Actor and Mowelfund President Rez Cortez has expressed support for Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso’s vision to restore the Metropolitan Theater (MET) as a premier cultural and creative hub for Filipino artists, stage performers, and film workers.

During a meeting at Manila City Hall on Monday, Nov. 3, Cortez emphasized the importance of reviving the historic theater as a venue for accessible artistic expression and cultural events.

“Dito sa Maynila, gawin nating sentro ang MET. Bigyan natin ng pagkakataon ‘yung mga nasa industriya (Here in Manila, let’s make the MET the center. Let’s give people in the industry a chance),” Cortez said, citing the shortage of affordable venues for awards nights, stage plays, and film-related gatherings.

Mayor Domagoso echoed Cortez’s sentiments, saying the MET remains one of the country’s most iconic landmarks in the history of Philippine performing arts.

“Ang isang artista, gustong-gusto mag-shoot sa MET (An artist would really love to shoot at the MET). It’s a dream for any stage actor,” he said. “We just want to operate it, maintain it, and nurture the culture, arts, and skills of our actors and actresses, kasi walang outlet eh (because there’s no outlet anymore).”

The mayor revealed that the Manila City government has a pending proposal to take over the operations and maintenance of the MET from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

He said this would help make the venue more affordable and accessible to local productions, many of which struggle with high rental costs.

Cortez also briefed Domagoso on recent developments in the film sector, including a new presidential executive order establishing the Film Academy of the Philippines.

The academy will serve as an umbrella institution for all working guilds and oversee the implementation of the Eddie Garcia Law, which regulates working hours and conditions in the entertainment industry.

According to Cortez, this initiative could complement Manila’s plan to position the MET as a training and performance hub for film and theater professionals.

Domagoso, meanwhile, reminisced about Manila’s golden era as the heart of Philippine cinema and theater, when Avenida, Recto, and surrounding districts were bustling centers of film distribution and exhibition.

“All the famous theaters in the country used to be located along Avenida and Recto, or what was once called Azcarraga," the mayor said. 

Both Domagoso and Cortez agreed to coordinate with industry leaders, including veteran actor and director Leo Martinez, in drafting a position paper to support Manila’s formal proposal to the NCCA.

“Let the local government run the Metropolitan Theater so that there will be an avenue for actors and actresses, stage plays, and all other cultural activities to thrive once again,” Domagoso said.

“It’s high time to give it back to Manila,” he added.