Rizal Memorial Coliseum

off, a layer of scagliola or faux marble was uncovered. It must be noted that one of the key principles of art deco is opulence. Perhaps due to budgetary or time constraints, natural marble was not installed during the Coliseum’s construction in the 1930s. Unfortunately, the scagliola was damaged. It had some chipping and missing fragments. Time constraints did not allow for a careful recreation of the technique used to facilitate its restoration. It was decided that this would be concealed with natural stone slabs. This would serve as an “upgrade” from the faux-marbling, and would serve as a protective layer for the time being until the technique to repair the scagliola could be found. Two large porthole windows were uncovered at the lobby, sealed off in concrete. This was “re-discovered” from archival photographs, which showed them prominently. They were subsequently restored to bring back the streamlined modern character of the lobby.

The original grillwork of the building was given proper care. Alterations were removed, and damaged portions were repaired. New spectator gates at the arena level were fabricated, deriving their design from the original gates at the lobbies. Interior lighting at the lobbies and corridors was designed to exude opulence and reflect the geometricism of art deco. Missing art deco lighting at the columns of the main lobby entrance and the two road-facing side lobby entrances were custom-fabricated using fiberglass and brass strips to recreate their original design based on archival photographs and postcards. Warm lights and increased luminance on the interiors had a transformative effect on the spaces, visually enlarging them while enhancing the luxuriant aesthetics of art deco.

As the lobby’s centerpiece, a large brass emblem was installed to welcome guests, to serve as a backdrop for selfies, and to underscore the character of the building. An art-deco inspired wayfinding and navigation system—a necessity in modern sporting venues—was designed to complement the new configuration of the building, so that guests could find their way to the restrooms, and to their seats. To conceal the new downspouts installed and reduce its visual impact, metal corbels were installed at the top of the downspouts, deriving from the concrete corbels at the base of the metal flagpoles.

Games Under Flak

As the opening of the SEA Games approached, media coverage intensified, focusing on the readiness of the organizers and venues to host the event. Concerned that the venues would not be completed in time, the media aired footage of the on-going rehabilitation projects at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and at the PhilSports Complex.

Several incidents during the run-up to the games— athlete’s delayed check-ins at the hotel, the lack of transportation to the venues, insufficient provisions for food and water, and frustrating unpaid volunteer work—had put the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and the Philippine SEA Games Organizational Committee (PHISGOC) under flak. Senator Franklin Drilon questioned the cost of the cauldron to be lit for the games, stating Php 55 million is an extravagance that is so unnecessary, and somebody had to answer for this… A classroom costs P1 million, so we could have built 56 classrooms if the money of the people was not abused.

Citing that without concrete post-Games plans for the facilities, the new and rehabilitated venues could turn into white elephants.

As the Rizal Memorial Coliseum transformed through its rehabilitation, sports officials, the media, and the general public began to take notice. Article after article, news reports sprung up, praising the on-going rehabilitation. On social media, posts about the Rizal Memorial Coliseum went viral. The story of the transformation of the Coliseum was a much-needed bit of good news for the beleaguered Sports Commission. The coliseum re-opened on December 1, 2019, hosting the Gymnastics event with an attendance of about 3,000 people. On its opening day, 19-year-old Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo clinched the gold medal, besting other ASEAN athletes for the prize; marking the triumphant revival of the Rizal Memorial Coliseum: a testament to Filipino excellence.

Conclusion

The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex demonstrates Filipino skill, ability, and achievement. Owing its design to Juan Arellano, the sports complex’s architecture demonstrated that the Philippines was finally ready for its long-awaited independence. With its rehabilitation, its continued role in international soft diplomacy, pop culture, and sportive camaraderie are ensured. Coming full circle, the Stadium’s own cathartic rehabilitation signals its own rebirth as an