The Cultural Center of the Philippines in Manila - Philippines

The Cultural Center of the Philippines, or CCP was established in 1969 for the purpose of functioning as the platform for arts, culture and film. From that time on, it has served, and continues to serve its purpose.

The Cultural Center of the Philippines was established in 1966 courtesy of Executive Order number 30 issued by former President Ferdinand Marcos. The work took three years to complete, and upon its finish was hailed as the first one in the country. Today its activities are managed by the National Commission for Culture and Arts, which is under the office of the Philippine President.

There are several venues within the Cultural Center of the Philippines, each hosting different types of programs. The Tanghalang Pambansa focuses on Philippine art, from the works of famous artists to ethnographic works and a vast library.

The Main Theater or the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo has a seating capacity of over 1,800 and is where art shows like ballet, orchestras, and operas are held. The Tanghalang Aurelio V. Tolentino is the venue for stage drama, lectures and speeches; The Tanghalang Francisco Balagtas, or Folk Arts Theater, is where most pop concerts are done, while the Tanghalang Manuel Conde concentrates on film and experimental cinema.

The costs of the shows at the Cultural Center of the Philippines vary, from 200 Php to 1,000 Php and up. Given the diverse shows on tap, it with would be well to check in advance the costs of the tickets.

Being one of the top tourist attractions in the Philippines, a visit to the area can add more excitement to your visit. The Cultural Center of the Philippines is at the CCP Complex in Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City. If you are in Makati, ride a jeepney going to Pasay/Libertad. Get off the jeepney at Libertad and go to the LRT station. Board another jeepney heading towards Harrison and stop at Harrison near Vito Cruz. Walk in a western direction and you will see the CCP.

Another option is ride a bus at Ayala Avenue heading to Baclaran. Get off the bus when it reaches Taft Avenue at Buendia; next step is to take a jeepney bound for Quiapo. When it reaches Vito Cruz, get off.

One of the best ways to spend a vacation in the Philippines is by watching a cultural presentation, and there is no finer destination than the Cultural Center of the Philippines.