The “World Famous” Metropolitan Theater

The fabled Manila Metropolitan Theater, also known as the MET, is a historic Philippine art deco building located in Plaza Lawton in Manila. Designed by architect Juan Arellano, this iconic theater served as the venue for well-known artists and where budding artists presented their talent. After being closed for 20 years due to its woeful and dilapidated condition, and with a seriously undertaken restoration program, the theater was finally reopened on 10 December 2021, the same date that the theater was inaugurated 90 years ago in 1931. As a fully restored piece of architectural treasure, the MET promises to resume its role as an iconic venue where Philippine arts and culture could flourish.

As a one of a kind art deco building of its stature in Asia, the MET was declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 1976. In 2010, the National Museum recognized the MET as a National Cultural Treasure.

The Rotary Fellowship of International Voices and Performing Arts (RFIVPA) is a performing arts group recognized by Rotary International and composed of Rotarians from various Clubs in District 3810. The group is uniquely united by a common passion for music, and for rendering service above self. Singing with one voice, this group is committed to use musical events and performances as tools to propagate and support Rotary’s advocacies.

Today, September 19, RFIVPA is proudly mounting its first concert at the iconic Metropolitan Theater. The fund-raising musical event is sublimely intended to support Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign, a well-known and worldwide initiative dedicated to eradicating polio. The concert – Tinig, Kultura, at Pag-Ibig – is presented together with the Philippine Opera Company; and hopes to not only showcase the talents of District 3810 Rotarians, but also to help boost the End Polio Now campaign.

Among those invited to perform in this concert at the MET is no other than the Rotary Club of Manila WF Chorale. Embracing this opportunity to be a part of this worthy concert for a cause, the choir members accepted the challenge and passionately held practices over the past two months (squeezing a weekly session from the members’ busy schedules). As it happened, several members would be unavailable to perform today (mostly due to trips overseas), hence the actual number of performers will be less than 10. Regardless, what is important is that the RCM WF Chorale will be a part of this worthy project, and will have the chance to sing together with other performers from the District.

The chorale representing Asia’s First Rotary Club will be performing two songs, both of which are in keeping with the title – Tinig Kultura, at Pag-Ibig. To be sure, it will be an exciting experience for the RCM WF Chorale to be able to perform at the “World Famous” Manila Metropolitan Theater. There is, of course, the added bonus that the concert is in pursuit of a worthy Rotary cause.

With the purposeful mentoring and guidance of Maestro Domino Marcos, the following Manila Rotarians will be performing in this meaningful concert: Chairman Oca de Rosario, Rtn. Manuel Almelor, PD Noy Bendicto, Rtn. Caloy Buendia, Rtn. Rami Chahwan, PBLA Raoul Creencia, PD Nick Locsin, PD Hans Palacios, and PVP Reggie Yu.