The Music Museum is turning 30 on August 8, 2018.

Starting August 8, 2017, we will take you back in time to when the Music Museum was born. We will tell you big and little stories about how it began, what went on onstage and out of it, who were its brightest stars, what were its highs and lows and why we know “the music lives and the show goes on.”

Join us on this journey on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and get to know the Music Museum better. Love it even more.


Did You Know 1
The Music Museum will celebrate its 30th birthday on August 8, 2018. The Music Museum was the idea of Kuh Ledesma, its founder, who envisioned a place where artists could sing, dance, act and strut their stuff without having to worry about bookings, difficult schedules, and big-little details like sound and equipment rentals. It was a real gift to the entertainment industry then. It still is.
Kuh Ledesma Kuh Ledesma
Kuh Ledesma mesmerizes at the opening of Music Museum Kuh Ledesma mesmerizes at the opening of Music Museum

Did You Know 2
The original Music Museum building spreads its wings in this part of Greenhills.
The Music Museum came to be because its founder, Kuh Ledesma, wanted a readily accessible venue where artists and performers could perform when they wanted to. Local performing artists grew in number after the first EDSA People Power Revolution but there were not enough places for them to perform in. Usual venues then like hotels were not always available, had stiff requirements and unpredictable schedules. The Music Museum – a bold idea at that time – provided the platform that would showcase and give birth to a wealth of Filipino talent in music and other performing arts.

Did You Know 3
Celebrities galore attended the opening of the Music Museum on August 8, 1988. Those who cut the ribbon were former Foreign Affairs Secretary and Senator Raul S. Manglapus, the Superstar, Ms. Nora Aunor and Pop Diva founder Kuh Ledesma.
DFA Secretary and ex-Senator Raul Manglapus, a jazz musician outside of the Senate Hall, and Superstar Nora Aunor cut the inaugural ribbon at the Music Museum opening. Kuh Ledesma greeted Raul Manglapus

Did You Know 4
When the Music Museum had its Grand Opening on August 8, 1988, it had over a thousand guests and there was non-stop entertainment from 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Musicians, singers, artists and bands all performed for free!
1. IKing Araneta, Maritess Revilla and Orly Mercado. 2. Bong Quitana with Boy Abunda and Veana Fores. 3. Director Peque Gallaga and Kuh Ledesma. 4. Lisa Macuja with Jim Paredes and Keno 5. Kuh Ledesma and Precy Florentino with Meryl Graham

Did You Know 5
The Music Museum experience is like being in a cozy home where artists entertain their guests in a big living room. It’s like watching people perform at a big party. That’s why it’s the only theater in town where guests can order food and drinks during a performance so they can dine, sip cocktails and feel right at home while being entertained.



Did You Know 6
On May 28, 1992 the Music Museum was destroyed by fire. It looked like it was the end because it was literally burned to the ground. But artists and performers besieged its new owner, Precy Florentino, to put it up again. Two years later, on September 14, 1994, the new Music Museum was inaugurated. Like a phoenix the Music Museum had risen from its ashes.



Did You Know 7
A lot of precious memorabilia was displayed in the old Music Museum and formed part of its distinctive decor. A glass sculpture by famous sculptor Impy Pilapil, a clever mural done by young students from the UP College of Fine Arts, a witty group portrait of Philippine presidents from Emilio Aguinaldo to Cory Aquino, as well as precious keepsakes and testaments to performances and achievements of stars who donated them were housed in the Music Museum. When it was gutted by fire in 1992, all that went up in smoke. The current MM memorabilia collection, however, is equally impressive.
3. John Lesaca's first violin.
4. A collection of gramophones.

1. A mural of Philippine presidents -- Marcos, Roxas, Laurel, Osme&‌ntilde;a, Quezon, Macapagal, Quirino, Magsaysay, Garcia, Aguinaldo, and Aquino -- adorns the main lobby. 2. Artwork Sculpture by Impy Pilapil "Enter My Dream".

Did You Know 8
The rough floor plan for the new Music Museum (that was put up in 1994) and Shoppesville Plus was drawn by Music Museum Group president Precy Florentino herself on a simple napkin.
Precy Florentino welcomes everyone to the new Music Museum.
The new stage had its own ribbon cutting ceremony: L-R - Monique Wilson, Janet Basco, Jose Mari Chan and Jamie Rivera do the honors.

