The complex development of the Cultural Center of the Philippines takes off with a new Black Box Theater to be constructed in the sunken parking area of the CCP complex, the CCP said in a statement on Wednesday.

The construction will be made possible through the efforts of theater arts patron Ignacio Gimenez and brother Roberto Olanday with the support and administrative assistance of the Locsin Partners, CCP said.

A ground breaking ceremony was held on January 19, 2016, to mark the beginning of the said venue’s construction.

The event was led by CCP vice president-artistic director Chris Millado.

It was participated in by CCP board members Florangel Rosario Braid, Cristina Turalba, Nestor Jardin (former CCP president), Leandro V. Locsin Partners (LVLP) administrator Andy Locsin, CCP chairperson Emily Abrera, Mr. Ignacio Gimenez (theater arts patron and Black Box Theater donor), CCP president Raul Sunico, Mr. Roberto Olanday (director of Eurotowers Group), CCP vice president for administration Rodolfo del Rosario, LVLP Partner architect Locsin, Maree Barbara Tan-Tiongco (technical theater consultant), and CCP board trustee Danny Dolor at the ground breaking ceremony. TVJ