Powerhouse Journey : Capitol Theater - Escolta


Isa naman ulit Art Deco na makikita sa Escolta ang Capitol Theater.


Its another history time again about the Escolta but this time its about the one of the most elite and premiere theater in Manila during the 1930's to 1980's.

Capitol Theater Old

Capitol Theater 2012

It was built in 1935 by Philippine National Artist for Architecture Juan Nakpil. The motiff is very Filipiniana. Two lovely women dressed in Filipino garb guarding the facade of the theater. Most probably, this place could have been the I-must-be-at-that-place of the olden times.

And who is Juan Nakpil?


 Juan F. Nakpil (1899–1986) was a Filipino architect, teacher and a community leader. In 1973, he was named one of the National Artists for architecture, and tapped as the Dean of Filipino Architects. He was one of eight children of the Philippine Revolution veterans Julio Nakpil and Gregoria de Jesus (who married the former after the death of her first husband Andrés Bonifacio).

One of the two Filipinized muses that adorn the facade of the main tower.

| Sign Post : In 1930s, the Art Deco which was the architectural style that was rave in Manila reflected in the Theater. It's facade was made up of a combination of strong lines and graceful curves. I bet nobody would not like it.
Because the local movie industry was non-existent during the Japanese Occupation, the theater became the host to productions which Fernando Poe Sr, was made known as one of the most prominent producers.



For more info about the picture Like Us of Facebook


________________________________
Author Note:
Capital Theater Old photo credit to owner.
Juan Nakpil Photo credit to Paul Joseph Blasco


Comments

  1. Escolta before has been the capital of entertainment and shopping place in Manila. Juan Nakpil, is one of the best Filipino architect, truly a Filipino pride :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Escolta before has been the capital of entertainment and shopping place in Manila. Juan Nakpil, is one of the best Filipino architect, truly a Filipino pride :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. As usual, another quality stuff from AXLPPI :) Keep the interesting shots flowing Sir:)


    GOOD LUCK!

    ReplyDelete
  4. wow ayus ngayon ko lang nahalata .com ka na pala :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I wish I could see a glimpse of what was Escolta like before. It looks like the center of commercial establishments in the old days. I particularly would like to ride the trambia.

    ReplyDelete
  6. haven't seen this theater but having filipiniana theme is something unique. =D

    ReplyDelete
  7. It depicts the golden years of the cinema and creative architecture of the past, how was the building now, are there someone preserving it?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Such a lovely walk down Escolta and history lane too! Thanks for refreshing my mind :D

    ReplyDelete
  9. I've been here in ESCOLTA
    many times already... and it's
    because, I've been here in your site
    several times as well.

    LOL! Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love arts. But most of what I appreciated are those that have negative image for others.

    By the way, I hope I can have a view of Manila arts. Haven't been at any exhibit yet.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hindi ko napansin toh hehe

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great share..and interesting historical facts.. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. truly I love to reminisce the past thanks for this

    ReplyDelete
  14. thanks for sharing. Ngayon ko lang to nalaman :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sono, la nipote dello scultore italiano Francesco Riccardo Monti.
    Domanda: Esiste ancora questo teatro?, o ha subito le vicende del bassorilievo "Le Furie" della Meralco in San Marcellino Street?
    Anna Filippicci Bonetti - Cremona.
    ortodeimarmi@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Esiste ancora questo Teatro? o ha subito le vicende del bassorilievo "Le Furie" del palazzo Meralco in San Marcellino Street

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts