Having limited government budget to cover the major repairs, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is actively seeking ways to raise funds for the rehabilitation of the Tanghalang Pambansa (CCP Main Building).

The CCP management organized a gala fund-raiser event, with an unforgettable night of cocktails, chamber music, and opera, featuring world-renowned Filipino tenor Arthur Espiritu, soprano Stefanie Quintin, and the PPO Chamber Ensemble, held on March 14 at The Manila Polo Club in Makati City.

“There is much to be done. We still need to upgrade our sounds and the acoustic system of our theaters. Our limited budget doesn’t include the refurbishment of the interiors. Our dressing rooms need to be revamped. We are also planning to convert some offices into public spaces. To make our vision of a globally competitive, sustainable, and future-ready CCP, we need funds. So, we appeal to everyone to be part of this worthwhile endeavor,” said CCP president Margie Moran-Floirendo.

The initial fund-raising effort kick-started during the Bulawan: The CCP 50th Anniversary Gala in 2019, with the BDO Unibank Inc. underwriting the gala concert and donating the first Php 1 million.

For the first phase of the private sector fund-raising campaign for 2023, the CCP rolls out various packages that government institutions, non-government organizations, business companies, and generous individuals can avail to be part of this worthwhile cause.

Launched during the fund-raiser event at The Manila Polo Club, there are two types of sponsorship packages that generous organizations and individuals can avail: the Institutional Sponsorship Package 2023 and the CCP Anniversary Gala Sponsorship Package 2023.

Under Institutional Package, there are four cash sponsorship categories – Platinum (priced at Php 10 million), Gold (priced at Php 8million), Silver (priced at Php 5 million, and Bronze (priced at Php 2million).

Each package category has corresponding inclusions and perks of partnerships. For sponsorship packages, contact Gemma Marco at gemma.marco@culturalcenter.gov.ph or Vince Oliquiano at vincentpaul.oliquiano@culturalcenter.gov.ph.

“To reach our target, the management is looking at auctioning off the naming rights of our theaters and other venues. We have done this before with our Tanghalang Manuel Conde, which was named after the Dream Broadcasting Company. We are intensively appraising how to maximize this strategy,” said Moran-Floirendo.

But why should organizations and individuals support the CCP and its rehabilitation?

“Over half a century since the curtain of the Main Theater rose with Gintong Salakot: Isang Dularawan, the CCP has enriched the lives of generations of Filipinos with virtuosos of our land and of the world. The CCP has brought in our midst the most renowned musicians and performers, discovered and burnished the talent of our most promising artists, and brought them up with pride to the world’s recognitions. Truly, the CCP has offered a glimpse of the soul of the Filipino people,” said CCP chairman Dr. Jaime C. Laya.

As the premiere art institution of the country, the Center strengthens the country’s cultural branding and helps in the national development by bringing diverse and accessible cultural experiences to the public in the Philippines and beyond.

“With this in mind, we are trying to do our part to address the calls of the modern time and keep our Main Building running for the next 50 more years,” enthused Moran-Floirendo.

Averaging 900 shows a year pre-pandemic, the CCP is quite adamant to help deepen the Filipino identity and tell the social realities through thought-provoking and heart-warming stories within and beyond the Philippines shores that transcend on and off the stage.

The rehabilitation will last for three years. As an architectural icon, the management ensures to remain true to the design of National Artist Leandro Locsin, with no drastic changes to the architecture. The rehabilitation will address the wear and tear of the building accumulated through the years.

“We hope to complete the rehabilitation by 2025, so we can open our venues again to the public in 2026. When we reopen the CCP Main Building, the public can expect a globally competitive performance venue and tourist destination,” said Moran-Floirendo.

Even though the building is closed, CCP programs and projects continue, with performances, productions and shows happening at the newly-launched Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater) and partner venues such as the Metropolitan Theater, the Samsung Theater, and the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

For more information, visit the website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph). Follow the official CCP social media accounts in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok for the latest updates on CCP shows and programs.