Fire hits newly restored Manila Metropolitan Theater

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 17) — Fire hit the newly renovated Metropolitan Theater in Ermita, Manila City on Friday morning. The blaze reached second alarm before fire out was declared after less than an hour.

The fire that broke out on the first floor of Padre Burgos Wing, which was under construction, did not spread to any other parts of the building, according to a statement released by the Metropolitan Theater.

Officials added the fire did not cause any injuries or damage apart from some old, discarded items.

The Metropolitan Theater, said to be the oldest existing theater in the country, officially reopened its doors in December 2021 — 25 years since its closure in 1996.

The Met was designed by architect Juan Arellano in the Art Deco style and was opened in 1931. It was used as the venue for zarzuelas, operas, and other stage performances.