Created in 1966 by President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos in Executive Order 30, but was opened to the public in 1969, the Cultural Center of the Philippines thrived on its values of truth, beauty and goodness and remains steadfast on these core values.
Up to now, it continues to work with the government, business, the academe, and the international community for a progressive local creative industry anchored on tradition, innovation, social awareness and the Philippine brand and economy.
In recent years, CCP has gone outside its hallowed walls in search of indigenous artists and art forms that have to be promoted and disseminated to wider audiences so that Filipinos and foreigners can appreciate the innate artistry and values of such art forms.
The best are with CCP
The best artists from all over the country and around the world have been mesmerized by the beauty and depth of historical richness of arts and culture in the different regions of the country within the CCP venues, offsite (at regional venues) and online.
Performing companies representing dance, music and theater reside within the CCP, and has four resident dance companies: Ballet Philippines, Philippine Ballet Theatre, the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, and the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company.
Tanghalang Pilipino is the CCP’s resident theater company while music is represented by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the UST Symphony Orchestra, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and the National Music Competitions for Young Artists Foundation (NAMCYA).
The CCP also covers the film and broadcast arts, literary and visual arts, encouraging the growth of aspiring artists in these fields through numerous workshops, seminars, anthologies, exhibits, symposia and competitions and awards.
Excellence, Integrity
Following its mission of supporting creative entrepreneurship, the CCP created the Virgin Labfest for untried, untested, and unstaged plays and is a leading force behind The Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.
Its Arts Education Program hones the next generation artists and their audiences to support their work through training, exposure and audience development activities. The Cultural Content Program develops engaging content for digital formats and new technologies.
CCP’s Cultural Exchange Program promotes the growth and development of arts councils in the country through relevant workshops and seminars, including exchange programs with like-minded organizations and other institutions, that made Filipinos appreciate the beauty of different cultures from various countries, witnessing many triumphant performances from highly-acclaimed artists all over the world.
Just recently, the CCP treated the folks in Ormoc City in Leyte the rare treat of watching and hearing the Philippine Philharmonic orchestra perform and serenade them during their town fiesta.
Through programs that highlight the virtues of excellence, respect and integrity, the CCP continues to reaffirm its commitment to the growth and development of the country and its arts and culture.
Recognized globally as the leading institution for arts and culture, the CCP has embraced its vision of promoting artistic excellence and nurturing the broadest publics in art making and appreciation by 2030.
Anniversary gala
While the CCP main building is being rehabilitated, its 54th anniversary continues with world-class artists who have been part of its storied past and artistic milestones, return home to perform for the nation that nurtured them.
On September 9 at 8 p.m. and September 10 at 3 p.m., the CCP presented “Anywhere we Sing is Home” anniversary gala at the Samsung Performing Arts Center in Circuit, Makati, directed by Floy Quintos that featured some of the country’s best talents, performing with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton and music direction of National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, with guest conductor Toma Cayabyab.
Powerhouse cast
Leading actress in the West End, Joanna Ampil, top-bills the cast. She has performed different lead roles from Miss Saigon to the West End revival of Jesus Christ Superstar to Les Misérables, Cats to Rent to Avenue Q to The Bridges of Madison County (Manila) to The Sound of Music and South Pacific in Concert, among the many musicales stages all over the world.
There is Sheila Francisco, a FAMAS Best Actress nominee in 2023, is the first Filipina to perform at the prestigious National Theater of London was hand-picked by Sir Trevor Nunn for the role of Bloody Mary in their revival of Rogers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific. Francisco was the headliner in Singapore Repertory Theater’s most successful musical production, Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress, where she played the Empress to critical acclaim in 2002, 2003, 2006, and 2017. Latest among these is the internationally-acclaimed film, "Leonor Will Never Die."
The versatile Aicelle Santos-Zembrano, a known recording/concert artist and TV/theater actress, and talented Gerald Santos, a Pinoy Pop Superstar Season 2 Grand Champion and a multi-awarded performer, a two-time Aliw Awards Entertainer, too.
Another treat is classically-trained singer Arman Ferrer, Gab Pangilinan and Reb Atadero also joins the roster of multi-awarded celebrities for the anniversary gala.
The CCP Board
In this very momentous event is the change of guards at the CCP leadership.
CCP President Michelle Nikki Junia
Ms. Michelle Nikki Junia, a soprano and an early childhood educator, was recently elected as the new president of the CCP, the primary state agency created to help promote and develop the country’s arts and culture.
In an meeting of the trustees on August 16, replaced Margarita “Margie” Moran-Floirendo, the Miss Universe 1973, who also previously served as the body’s chairperson.
Nikki assumed office on September 1, with Vice President Dennis Marasigan, also CCP artistic director.
The members Board of trustees are: Dr. Jaime C. Laya, chairman; and trustees Moises Benedict S. Carandang, Junie S. Del Mundo; Marivic H. Del Pilar; Michelle Nikki M. Junia; Atty. Lorna P. Kapunan, and Stanley B. Seludo.
Arts and Arts Education
In her nomination speech, the CCP president said her experience as the center’s immediate former vice chairperson and head of its Committee on Artistic Matters put her in a unique position to “see the greater heights that can be achieved even further.”
Nikki vowed to continue the projects started by her predecessor, among them the “Kanto Kultura” program.
“I am ready to channel all my energy and deep passion for the arts and arts education by playing a key role in the implementation of their programs,” she said.
#CCP #CCPAt54 #CulturalCenterOfThePhilippines #AnywhereWeSingIsHome #PhilippinePhilharmonicOrchestra #RyanCayabyab #TomaCayabyab. #NikkiJunia #ArtsEducation #ArtsAndCulture #KantoKultura #OpinYon