A fitting tribute to Filipino brilliance, artistry
S INCE IT opened its doors to the public in 2010, the Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT) has served no less than an apt testament to Resorts World Manila’s (RWM) utmost respect and high regard for Filipino ingenuity, talent, and contribution to the world stage.
“The NPAT is an avenue for RWM to live out its advocacy to ‘Champion the Filipino’ and pursue its mission to help establish the Philippines as the Broadway of Asia,” noted RWM Chief Operating Officer Stephen Reilly.
Just five years into operations, the 1,500-seat NPAT has already earned a number of citations and recognitions including the distinction of being BroadwayWorld Philippines’ Best Theatrical Venue for 2011, and one of the top six contenders in the Leisure and Entertainment class of the Asia Pacific Interior Design Awards.
Recently, prominent online traveler guide TripAdvisor honored the NPAT with a Certificate of Excellence that signifies how the venue has consistently earned outstanding feedback from netizens and travelers alike.
NPAT, designed by prominent Hong Kong-based interior design expert Joseph Sy, can indeed be considered a world class venue for concerts, plays, musicals and exclusive productions, having one of the largest LED screens in Asia, which provides dynamic video backdrops for events and shows.
Its stage, claimed to be the widest in the Philippines, comes with two EuroLED screens equipped with 3D effects, a complex fly system and a revolving stage, and is supported by intelligent lights and state-of-the-art digital audio system.
It also has a luxurious vestibule that is large enough to be an events venue by itself, with an elegant design highlighted by K9 crystal-festooned chandeliers and a mirror sculpture by world-class sculptor Impy Pilapil.
All Filipino
In 2010, RWM staged its very first production, KAOS, which combined the glitter of Broadway and the splendor of Las Vegas in one aweinspiring show that ran for six months. Since then, NPAT has already hosted more than 703 engagements from musicals, concerts and screenings, to corporate functions and events under 226 different titles.
Currently, NPAT is home to RWM’s sixth major production entitled, Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical, a first of its kind original Filipino musical.
The said show also marked the first time that a Filipino classic drama has crossed over mainstream media, first as a serialized comic strip, to a movie, to a TV series, and now on stage.
The all-Filipino production is a testament to RWM’s continuing direction in promoting the local theater talents and culture in the country. It further strengthens RWM’s role as a beacon of Philippine theater arts, which has since created more opportunities for the entire industry ecosystem.
To date, NPAT employs over 30 individuals that run the entertainment operations, while an additional 150 personnel, including actors and stagehands, would approximately be part of every major production.
Grand Experience
Inspired by the success of the NPAT, Travellers International Hotel Group Inc., owner and operator of RWM is now developing the 31-hectare Bayshore City Resorts World (BCRW) at the Entertainment City in Parañaque where a 3,000-seat Grand Opera House is set to open.
“The decision to expand was established before RWM even opened its doors in 2009. The roadmap had already been plotted and the goal was always to make the company the largest integrated resort in the country,” Reilly said.
Beyond just creating jobs and contributing to the local economy, the integrated resort pioneer is also bent on helping promote Filipino excellence, creativity and artistry. The Grand Opera House, once completed, will be another world-class attraction that further drives the company’s commitment in promoting performing arts in the Philippines.