As Biñan commemorates key milestones in its history, including its 15th Cityhood Anniversary, 80th Liberation Day, and the 278th Founding Anniversary, the city government has unveiled the curtain for another significant project that will put more value on the Biñan’s rich history, culture and the arts.
The Biñan City Center for Performing Arts, a new sanctuary dedicated to local artists and individuals who possess the Biñanense artistry for theatre, music, and performing arts.
Located within the historical Plaza Rizal and the proposed Sentrong Pangkultura of Biñan complex, the center for performing arts is poised to attract more people to appreciate history, culture and the arts through performances and various forms of artistic expression.
National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, who led the inauguration of the center, said that Biñanenses should be proud to have this kind of venue which will not only nurture local talents but also serve as a platform for a wide range of artistic events and performances.
“Now, it is not only [known for] Puto Biñan, believe me, the impact of establishing a project like this, the Sentro ng Patanghal na Sining ng Biñan will reach greater heights. I may only represent the music industry, but what people don’t know is that this is actually a network that includes music, dance, theater, arts, and visual arts,” Cayabyab emphasized.
Cayabyab praised the city government of Biñan and its people for prioritizing the establishment of a cultural center as there are only few areas in the country with their own cultural center.
Dr. Bryan Jayson Borja, Head of the Biñan City Culture, History, Arts and Tourism Office (BCHATO) and one of the proponents of the project, highlighted that the efforts made by the city in preserving and enriching arts and culture follows the deep history of Filipinos in performing arts and our collected identity as a nation.
“Not only does this theater signifies the commitment to preserving these traditions, but also to push the boundaries of creative expressions, shielding the future of Filipino art in new and exciting ways.”
Biñan mayor Arman Dimaguila then reiterates that the Sentro ng Patanghal na Sining ng Biñan is part of their deep recognition of the importance of the history, culture and arts, ensuring that the city’s legacy is passed onto future generations of Biñanenses.
“Here in this place, the people of Biñan, especially the youth, will excel even more. In this place, even those who are not from Biñan will see the talents of Biñan. This will host mini concerts and other activities,” Dimaguila enthusiastically stated.
For Borja, the theater will be instrumental in valuing the contribution of all local artists that seeks to enrich the nation’s rich repository of art.
“This place will serve as a platform for voices, both emerging and established that reflect the diverse experiences of our people. It will be a place where we can continue to work for nation-building through the shared experience of art.”
With the Biñan City Center for Performing Arts just meters away from the historical Alberto Mansion, the ancestral home of Teodora Alonzo, mother of Dr. Jose Rizal, it will definitely draw more people to appreciate the significance of history while embracing change and honoring the past.
Biñan believes that without going back to its roots and embracing the past, the future’s progress and aspirations will not be met.
Through the Biñan City Center for Performing Arts, future generations of Biñanenses will have a chance to contribute in flourishing their talents and commitment in striking a balance between cultural preservation and development. (CO,CH/PIA-4A)