Did You Know 9
The old Music Museum (before it burned down) had a restaurant where weddings and parties were held. It was a ritzy dinner place where guests could refresh themselves and indulge in cozy conversation. It was also the perfect post-performance go-to place for a nightcap.
1. The Music Museum’s Mezzanine was a ritzy dining space where guests could refresh and indulge in cozy conversations. 2. Wedding receptions were not strange events at The Music Museum. Jet Montelibano of Music and Magic – Kuh Ledesma’s original band – got married to Edith Gomez in 1989 and celebrated there.

Did You Know 10
The original Shoppesville Arcade Building in Greenhills where Music Museum and Shoppesville Plus would rise.

The area of the old Greenhills Theater (where the Theater Mall now stands) measures a whopping 1,800 square meters and could seat 1000 moviegoers at one time. It was the favorite site for movie premieres back in the 80s and 90s. That area is now occupied by two movie theaters: Greenhills Cinemas 1 and 2, the first two cinema theaters of the Music Museum Group. Today, there are 8 Greenhills cinema houses, and Greenhills Cinemas prides itself in being the first in the country to have the Dolby Atmos sound system.

Did You Know 11
Theatre Mall opens and further expands the Music Museum complex. Cinemas using the latest technology, shops and dining places turn Greenhills into an exciting new destination.
The Promenade: One more glittering addition to the Music Museum Complex



The Music Museum is now more than just the Music Museum. It has evolved into a dining, shopping and entertainment hub and the complex is known as the Music Museum Group. It includes Shoppesville Plus (a hobbyist’s and aficionado’s haven for gadgets, rare toys, specialty items, gaming hardware, software, and consoles), Theater Mall (a hive of cinemas, shops, dining and coffee places), Promenade (a level-up shopping place with more shops, lifestyle services, dining places, and the most modern cinemas) and Teatrino (the biggest little theater in this part of Greenhills that has become a favorite events place for launches, parties, cozy performances, and what have you.
Rex Drilon, President of Ortigas & Company, Kuh Ledesma, Sen. JV Ejercito, Sen. Loren Legarda, Precy Florentino and Freddie Santos toast T.E.A.T.R.I.N.O. in 2006.

Did You Know 12

Lani Misalucha, Side A, Jose Mari Chan, Sarah Geronimo, Agot Isidro, Keno, the Neocolors, Julie Ann San Jose, Glaiza De Castro, Loisa Andalio, Maja Salvador, Baihana, KZ Tandingan, Mateo Guidicelli and Michael Pangilinan, Enchong Dee all had their debut concerts and first big concerts at the Music Museum.


Did You Know 13
The Music Museum is a showcase of impressive showbiz memorabilia. The old Music Museum had on display radio sets from the 40s and 50s, antique gramophones, a well-loved saxophone, an old-fashioned accordion, Randy Santiago’s performance outfit, Pilita Corales’ lame concert gown, Gary V’s shiny trench coat, Bayani Casimiro’s tap shoes, Lisa Macuja’s ballet shoes, Nora Aunor’s awards, Kuh Ledesma’s trophies, ZsaZsa Padilla’s and Ric Segreto’s plaques, Lea Salonga’s “Annie” costume, rocker Sampaguita’s boots, the APO Hiking Society’s nationalistic costumes and the His and Hers jackets of the Concert King and Queen, Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez. It was a real music museum! Mannequins wearing the original costumes of (L-R): Randy Santiago, Pilita Corrales and Gary Valenciano 1. A collection of old radios displayed at the lobby. 2. A well-loved saxophone and an antique accordion. 3. A collection of Nora Aunor’s singing and acting awards/trophies. 4. Kuh Ledesma’s trophies, Zsa Zsa Padilla’s plaques and Ric Segreto’s trophy. 5. Microphone used by Martin Nievera in his TV series “Martin After Dark” (M.A.D). 6. Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez Concert Jackets.

Did You Know 14
After the fire, the Music Museum started to build a new Memorabilia Collection. If you visit it now, you’ll find: Lea Salonga’s “Annie” costume, Erik Santos’ jacket which he wore for the opening number of his first concert, PowER IKons; Regine Velasquez’s fully embroidered top, designed for her by national artist Salvador Bernal in 1989 for the Asia Pacific Singing Contest in Hongkong; Kuh Ledesma’s Bayan Ko metal costume designed by her brother, Constantino Ledesma; what Pilita Corrales wore for her back-to-back show with Sammy Davis, Jr. at Caesar’s Palace in 1980; the famous rocking boots of rocker, Sampaguita; and more!
1. Apo Hiking Society Costumes. 2. Life-sized portrait of Jose Mari Chan. 3. Kuh Ledesma’s Costume designed by her brother Constantino Ledesma, worn for her show, “Bayan Ko” at Music Museum. 4. Lea Salonga’s “Annie” costume. 5. Regine Velasquez Costume. 6. Yoyoy Villame’s Ukelele. 7. The famous “rocking” boots of rocker, Sampaguita.

