MANILA, Philippines — The management of ABS-CBN Corp. on Wednesday unveiled its brand new sound stages in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, marking the network’s 65th founding anniversary.
ABS-CBN inaugurates its sound stage facilities in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan during a ceremony on Dec. 12. ABS-CBN photo
A brainchild of ABS-CBN Chairman emeritus Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III, the hub seeks to support the company’s efforts to be at par with the world’s top entertainment companies.
“Completing the sound stages represents a very major step for ABS-CBN in terms of our ability to create much better production. Through this, we can show the world the best of the Filipino,” a statement by ABS-CBN quoted Lopez.
ABS-CBN president and chief executive officer Carlo Katigbak added: “We want to bring ABS-CBN content to the international stage, and having a state-of-the-art facility and a world-class production team is a big step for us towards that direction and dream.”
The sound stages will provide production facilities for ABS-CBN’s upcoming teleserye “The Faithful Wife” and “Darna” remake starring Liza Soberano.
Sitting on 7.7 hectares, the production hub includes two 1,500-square meter sound stages with a floor to grid height of 30 feet.
The hub also has a visitor’s center, parking facilities and support buildings powered by solar panels.
Parallel to the construction work, over 150 people for the production and support teams started a three-year training to operate the sound stages.
The training for both television and feature films was designed by Hollywood-based Manhattan Beach Studios, ABS-CBN Studios Inc. and ABS-CBN University.
ABS-CBN’s new production hub was designed by California-based architecture firm Bastien and Associates together with Filipino firm AIDEA and consultants from Manhattan Beach Studios. /jpv