Art haven opens in Marikina

Marikina City Mayor Marides Fernando plays host to the diplomatic corps, to government officials, the business sector, and art lovers as she inaugurates the Teatro Marikina this afternoon in Marikina City.

"This has long been a dream of the Marikenos to have a venue for our creative talents and help develop them to their full potential," said Fernando, adding that, "being in the eastern part of the metropolis and far from the Cultural Center in Roxas Boulevard, our people have long felt the need to have a closer venue in which to express their artistic inclinations and which can serve as an inspiration for excellence."

The Marikina Historical, Cultural, and Arts Council hailed the opening of their city’s newest landmark which they say is a tribute to their past and a legacy to their present and future artists.

It was the council which proposed to then mayor now MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando the need for a new venue for culture and the arts in this side of the metropolis. The inauguration of Teatro Marikina, therefore, proves that government and the private sector can work together for the good of the community.

The MMDA chief and Rep. Del de Guzman are the affair’s special guests with Sen. Aquilino Pimentel as guest of honor.

The celebration begins at the Sentral Pangkultura ng Marikina (Kapitan Moy grounds) along J.P. Rizal Street in Barangay Sta. Elena where there will be regional performances by Rondalla Marikina, Ethnic Ensemble, Marikina Dance Guild and dance troupes from various public elementary schools.