Did You Know 15

Wolfgang

When the Music Museum turned 10 in 1998, a 10-band concert rocked the Car Park amid fireworks and celebration that lasted till dawn. Car park performers were: Introvoys, HYP, PG-13, Put3ska, Da Pulis, Razorback, POT, Color it Red, The Grove and Wolfgang. Meanwhile, the Apo Hiking Society, Nanette Inventor, Kuh Ledesma, Ogie Alcasid, Geneva Cruz, Randy Santiago, Lani Misalucha, Nina, Dessa and Leah Navarro performed on the Music Museum stage.

P.O.T.

Razorback


Did You Know 16

Charice and Charlie Green

When the Music Museum turned 20 in 2008, it focused on the future of the music and entertainment industry. It saluted young talents -- Charice Pempengco (now Jake Zyrus) then just 16 years old and Charlie Green (the 11-year old Fil-Briton kid who wowed audiences at “Britain’s Got Talent” – with recognition plaques at an appreciation lunch on August 8. That year, it also partnered with The Music School of Ryan Cayabyab to discover musically talented kids via musical tilts (Musmusikwela for kids aged 8-12 and MusiKabataan for teens). The best performers received musical scholarships at TMSRC.

The Musmusikwela scholars with Precy Florentino, Ryan and Emmy Cayabyab


Did You Know 17
The Music Museum is a Cultural Metropolis. It is a lodestone for all things music, pop culture, stage action and entertainment. Through the years the Music Museum stage has featured a kaleidoscope of performances that have brought joy and excitement to thousands of audiences with different tastes.
Urbandub

Did You Know 18
Sharon Cuneta
Gary Valenciano
All up and coming performers bring their act to Music Museum before they conquer the bigger stages of the Folk Arts Theater, the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Araneta Coliseum. For them the Music Museum is the gateway to bigger performances and greater fame.
Pops Fernandez
Martin Nievera
Lani Misalucha

Did You Know 19
The most popular and scream-worthy talents perform at the Music Museum, thrilling fans with spectacular performances that send them rocking in their seats till they jump on their feet. From divas to soul singers, from balladeers to belters, from rock stars to R&B artists, from groups to solo performers, they all filled up the Music Museum.
(Left-Right, Top to Bottom) Regine Velasquez, ZsaZsa Padilla, Ogie Alcasid, Jed Madela, Julie Anne San Jose, Randy Santiago

Did You Know 20
Ely Buendia, Rico Blanco, Bamboo
The Music Museum rocks! Be it Hard Rock, Pinoy Rock, Ethnic Rock, Punk Rock, Pop Rock, The Blues, R&B, Acoustic, Folk or Alternative performers, Voice Bands, Boy Bands and Girl Bands, they all came to shake, rattle and roll at the Museum Museum. Caption: 1. Parokya Ni Edgar 2. South Border 3. Rivermaya 4. Sandwich

Did You Know 21
You can de-stress and laugh your cares away at the Music Museum. Countless stand up acts, bits, comedy plays, musical comedy, satires, spoofs and impersonations have tickled the funny bone of young and old of various genders and socio-political persuasions through the years. From Willie Nepomuceno to Allan K, from Rex Navarrete to Jokoy, from Ai-Ai de las Alas to Nanette Inventor, from Mitch Valdes to Comedy Manila, male and female performers and comedy groups have lifted spirits by making people laugh and forget their worries.
Willie Nepomuceno, Nanette Inventor, Mitch Valdez, Allan K, Vice Ganda, Ai Ai delas Alas
Caption:

Did You Know 22
The Music Museum is a Global Stage. World class acts, foreign hitmakers, traveling bands and international stars have basked in the glowing spotlight of the Music Museum. Be they young, upcoming musicians from Asia, revered icons from the US, singing families like the Von Trapps from Europe or touring revues from Australia, they have experienced the rush of the fabled Filipino warmth and enthusiasm from Music Museum crowds.
Bobby Soul, Keith Martin, David Pomeranz, AJ Rafael, David Choi, Dave Moffat

