this is not a 1D blog

nakahiga siya sa batis, pinapalibutan

ng mga kongkretong baybayin, humuhugis,

         mag-isa

dumadaloy mula sa bunganga. ang ilog

makapal, makulimlim. ang langit

patuloy sa pagtulong hindi niya hinihiling.

ilang                daang          alon    pa ba

       ang tatanggi            sa    pag-agos

                ng     kalooban       na

   papatak      din  .    umaanod         na

        ang           kapaligiran        at       siya'y

Post-war Philippines. From the moro-moro and the zarzuela comes the popcorn and gaslight culture. The Filipino cinema has always captured remarkably the soul of the beholder. They say that that era is in its grandiose and ever-gleaming form. Not until lately that the Filipino cinema began to decline. Our architectural achievements too have sunk into oblivion! It is no doubt that today’s Filipino cinema is a reflection of these theaters.

Capitol Theater, Escolta

The Capitol Theater is designed by National Artist Juan Nakpil, a masterpiece and was built in 1935. It is one of Manila’s early air-conditioned theatres and can accommodate up to 800 people. The muses in the facade was designed by Italian sculptor Francesco Riccardo Monti. The theater, now closed, is being occupied by some commercial and restaurant establishments.

Dilson Theater, C. M. Recto

Built in the 1970’s, the Dilson Theater is now dingy and unmaintained. It was the place to be where families go after hearing mass, but is now a prostitution den. Due to its violations, former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim once closed this theater but is again operational.

Life Theater, Quezon Boulevard

Life Theater is also designed by a National Artist, Pablo Antonio and is used to be one of Manila’s bustling movie houses. Constructed in 1941, Life had an art deco facade which is a prevailing fashion at that time. Life intended to show all-Filipino films in a first-class cinema. However, it got destroyed during the liberation and was rebuilt in 1946 with modern conveniences. Today, it is composed of stalls selling cheap merchandise.

Manila Metropolitan Theater, Padre Burgos Avenue

Erected in 1935, the Manila Metropolitan Theater or MET is an Art Deco building by Juan M. Arellano. The theater was severely ruined during liberation. After reconstruction, it gradually fell into neglect in the 1960’s. It was thoroughly renovated in 1978 but again fell into decay.

Scala Theater, Rizal Avenue

Another Pablo Antonio building was the Scala Theater. The theater, accommodating up to 600 people has curved glass walls and tea rose marble floors. However, the theater’s glory didn’t long: it was closed in the 1990’s.

Times Theater, Quezon Boulevard

Built in 1939 with an Art Moderne relief, the Times Theater was designed by Architect Luis Z. Araneta. It can accommodate up to 800 people. Like the Dilson Theater, it is still operational but unmaintained.