorsolo, and several FIlipino artisans and artists.
Architect / Builder / Designer:
Juan M. Arellano Year of Construction:
1931
What is the general condition of the building?
Architectural Style:
Art Deco
The Met’s reconstruction has been recently finished and is currently in pristine condition. Moreover, the original design was followed and retained.
Function / Use:
Recreational (Theater) Any other observations about the building?
Entry into heritage List:
The building is the only Art Deco building in its scale and in its integrity.
National Cultural Treasure
SIGNIFICANCE Historical Significance
Prominent artists have contributed to the building’s fabric which makes it even more significant. Some national artists who have worked with the Met are Juan Arellano, Arcadioo Arellano, Fernando Amorsolo, Antonio Buenaventura, and Nicanor Abelardo. Architectural Significance
Its visual elements perfectly capture the “Filipinized style of ornamentation” which showcases Filipino artistry at its best. Ingenious art deco elements can be observed all throughout the building, whether it may be worn-out or not.
Cultural Significance
Known as the Philippines’ first national theater, it was a melting pot of cultural and artistic performances and visual arts showcases. Local and international artists and teams have performed in the Met including the Manila Symphony Orchestra, and international artists such as Ted Shawn, Jascha Heifetz, Amelita Gai-Curci, and Fritz Kreisler. Architectural Significance
People from all walks of life had the chance to utilize the theater. High government officials, foreign dignitaries, and members of the high society held social events at the Met. Moreover, the middle class to the masses visited the Met to watch shows.
21
Emocling, O. (2017). Remembering the Manila Metropolitan Theater. Retrieved from https://nolisoli.ph/15275/remembering-manila-metropolitan-theater/ Manila Nostalgia. (2012). The Metropolitan Theater- Art Deco Style. Retrieved from http://www.lougopal.com/manila/?p=355 Philippine Tatler. (2018). Inside the Manila Metropolitan Theater Restoration. Retrieved from https://www.tatlerasia.com/culture/arts/inside-the-manila-metropolitan-theatre-restoration Reyes, I. (2019). The surprising, inspiring story of how the Met was built.Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/spotlight/04/30/19/high-standards-humble-efforts-the-early-years- of-the-metropolitan-theater Rubio, P. (2013). Manila Metropolitan Theater. Retrieved from http://arquitecturamanila.blogspot.com/2013/04/manila-metropolitan-theatre.html San Jose, C. (2021). How the Met Theter’s restorers recreated its original wall finish. Retrieved from https://nolisoli.ph/99667/met-theater-wall-color-finish/ Soliman, M. A. (2021). A long-awatied revival. Retrieved from https://www.bworldonline.com/a-long-awaited-revival/ Sorilla, F. (2021). The Manila Metropolitan Theater will reopen April 2021 after 6 years of restoration. Retrieved from https://www.tatlerasia.com/culture/arts/the-restored-manila-metropolitan the ater-repoens-on-april-2021
22
