Insular Life Theater, a hi-tech theater in downtown Manila
Insular Life Theater, a hi-tech theater in downtown Manila
James P. Ong, Asia News Network, Inquirer, Manila
It's only fitting that Alikabok, a musical inspired by an 18th
century painting of Juan Luna, is being restaged at the new
Insular Life Theater in Alabang.
After all, the insurance company has been one of the country's
most ardent supporters of the local arts scene, its long and deep
tradition starting in the 1950s when it commissioned Fernando
Amorsolo to work on the themes of Philippine history, industry
and family.
The result was more than 25 oil paintings, the most famous of
which was the making of the Philippine flag (Confeccion dela
Standarte Nacional), which has been reproduced in several history
textbooks.
But the artwork many associate with Insular Life is the bas
relief created by national artist Napoleon Abueva, and which used
to adorn the facade of its Makati building.
It depicts the various industries that helped shape the
Philippine economy-like fishing and logging; and Philippine
culture-like sports, arts and dance.
That Abueva masterpiece was moved two years ago to the
company's new headquarters at the Filinvest Corporate City in
Alabang, where it is joined by newer commissioned sculptural
works by Impy Pilapil, Jose Mendoza and Antonino Raymundo.
Another feature of the new Insular Life Corporate Center is a
comfy state-of-the-art auditorium for theater performances,
musical and dance recitals, chamber music engagements and even
corporate assemblies. It has 524 seats and is equipped with
computerized facilities.
"We would like to continue the tradition of providing a home
for the performing arts in our new location in Metro Manila,"
says Vicente Ayllon, chairman of the board and president of
Insular Life Assurance Company.
"As many know, we provided Repertory Philippines with a home
for the better part of 24 years until they moved to their theater
in Shangri-La Plaza. Last Feb. 28 they came full circle when they
performed their gala show at our (Alabang) theater."
For its current theater season, Repertory will stage all its
final weekend runs in Alabang.