The Met: Cautious excitement over restoring an old cultural heritage

LAST week’s announcement of the sale of The Manila Metropolitan Theater (MET) to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) creates a mix of excitement and caution among its old patrons and observers. For sure it is a welcome development. The takeover by the new management is expected to end a long-running legal battle that has paralyzed the development of that national cultural treasure. Hopefully soon, we shall see its rehabilitation and that of the surrounding district of historic Manila.

Last week, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) sold and turned over The Met to the NCCA. Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada had wanted to use the theater as a performing arts center for the University of Manila. The city tried to buy it, but the NCCA had the right of first refusal. Eventually, the commission gave a higher bid of P270 million for the property, and that much money may be spent restoring The MET back to its old glorious shape.