TITLE PROPOSAL

NAME: Manapat, Aira Lyn P. COURSE: Bachelor of Science in Architecture

Olmedilla, Pol Vincent
Rivera, Jennalyn G.

Proposed Title No. 1

TITLE: “SALAMISIM (Beautiful Reminisce) sa PAMANA: A Culture and Arts Center as a

Catalyst of the Urban Renaissance in the Metro”

REASONS/ JUSTIFICATIONS IN CHOOSING THE TOPIC:

In the present generation Philippines, one of the countries well recognized in its
diverse community, tradition, and culture, is dealing with the dilemma of the recent downward spiral
of culture and arts of the country. The lack of sense of nationalism towards the governance and the
countrymen was taking its toll in the newer generations. It is confronted by many socio-cultural
challenges and problems of the country, such as rapid growth population, poverty, ethnic and
religious conflicts, and other social problems. The importance of connection on every Filipino must
be a priority in order to build up a good nation. The Philippines must focus on the strategic measures
and activities, which will spur economic growth, educating Filipino people on our culture, create
jobs, protect and conserve environment.

Philippines was conquered by many nations that results to the mix of influences
through cultures in the country which is reflected through their architecture. Structures are neglected
and left deserted. Contrary to the practice in other big countries they value their heritage sites and use
it to gain profit and for tourism, while a lot of our historic and monumental structures in the country
have fallen victim to the government and the developers who have demolished these unique

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buildings to erect new monotonous buildings, stripped of any cultural identity for commercial
purpose. Manila, being the capital of the country, is host to many of these historical structures;
however, it is a wonder how none of this cultural characteristic was reflected. Examples of these
structures are the Crystal Arcade and PNB Office in Escolta, the Jai Alai Building on Taft Avenue,
the Meralco Head Office on San Marcelino Street, among many others. This buildings are the
reflection of the lifestyle, history, culture and values of the time then. Historic buildings are part of
our identity, and indeed, it takes great amount to restore and preserve such buildings. Restoration and
applying new timely approach without compromising the character of the building. By introducing a
new Culture and Art Center in the center of Manila could be the long awaiting answer for continues
neglecting of the country’s national treasures. A facility that might caught the ears of many Filipino
people and the government to acknowledge the importance of the Philippines living histories. Here’s
the list of Why’s in relation to this topic:

Why Metropolitan Theater?

 In the 1930’s Metropolitan Theater (MET) or was referred to as The Grand Old Dame was
describe as “the most magnificent and impressive structure ever built in the Philippines” was
a building that influenced by a foreign architecture style that was been nationalize to relate in
Filipino culture. MET, one among the national cultural treasures Philippines, it’s a building
that manifest a global vogue architecture to a something Filipino.

 The Manila Metropolitan Theater was located at Ermita, Manila and was designed by a
Filipino architect Juan Arellano, inaugurated on December 10, 1931, with a capacity of 1670.
In its prime, it had been the house of operas, the Manila Symphony and an emblem of fine
arts and high society of prewar Manila. Due to the World War 2 the theater was badly
damaged, was restored on 1976’s but it ne’er regained its former glory.

 Being located at Ermita it was a good opportunity to advertise the country’s culture and art
hence the district was the civic center seat of city government, entertainment activities,
universities and culture.

Why Investment Cultural Heritage Preservation?

 Restoration and preservation has social advantages as communities it informs the people and
helps to increasingly recognize the need to protect, retain and adapt heritage buildings into

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 accessible, usable spaces. The building’s location, access, and conveyance accessibility create
a great opportunity for citizens to rediscover their city’s gems and develop a greater
appreciation of our rich and diverse culture and architecture. The special experience of
staying in a place believed to be full of character and history appeals to many tourists,
particularly those seeking a deeper engagement with destination culture.

 Other cities have capitalized on their historic buildings for tourism, since there is a growing
market for such. Many hotel developers even seek these historic buildings to retrofit and
convert into luxurious hotels. Wonderful international examples are that of Singapore’s
Fullerton Hotel, commissioned in 1919, which used the General Post Office; and London’s
Marriott Hotel, which was the former County Hall. And these two are just examples of how
historic buildings can be reused to fit the needs of the modern population.

 Filipinos must start embracing and preserving our cultural heritage, so future generations can
also enjoy and appreciate our history. These structures can tell us stories and history better
than those in our textbooks. The treasures of the Philippines not solely rest with its natural
splendors and wonder, however the culture that after flourished here. Our country is a melting
pot of cultures, but our cities have yet to fully embrace it. If the neglecting of these buildings
would continue, as the well know Ar. Felino Palafox Jr., said “We may be left to learn our
history only from the pages of books.”

EXPECTED CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE GROWTH OF KNOWLEDGE IN

ARCHITECTURE:

Architecture is one of the most fragile form of art. Building are made of stone and
steel and is much less likely to survive than a poem, painting and others. Through this research it was
would envision to showcase an Old heritage building and not just bring it back to its former glory by
introducing adaptive reuse approach by also being conscious to the community and the environment.
This research emphasis why heritage buildings are important to this fast changing generation as this
buildings as they represent the history and culture of a country. This investigation also promotes the
role of conservation to protect heritage buildings and contribute to the literature by extending the
current body of knowledge on this issue.

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LIST OF RELATED LITERATURE AND RELATED STUDIES CONSULTED:

 GoUnesco. (2014) 5 Reasons why we Preserve Heritage Sites.

https://www.gounesco.com/why-preserve-heritage-sites/

 Palafox F. (2018) Why invest in cultural Preservation. https://www.manilatimes.net/why-

invest-in-cultural-preservation/467882/

 Ar. Tibaynan et al.,. (2015) ‘In My Opinion: A Good Adaptive Reuse for the Metropolitan
Theater’ in Blu Print Volume 1 2015, p. 10.

 Annette Condello. (2011) ‘Filipino luho and Manila’s Metropolitan Theater’ in Es.Pa.Syo
Journal Vol 3 2011. p. 110 – 121.

Submitted by:

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Signature over printed name

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