I grew up in a family of creative minds. My uncle was a painter and photographer. My late brother was a deaf ballet dancer and theater performer. And, during my younger years, I used to join PETA and ACTS acting workshops. Last Wednesday, I attended another remarkable moment for the performing artists in the Philippines.
They are the dancers of  Steps Dance Studio. They performed at the Zobel de Ayala Recital Hall. This hall is perfect for intimate events.
Bonifacio Global City or BGC is emerging exponentially as a business district, as well as, a restaurant hub in Manila. But, being the ‘home of passionate minds,’ soon the business district will be the new home of the performing arts and cultural artists as they open their newest project, the BGC Arts Center.
The BGC Arts Center is composed of the Maybank Performing Arts Theater, the Alveo Central Plaza, and the Sun Life Amphitheater.
After opening the first world-class science museum in the Philippines, The Mind Museum, Bonifacio Foundation Arts Inc. or BAFI, a non-profit organization, in partnerships with their generous donors such as Maybank, Nutri-Asia, just to name a few, decided to put up the first stand-alone theater in Metro Manila.
(Left) Shahril Azuar Jimin is the first Chief Executive Officer of Maybank Foundation with colleagues.
What To Expect Inside Maybank Performing Arts
The Maybank Performing Arts is a 3-storey building. The first level is their beautiful and spacious Nutri-Asia Del Monte Lobby, that could be converted into an events hall. Its interior is sensational, showcasing Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala’s larger than life photo mural. Still, on the first level, you’ll find the Globe Auditorium. It has a 500-seating capacity. It also has a hybrid studio-blackbox that according to Monica (Art Program Manager BGC), can be configured for theatrical productions to banquets. Furthermore, she explained during our interview with her, that the seats retract and adjust accordingly.
The Zobel de Ayala recital hall is found on the second level of the Maybank Performing Arts building. As I mentioned earlier, it’s a space for more intimate events and shows. I thought that would be the perfect place for spoken poetry events.
Meanwhile, the third level is an open exhibit hall perfect for art exhibits, talks, art workshops, and classes.
This is the BGC arts perspective shared by Maybank. The open field is made up of the Alveo Central Plaza and the Sun Life Amphitheater, named after the donors. The outdoor spaces are perfect for community events and cultural bazaars, Monica Llamas- Garcia, Art Program Manager of BGCÂ reiterated. The executives also mentioned that there would be a McCafe, the only concessionaire in the building.
Ultimately, BGC arts is the product of collective passion of the generous donors like Maybank, Nutri-Asia, just to name a few. It is indeed a collaborative effort between BAFI and Maybank, to help realize the vision of providing a venue for the performing arts.
This is only the beginning of spectacular educational experiences and promoting cultural performances to come. One can only imagine the forthcoming performances in this venue and feel that BGC is really the home of passionate minds.
I am looking forward to more spectacular events and workshops at BGC arts soon.
Who do you want to perform here? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
