Cultural Center of the Philippines

Sited on a former nuclear testing site, the Cultural Center of the Philippines or CCP is a brainchild of former First Lady Imelda Marcos. The 88-hectare compound was opened in 1969 to promote Filipino culture and the arts by showcasing the live performances and artworks of both Filipino and international artists.

Throughout its history, the center has rolled out its red carpet to many of the world’s personalities and celebrities, including former US President Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy.  It has also showcased the Royal Danish, Bolshoi, and Kirov ballets, as well classical and contemporary musicians, operettas, and musicals from America, France, and Germany.

Features

Although regularly in need of renovations, CCP itself is widely considered as an architectural gem. It was designed by Filipino architect and national artist Leandro V. Locsin. It has an ethnographic museum, a changing exhibit of Philippine art, a library on Philippine art and culture, four theaters and several lobbies graced with the paintings and sculptures of national artists Carlos Francisco, Hernando Ocampo, Juan Luna, Victorio Edades, Guillermo Tolentino, and Vicente Manansala. The main building is surrounded by hectares of landscaped lawns and gardens.

Attractions

CCP also serves as the home of the finest performers in the country. Among them are Ballet Philippines, Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company, Tanghalang Pilipino, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Philippine Madrigal Singers, and the filmmakers of the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. Such artists have already showcased their art abroad; some even won in international competitions or have gained worldwide acclaim.

Fees and opening hours

The center’s main building is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily except Mondays and holidays. It is free to enter the main building but you will be asked to be deposit cameras at the security desk before entering. It is free of charge to visit the ethnographic museum and to see the artworks in the lobbies, but tickets should be bought from the center’s ticket booth to see performances and exhibits. For ticket prices and schedules of performances, check out http://www.culturalcenter.gov.ph/, or call tel. nos. (632) 832-1125 to 39. Fax no. (632) 832-3683. E-mail: ccp@culturalcenter.gov.ph.

How to get there

CCP is along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City, in front Harrison Plaza Hotel. The easiest way to get there is through a taxi (flag down rate: P30) from anywhere in Manila. Alternatively, you may ride the LRT Line-1, get off in Vito Cruz Station (P15), ask where the terminal of orange jeepneys is, and ride one going to CCP. Ask the driver to drop you off in the main building. The fare is only P7.

Tags: Attractions, Day trip, Historical, Manila