Standalone movie theaters of the Philippines

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Avenida in Manila, Philippines wherein streets where lined with thriving theaters along with the growing popularity of cinema as primary forms of entertainment in the Philippines.
Avenida in Manila, Philippines wherein streets where lined with thriving theaters along with the growing popularity of cinema as primary forms of entertainment in the Philippines.

With the advent and continuous growth of Philippine cinema came the construction of Philippine theaters in the Metropolitan Manila along with those in the Philippine provinces. These theaters provided the venue for regular bodabil performances, film showings, and festivals, all of which enriched Philippine culture. Several theaters built within the City of Manila were designed by prominent Philippine architects, including future National Artists Juan Nakpil and Pablo Antonio. Most of these theaters have since closed, and several of them have been demolished.

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[edit] Philippine Architects

The following are the Philippine architects that contributed and lead to the design of the classic Philippine theaters in the 20th century.

[edit] Manila Theaters in the Early 90's

[edit] Metropolitan Theater

The Metropolitan Theater in Manila, Philippines
The Metropolitan Theater in Manila, Philippines

The Manila Metropolitan Theater is located in Padre Burgos Street, Manila, Philippines, the theater has a 1,670 seat capacity with an art deco design by both Architects Juan Arellano and Otillio Arellano in 1935. Endowed with bronze sculptures depicting ancient female Philippine performers were designed by Francesco Riccardo Monti, stained class mural mounted on the theater above its main audience entrance, and Philippine plants relief carvings found in the interiors of its lobby were made by Isabelo Tampingco. Currently still standing at the area of Lawton in Manila, near Liwasang Bonifacio, the theater is deteriorating because of lack of maintenance and acts of vandalism. Closed in 1996, its east wing is now used as office spaces for government services.[1]

[edit] Capitol Theater

The Capitol Theater, situated in Escolta, Manila, was designed by Philippine National Artist for Architecture Juan Nakpil and was built on the mid 90's with an 800 seating capacity. With an art deco style by the architect, the theater has its facade with reliefs of 2 muses. Currently closed as a theater, it now serves as a venue for a few commercial establishments and restaurants in the said area.[2]

[edit] Avenue Theater

Another architectural work by Arch. Juan Nakpil is the Avenue Theater. Located along Rizal Avenue in Manila, the theater has a 1,000 seat capacity, with is lobby bearing a marble finish flooring. With the theater closed, it used to have a hotel and a venue for office spaces.[3]

[edit] Bellevue Theater

The Bellevue Theater is one of a few classic Philippine theaters built in the 90's is still running today. Currently located at Pedro Gil (formerly Herran) Street, Paco, Manila, and serving a total seat capacity of up to 600 audience, the theater's design of a quonset hut and classic ornamentations bring visitors back in time during the period the theater was established. The theater currently operates as a single screen cinema.[4]

[edit] Ever Theater

The Ever Theater is located along Rizal Avenue in Manila. The theater was also designed by Juan Nakpil and has a single screen cinema with an 800 seat capacity. It was also visited by Walter Gropius during its inauguration in the 1950s, praising the theater's oustandings qualities. Currently closed as a theater, it now serves the public as a commercial arcade.[5]

[edit] Ideal Theater

The Ideal Theater was once located at Avenida Rizal in Manila, designed by the late Architect Pablo Antonio in 1933, the theater was then closed and demolished in the 1970s to give way to the construction of a department store in the said area. The Ideal Theater was one of the first major works of Pablo Antonio along with the buildings of Far Eastern University and Manila Polo Club.[6]

[edit] Scala Theater

Another theater designed by Pablo Antonio was the Scala Theatre, also located in Avenida Rizal in Manila. With the floors paced with tea rose marble and curved wall ligned with glass blocks, the theater has not lasted its magnificence with its closure in the 90's. The theater catered to up to 600 people for its single screen operations.[7]

[edit] Times Theater

The Times Theater, currently found along Quezon Boulevard, Quiapo, Manila, was designed by Architect Luis Z. Araneta, erected on 1939, the theater has its Art Moderne relief. Unmaintained today, the theater is still operational, and can accommodate 800 people with its single screen operations.[8]

[edit] State Theater

Another work of the late architect Juan Nakpil, the State Theater is found along Rizal Avenue in Manila. Built in the 1930s with its art deco design, the theater was then closed and demolished.[9]

[edit] Life Theater

One of the works of Pablo Antonio, the Life Theater used to be one of Manila's prime movie houses during the period. With its art deco design, the theater was adorned with aluminum buffles and columns that made the theater lived up to the concepts of art deco design. Along with the Times Theater, the theater is also found along Quezon Boulevard in Quiapo, Manila. However, the Life Theater closed its operations as a theater and is now a shopping center in the area.[10]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Cinema Treasures - Metropolitan Theater
  2. ^ Cinema Treasures - Capitol Theater
  3. ^ Cinema Treasures - Avenue Theater
  4. ^ Cinema Treaures - Bellevue Theater
  5. ^ Cinema Treasures - Ever Theater
  6. ^ Cinema Treasures - Ideal Theater
  7. ^ Cinema Treaures - Scala Theatre
  8. ^ Cinema Treasures - Times Theater
  9. ^ Cinema Treasures - State Theater
  10. ^ Cinema Treasures - Life Theater