Cultural Center of the Philippines Plot Twists Circa 2024

 

Breaking the tradition of having the CCP institutional press conference in a walled venue, the CCP Management led by CCP Vice Chair Margie Moran Floirendo, President Nikki Junia, and Artistic Director Dennis Marasigan, welcomed the press in the CCP Liwasang Kalikasan. With the organic aesthetic designed by Eric Cruz, it really set the tone. The CCP is not confined to any space.

In preparation for the 50th Anniversary of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, a promising blueprint for CCP Manila Arts Center was presented to the public. A massive upgrade, meant to elevate our cultural site into something that could rival the structures of Marina Bay Sands, was presented to the public. The glow-up of the complex included more rehearsal space to be able to possibly house some of the CCP resident companies,  additional black box theaters, galleries, and a commercial area. It was a glorious structure that could help promote the arts, and at the same time make the CCP a more financially rewarding complex. More facilities means more activities can be done simultaneously. This of course also included repair and maintenance of the existing CCP. However, just like the COVID-19 pandemic, another life-threatening event happened at the CCP. The 2018 building audit findings were slowly being addressed through 2019. In 2020 with the doors of the building closed, it allowed management to do a more extensive look.

With this was the realization that there was a need to fix the heart of the complex first. When asked if the CCP glow-up was ever gonna happen, CCP Artistic Director Dennis Marasigan answered "Never say never". He explained that this project already had the green light and prior budgetary approval from the government. With a firm resolve to pursue the dream of an upgraded CCP the dynamic duo President Nikki Junio and Artistic Director, Dennis Marasigan vowed they will continue to fight for it. For now, the CCP will have to, by hook or by crook, deliver a refreshed CCP by January of 2026. The complex is tentatively booked for the ASEAN summit. Project repair as of date is at a 30% completion rate.

CCP Vice Chair Margie Moran Floirendo

                                   

But in their most challenging period yet, post-pandemic with no facilities, expectations of people about CCP's performance are relatively lower. Thankfully the CCP management is made of visionaries and for them, to over-achieve is the name of the game. Marasigan stated CCP's ultimate goals for 2024. " For 2024, we hope to reach over 200,000 onsite viewers and engage over 6,000 artists. For our workshops, we hope they can benefit 16,000 participants". The CCP's first sortie opening the Cultural season was “Pasinaya” the annual multi-art festival. With the solid battle cry "Sulong!", it charged on surpassing the 2023 audience count by 37% percent. nearing pre-pandemic numbers even with the absence of the Main Theatre (1800 capacity) and the Little  Theater (413 capacity) which provide massive numbers for the festival. With a month and four days in they are already at a 25% accomplishment rate of on-site audience count at 50,632 with combined Facebook video views of 100,000 as of date. More importantly, the Pasinaya crossed borders and went as far as Tagum and Iloilo with the help of local government units. If this bold effort is any indication of the rest of 2024, then it's going to be an explosion of art in the digital and physical spaces. 

The plot twist of the pandemic and building audit results provided obstacles but it pushed for maximum creativity and resourcefulness of the CCP Management Team. But just like any Filipino teleserye, the plot twists will keep on coming. Now the question is will this end up sweet or salty. The press conference was a chance to address the swirling rumors regarding the recent announcement of the Cultural Center of the Philippines regarding the applications for the National Performing Arts Companies. This CCP project is in compliance with Republic Act No. 11392 which is a law that seeks to cultivate national talent and raise national and cultural awareness. NPAC will accredit five major companies in the disciplines of theater, dance, orchestra, chorale, and indigenous practices. As explained by Marasigan, apart from the main five companies three other companies per discipline can be granted subsidies.

The question dropped during the press conference was "Does this replace or eradicate the current status of the CCP resident companies?". Marasigan answered curtly that the NPAC would make the CCP residency duplicative. While the likelihood that the CCP resident companies will be able to secure the accreditation is higher, there is surely no guarantee. It is important to note that historically CCP had nine resident companies. We are now down to seven. Basis this, another two will lose their slot (or be demoted). The NPAC will open up the competition which almost always leads to progress and opportunity. However, it may affect the sustainability of companies that have historically proven their capacity and worth. It may also tarnish and diminish the cultural relevance of those who will be demoted or canceled. It launches a Game of Thrones season of artists fighting for national standing. Artists against artists. Problematic? I believe so.  However, I also believe that the CCP will be able to navigate the application of this law in an artist-friendly manner. They are artists themselves after all. Meanwhile, Marasigan explained the application will be closed in March and evaluated closely. He expects an announcement mid-year. Meanwhile, everything that was promised to the resident companies will be provided for the year. Let's wait and see how things pan out.

Artistic Director Dennis Marasigan 

One thing is for sure, the CCP is buzzing with energy. Aside from the output expected from the CCP resident companies, Marasigan said they intend to produce 765 events, ranging from performances, screenings, exhibits, and workshops both onsite, off-site, and online. The Virgin Labfest, Cinemalaya, and Balangaw will be reloaded and expanded. Digital access will be enhanced including possible partnerships with free TV. Arts education will be leveled up. Junia promised" The CCP has been doing outreach programs in the last 40 years, but we are intensifying them, creating new partners with LGUs and cultural organizations, collaborating with as many artists as we can, and producing shows in alternative venues across the country. "

CCP President Nikki Junia 

The CCP is fired up and for the lack of better words, wants to take up space!. Their 2024 season aims to break even more boundaries. CCP is ready to forge ahead, ready to promote and protect the creative spirit of the Filipinos. Borrowing their Pasinaya battlecry, Sulong Pilipino, Sulong!