The Quiapo Theaters (Part 1)

One of the first gems ive taken pictures of in my expeditions in Manila.

Before i discovered their hidden identities, i pass them almost every time when i was young. Incredibly after i researched more about them, it amazed me to know that Quiapo was one of the most brightest areas in Manila; an incredible diamond in a rough. There were numerous stand-alone theaters scattered all over Quiapo and border Sampaloc before World War II, lining the streets with magnificent works of art-deco and entertainment. The sky was awake at night with these theaters, people from afar would come to Manila and die to hope to watch at least one the theaters. Ah those were the glory days.... Now but a history long forgotten, the names Galaxy and Bellevue theaters don't ring a bell in our present days because most of the theaters have been let out to rot and abused while some were fated to face the iron wrecking ball, reducing their proud facades to rubble. Their great days as theaters are now lost from the entertainment industry to moth-balled textbooks and various webpages. I'll be posting more about them in the near future, but for now let me introduce you to the most noticeable ones in the area.

If you ever see yourself passing by near Quiapo Church, better take a look at these art-deco treasures.

The Life Theater (T Villonco Building)

This large horizontal building used to be the Life Theater designed by National Artist Pablo Antonio in the 1930s a few blocks behind the Quiapo Church. If you guys dont know Pablo Antonio, then you should. He designed brilliant art decos one of which is the largest art deco in the Philippines, the Far Eastern University Manila Campus. His other works are the Ideal Theater and the National Museum of the Philippines. The theater was damaged during World War II and short after, quickly regained its momentum back in business. Sadly it wasn't able to survive urbanization. Just like any other stand-alone theater here, it completely lost its touch of glory after the introduction of malls in the city with their better air conditioned cinemas. They had no other choice but to convert it into a small mall of stores to keep the building running with money avoiding a similar fate of demolishing it.

The Times Theater

The few remaining theaters that still shows movies in the big screens, the Times Theater was very well-known back in the 1950s and 1970s with its curvature pillars and high end movies it once viewed. The theater is located just across Quezon Boulevard with its noticeable "T I M E S" LED sign still hanging on the edge. It still works as a theater but the inside is dilapidated so far from what ive searched and now it mostly shows softcore and adult-rated films to attract "customers" and keep the theater in business. I hope someone would rehabilitate it into a low-cost high quality theater, cause it still has a chance.

The Main Theater

At first glance, it doesn't look much as a theater, but with a  few careful observations, clearly shows brilliance and design in the simplest scale. The Main theater is now currently known as the Villarica Pawnshop and my guess the upper floors act as a dormitory and apartment rent. From old photos, the left side used to be lined with a curtain glass, now turned into additional rooms. At least they kept the art deco design aesthetics in hopes of renovating it.

These theaters used to serve us with great delight and entertainment. Unfortunately they are now neglected, shadowing its once proud stance and popularity. We should never forget these fine works of art and the people behind its success. Respect its sentimental value and soon everyone will benefit from it.