Folk Arts Theatre

The Folk Arts Theater, known in Filipino as the Tanghalang Francisco Balagtas got its name from Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar who was revered as one of the Philippines‘ best poets. The theater has a seating capacity of 8,458, stage dimension of 20 meters by 20 meters, proscenium width of 20 meters and height of 10 meters.

Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar’s best known and most beloved work “Florante at Laura” and his poetry “Balagtisismo” has influenced generations of Filipino poets. The popular debate in verse, known as “balagtasan” in the country, is also named after him.

Designed by Leandro V. Locsin (the designer of Church of the Monastery of the Transfiguration in Bukidnon), the Tanghalang Francisco Balagtas, ordinarily known by its original name of Folk Arts Theater is the venue for many of the country’s popular concerts including the renowned group Menudo, British Pop Group 5ive, the 1993 Janet Jackson Tour, the Concert of Gary Valenciano & the solo concert of Philippine’s Jay-R among many others.

Folk Arts Theater - Tanghalang Balagtas

Gate Entrance of Folk Arts Theater

The original design of the Folk Arts Theater is to seat an audience of 10,000 but due to minor space and design issues, the seating capacity got compromised. It was financed by then First Lady (now Congressman) Imelda Marcos in 1974 for the Miss Universe Pageant, which was scheduled to be held in Metro Manila. The theater was built in record time of seventy-seven days in time for the pageant because of the wealth of the Marcos’.

View of Manila Buildings outside Folk Arts Theater

The Tanghalang Francisco Balagtas is also used as a site of different religious gatherings by different religious groups in the Philippines. Bulwagan ng Panginoon and Day by Day Worship Services includes Bible Study, Worship for Wellness, Couples Worship and Youth Ministry.

The Folk Arts Theater is in CCP Complex, Pasay, Metro Manila. It is located 3 kilometers south of Kilometer Zero in Manila. It is 600 meters from the Manila Yacht Club and nearby Coconut Palace. Going to the east about 500 meters is Star City Philippines. From EDSA, it can be accessed going north passing either Roxas Blvd or Diosdado Macapagal Blvd, where the Seafoods Paluto Restaurants are located.

For inquiries and reservations at the Folk Arts Theater, please call Theater Operations Department at telephone number (+63)(2)832-1125 loc. 1404 / 1412 or email at theater@culturalcenter.gov.ph.

About the author

Mark Anthony Maranga is an Educator-Parent to his 3 Homeschooling Kids. He sells Ice Cream and Balloons in Mandaue City, Cebu. Exploring the Philippines tourist attractions together with his family is his passion; they are learning without borders.