Did You Know 23
Musical and Theater Plays with full ensembles, elaborate casts and lush scenery are also staged at the Music Museum. Musical theater, Broadway musicals, original Filipino stage productions and dance concerts have dazzled audiences here through the years.
Kenkoy Loves Rosing
Alikabok
Cabaret

Did You Know 24
John Lesaca
Dancing with the Champions
Sitti Navarro
Musical performances at the Music Museum are not all popular and mainstream. Jazz fests, Bossa Nova concerts, Operatic Pop, Hip-Hop-and-Classical Music together, Dance and Movement concerts, even Religious Music have been showcased at one time or another at the Music Museum. This entertainment mecca has no borders!

Did You Know 25
The Music Museum has kept all its tickets and posters through the years. They are works of art, cleverly conceptualized, especially designed and lovingly crafted by various artists. Today, tickets are simply downloaded and are more functional than artistic, That’s why Music Museum tickets are a vanishing art form and have become keepsakes. There is a special section about these tickets in the 25th Anniversary coffee table book of the Music Museum entitled Music Museum: The Music Lives!...And The Show Goes On. The book is available at Fully Booked Promenade and other branches.

Tickets
Posters

Did You Know 26
The Lobby of the old Music Museum had a 25-feet tall Impy Pilapil sculpture made of steel, glass and neons that was entitled “Enter my Dream”. It was installed there by the artist herself in 1988. Unfortunately, the beautiful artwork perished in the 1992 fire. Today, a stylized sculpture of a violin crafted by resident artist Francis Dano-og stands in its place.
Broadway shows collectibles
A collection of vinyl records
Violin Sculpture by Francis Dano-og “My Music”
Artwork Sculpture by Impy Pilapil “Enter My Dream”

Did You Know 27
Divas 4 Divas poster
The Music Museum marked its 20th year with a grand concert at the Araneta Coliseum entitled Divas 4 Divas. It brought together for the first time four of the country’s best female singers -- Kuh Ledesma, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Pops Fernandez and Regine Velasquez. The four divas wore spectacular fashions designed by Edwin Uy, Brian Leyva, Joey Samson and Oliver Tolentino with special accessories designed by Kuh’s brother, Constantino Ledesma. The rich repertoire included a tribute to the four divas’ international musical counterparts, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion and Mariah Carey. The divas also did a Madonna medley.

Did You Know 28
Jesus is Lord
Besides being an entertainment hub, the Music Museum is also a place of religious worship. Fellowship is held every Sunday at the Music Museum, and religious groups that have availed of it are the Harvester Christian Fellowship, the Metro Manila Christian Fellowship, the Victory Christian Fellowship and presently, Jesus is Lord, which has had the longest stint at 15 years. Sunday Mass has also been said regularly at the Promenade Food Court before Sunday services were transferred to the Promenade Hall at Promenade 3, the Music Museum Group’s new event place. During Lent, an annual recollection is held at Teatrino.

Did You Know 29
Many statement performances were staged at the Music Museum. Besides the iconic “Vagina Monologues” by Tony-award winning author Eve Ensler, “One Billion Rising” (a global movement founded by Ensler to end rape and sexual violence against women) was directed by acclaimed theater actress Monique Wilson on the Music Museum Stage. Monique and fellow supporters of women could no longer take that women were being raped, beaten, maimed, mutilated, burned and terrorized, and so staged this production. Members of Gabriela, the New Voice Company, Gabriela Women’s Party and others fully supported productions like these.
One Billion Rising

Did You Know 30
The design and architecture of the Music Museum is living art. The Proscenium and the unique stairway leading up to the theater was designed by in-house designer/artist Osler Ladia. The stairway was inspired by the idea of “rising from the ashes”, which was the story of the Music Museum’s rebirth after the 1994 fire. The original stairway, designed by Impy Pilapil, was white and pastel with metal-framed railings, fiberglass sides and neon lights. After the fire, only the metal framing remained, but it too was burned. Ladia liked its rugged look and texture though and from it he created a new railing that depicted different musical genre, rendered in unique, appropriate fonts. He exposed these to the elements to achieve more texture, and added cutouts here and there to achieve its current look. A new floor was painted by Ladia that draws inspiration from Miro and Braque for its vibrant colors and lines. The colorful floor, Ladia said, feels “almost musical”.
Music Museum Floor
Music Museum's Spiral Staircase