It will be a double celebration this April as the Metropolitan Theater (Met) in Manila reopens just in time for a very special event.
The National Quincentennial Committee (NQC) announced through a Facebook post that the historical landmark will be the venue for this year’s commemoration of the Victory at Mactan. Apr. 27 marks the 500th anniversary of Mactan chieftain Lapulapu’s defeat of invading Spanish forces, as well as our country’s participation in the first circumnavigation of the world. Aside from an evening show at the Met, commemorative rites for the Victory at Mactan will be held at the Liberty Shrine in Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City in the morning. The shrine will co-host the evening show with the Met as well.
Although the theater survived the World War II bombings with only partial damage, financial difficulties led to its eventual closure. In January 2020, Manila mayor Isko Moreno shared photos of the restored building’s nearly-completed interiors as part of his key projects for the city.
[READ: Remembering the Manila Metropolitan Theater]
“A declared National Historical Landmark and National Cultural Treasure, (The) Met witnessed the development of the country through time. It is also a landmark of Filipino excellence and oneness with humanity through arts and culture,” wrote the NQC in its Facebook post.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines are working to finish the restoration of The Met in time for its opening event.