What makes a city complete? Already enjoying heady retail success with flash restaurants and trendy brands, Bonifacio Global City now wants a new high — art. In partnership with CCP-based groups Ballet Philippines Foundation, Tanghalang Pilipino Foundation and the Philippine Madrigal Singers, the Bonifacio Arts Center-Taguig is now the new home of an arts development for Bonifacio Global City.
“Part of what makes [a city] vibrant is an arts program. … The city must have a soul. That is the general concept,” says Noel Eli B. Kintanar, Head of Commercial Operations–Fort Bonifacio Development Corp. “In return, Taguig can provide the CCP artists a second home. Now, the arts can be alive where people from the eastern part (of the metropolis) can take part of it,” he adds.
Nestled in a quaint cul-de-sac amidst skyscrapers, the Bonifacio Arts Center-Taguig is only in its initial phase. With the full support of Taguig Mayor Sigfrido Tinga, the endeavor also enjoys powerful godparents: Former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos, Ballet Philippines Honorary Chair Amelita ‘Ming’ Ramos, BP Chair (and media tycoon) Antonio O. Cojuangco; as well as several celebrated Filipino artists.
Among Arts in the City’s programs are dance and theater scholarships for Taguig youths; training for two of the city’s choirs with the Philippine Madrigal Singers; and outreach programs in art, music and dance for public school teachers, students and out-of-school-youths.
There is an undeniable synergy to the partnership between arts and business, a certain electricity to the atmosphere. “This is still the soft launch,” reveals Ma-an Hontiveros, long-serving Ballet Philippines president. “There will be trees and flowers in the garden soon, we’ve just planted them,” she points around FVR Park. Metaphorically, one would say.
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