Back in the days, I knew you were a weekly home to the society's upper and middle class. You awed them with your beauty. You were a center of attention at night. You were THE Metropolitan Theater.

You were born on the December 10, 1931. Your proud father was Juan M. Arellano. You were a majestic sight back in the days. Back in the good, old days.



Now, you are battered, ignored and slowly being forgotten. You are but a memory. But, you had always intrigued me. I wanted to know you better, to see what is inside of you and to know if there is hope for you.




Last May 20, your doors opened for me. Almost every part of you were dilapidated. I had a little pain in my heart. Broken glass and doors, trashed dressing rooms and flooded orchestra pit. Gone was the Metropolitan Theater I wanted to experience.














I went up and saw a magnificent view of the city. There was rain but I would not mind going back to catch the famous Manila sunset on your roof.










I have always been a fan of theater. I may not watch as much plays as I want but I have a certain love for theater plays. I love the elaborate process of coming up with minutes or hours of live entertainment. And sometimes, my favorite part would be the opening of the red curtains. Because that's when the magic begins.







That Sunday, there was no magic. You were like a fairy. When people stopped believing, you somehow died. But I still believe and I know other people do. We just need the right people to see the beauty that you used to be.

Back in college, I had realized how preservation costs less than restoration. I wished we had preserved you through the years. But now, I wish people will restore you to what you were originally meant to be. We could use more theater and less showbiz in this city.


Note: This Metropolitan Theater Tour is part of the Postal Heritage Walking Tour, sponsored by The Filipinas Stamp Collector's Club (FSCC).