Remarkably many artworks remain intact at the Manila Metropolitan Theatre, which was left decaying for decades. Here is the sculpture Adam by Francesco Riccardo Monti (on the opposite end is Eve which is not pictured).
Photo by I.R. Arenas
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Category: Arts
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This day woould have been the 160th anniversary of Jose Rizal’s birth. This prominent Philppine intellectual inspired a reloution against the Spanish colonial masters, although he was against it for being premature. This sculpture is by Juan Sajid Imao and stands inside Fort Santiago, the garrison where Rizal was confined before being executed.
Photo by I.R. Arenas
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Namesake to the apostle Saint James, the patron saint of Spain, the citadel of Fort Santiago has been synonymous with military power in Spanish Philippines. Here, the figure of James tramples the Moors according to Catholic tradition. In a similar way, Spanish conquistadors defeated the Tagalog Muslim rulers of Manila in 1570. They must have thought it apt to honour James by naming the fort to him.
Photo by I.R. Arenas
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Whatever the present generation sows, it’s always for the next generation to reap. Pictured is a detail from a monument made by Eduardo Castrillo in commemoration of the 1986 People Power Revolution which now is on its 35th anniversary.
Photo by I.R. Arenas
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Filipino revolutionary Macario Sakay was given his only monument in Tondo (now part of Manila), his birthplace, a century after his execution. Branded as a bandit, he fought Spanish and American forces at the turn of the 20th century. The is made by Benjamin Mendoza and is installed in Plaza Morga.
Photo by I.R. Arenas
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Sarah Ruhl’s Stage Kiss is about two ex-lovers rekindling love as they rehearse for a play. She (Missy Maramara) and He (Tarek El Tayech) give another shot of their aborted affair that ends with a discovery of themselves. This was from a production by Repertory Philippines, and was directed by Carlos Siguion-Reyna.
Photo by I.R. Arenas
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Amorsolo Street in Makati is named after the famous painter of quaint and pastorale landscapes and scenes. Fernando Amorsolo is a National Artist for Painting. The street stretched from a business district to a posh exclusive village.
Photo by I.R. Arenas
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Apolinario Mabini served the revolutionary government of the Philippines as country was handed from being a Spanish colony to being an American acquisition. He remained true to his ideals while his contemporaries quickly pandered to the new masters. This sculpture is by Anastacio Caedo.
Photo by I.R. Arenas
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The life of Rosa Henson is not relegated as mere tragedy but is celebrated in the play Nana Rosa for her bravery. As a war victim, she suffered immense pain from foreign soldiers and persecution from people judgemental of her character and history. And most agonizing was the conflict within her self. Peewee O’Hara starred in the play written by Rody Vera and directed by José Estrella.
Photo by I.R. Arenas
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The La Madre Filipina statue representing Gratitude has been a witness of the change of the times in Manila. It survives for nearly a century now, having gone through the devastation of the Pacific War. Now it is installed back to its original location atop a plinth on Jones Bridge with the other three Las Madres.
Photo by I.R. Arenas
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This sun with a face is a symbol used by Andres Bonifacio, the forefather of Philippine independence. The one in the picture forms part of a memorial to the Bonifacio brothers, the other being Procopio, who were killed by fellow revolutionaries, at the order of a rival, in a mountain in Maragondon, Cavite.
Photo by I.R. Arenas
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Ann Pamintuan’s Stallion (2014) is a sculptural cocoon made of welded metal. She is particularly famous for this medium, with her designs usually inspired by nature. This is located at the backyard of Museo Orlina in Tagaytay City.
Photo by I.R. Arenas
Visual Tales 