Manila Film Center: . Lacking in funding, Imelda Marcos created a contingency plan that would generate enough funds to cover the festival. The very buildings being presented as the icons of a bold new republic seemed to embody the corruption and incompetence of the regime.[21]. Months after the tragedy, Betty Benitez died in a freak accident. It covers various categories such as news, entertainment, technology, reviews, exam results, sports, features, weather, trending topics on social media, business and bulletins that comprise the competitive platform of modern-day website. Binalungan National Par A jellyfish attack causes a Luzon-wide blackout, Philippine Bridges have bloody foundation. Prior to the Manila film center, the Philippines did not have an official national film archive which is why on January 1981, then first lady Imelda Marcos spearheaded the building of the first Manila Center. Under the supervision of Betty Benitez, the spouse of then Deputy MHS Minister Jose Conrado Benitez, they organized a group to pursue the project. A few months later Betty Benitez was herself killed in bizarre accident. A few months later Betty Benitez was herself killed in bizarre accident. (It was never made clear why they were out driving in the middle of the night away from their respective spouses and families.) Under the supervision of Mrs. Betty Benitez-the spouse of the then Deputy MHS Minister Jose Conrado Beneitez organized a group to pursue . And whether or not shes still stopping taxis late at night, only the taxi drivers know for sure. The Manila Film Center is a national building located at the southwest end of the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex in Pasay, Philippines. (It was never made clear why they were out driving in the middle of the night away from their respective spouses and families.) T he building seemed to stand firmly with 12 supporting pillars in front of it. This accident would not have happened if the construction was not rushed and was built . Under the supervision of Betty Benitez, the spouse of then Deputy MHS Minister Jose Conrado Benitez, they organized a group to pursue the . She was a passenger in a car driven by O. D. Corpus, a former president of the University of the Philippines. 2 Pages. Pengerjaan bangunan Manila Film Center dikerjakan dalam waktu kurang dari enam bulan sebelum acara MIFF berlangsung pada bulan Januari 1982. Several construction workers were killed, crushed by falling steel. It was told that Imelda Marcos had the grandiose notion of turning the Philippines into the Cannes of Asia by starting an international film festival. Today, the Manila Film Center is more famous for the tragedy than for making the Philippines the Cannes of Asia. A building condemned Months after the tragedy, Betty Benitez died in a freak accident. Locals believe that was the revenge of the dead workers, but it gets creepier. Marcelo is renamed Fr. Share. (l-center-of-the-philippines-the-manila-film-center-tragedy/) Tragic Theater in 2015 (inspired by the Manila Film Center . A High-Heeled Haunt: Mysterious Murder in Manila Film Centers Amazing Show Sparks Ghost Stories, Forget about ghost hunting? 1986)which created a board of review for motion pictures and television. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Copyright 2023 | MH Magazine WordPress Theme by MH Themes, TheIglesia Ni Cristo captivated my interest the moment I caught a glimpse of their extravagant castle-like church headquarters found in Quezon City, Manila. Betty is with us. Is Manila Film Center still used today? Read more about this topic: Manila Film Center, There is no example in history of a revolutionary movement involving such gigantic masses being so bloodless.Leon Trotsky (18791940), In the history of the United States, there is no continuity at all. Betty died a few months later in a freak automobile accident. Another incident linked was the tragic death of Betty Benitez . Restored films are screened at premiere events with the stars in attendance. 4. Marcelo lead the group in their mission only to discover too late that an evil presence took sanctuary inside the building long ago and fed on the anger and misery of the victims souls. In 2005,GMA Networksi-Witnessinterviewed workers, families who lost loved ones, and even the contractor, but no substantive conclusion whether there are really bodies buried in the cement was reached. The project, which originally relied on a $5 million subsidy intended for the film festival, saw its funding severed in the aftermath of the tragic deaths. I never liked Hamilton. The book first tells of the 1981 incident. She was a passenger in a car driven by O. D. Corpus, a former president of the University of the Philippines. However, despite the futuristic and concept creativity of Mr. Ramon M. Ignacio, only two of the project components were actually done. Under the supervision of Mrs. Betty Benitez-the spouse of the then Deputy MHS Minister Jose Conrado . Benjamin Briel Lee was very professional at all times, keeping me aware of everything that was happening, If I had any questions he was always available to answer. The project was spearheaded by Imelda Marcos, under the supervision of Betty Benitez and was given a tight deadline of only 12 months for completion, costing a hefty sum of 25 million dollars. And were it not for a chance conversation with a local about haunted places in the Philippines, I never wouldve known about it. It remains their tomb to this day. Another incident linked was the tragic death of Betty Benitez. 1.1 Background/ Overview: Macro-environmental Situation * Located in the Intramuros District, at the banks of Pasig River, the Manila Central Post Office is not only prone to heavy flooding but also to sanitation issues . Mrs Marcos threw lavish parties at the Malacaang Palace serving French Champagnes worth $100 per bottle. Termasuk mengubur hidup-hidup mayat . Do you know anything about the murder or the victims identity? Manila: Aneneo de Manila University Press, 2002: 124. 18K views, 272 likes, 3 loves, 77 comments, 224 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Philippines, My Philippines: The Manila Film Center. Background Overview. The Manila Film Center served as the main theater for the First Manila International Film Festival(MIFF) January 1829, 1982. The project was conceptualized by Ramon M. Ignacio, a Senior Technology Officer at the Technology Resource Center. Another however, claims there are more people buried there than what most people know because there were barracks inside the construction area, and when the scaffolding collapsed, several male workers including their families were buried. Pasay, Philippines. no one knows), their vehicle crashed instantly killing Betty. But there were about 20 handheld cameras running in the audience that night as a bevy of "showgirls" paraded Vegas-style during the opening number on the main stage of the Manila Film Center. What began as the ambitious vision of First Lady Imelda Marcos, envisioning that the Philippines was destined to become the "Cannes of Asia," it is now one of Manila's most haunted buildingsand a symbol of the atrocities under . Over the years, Ive learned about many other locations I didnt include, mostly in just vague mentions in passing: suicides from high bridges, haunted bars in various European cities, and arguably gay individuals haunting well-known places. Explore the latest videos from hashtags: #manilafilmcenter, #shortfilmhorror, #rekomendasifilmhorror, #filmahorror, # . Manila Film Center; The front exterior of the Center. There are even rumors that people died in their sleep while staying in the theater. The news about Betty Benitez perishing in a vehicular accident after an assignation with Onofre D. Corpuz had a whiff of karmic . Ramon M. Ignacio, Senior Technology Officer at . Project supervisor Betty Benitez . The building was initiated and managed by government in just 170 days. The odor of the corpses lingered on the premises for weeks and photographs of the victims embedded in the concrete were published in the alternative press. Beatriz Romualdez Francia, Imelda and the Clans: A Story of the Philippines. In the 2010 Filipino film The Red Shoes, part of the plot hinges on the supposed death of the father of the main character, Lucas, played by Marvin Agustin, who was supposed to have been among the 169 workers buried alive in the accident at the construction of the Manila Film Center. Filipino author Gilbert M. Coronel released a novel entitledTragic Theaterin 2009. When a medium was sent into the Film Centre to see if it was haunted, he went into a trance. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. . Marcelo, known for his radical cleansing methods and a group of spirit communicators. The event was attended byBen Kingsleywho playedMohandas K. Gandhiin the movie. The victims were buried in the film center after Betty Benitez, in-charge of . The building was then designed to have two components which were the auditoria and archives. On November 17, 1981, at three o'clock in the morning, the workers were at work and the foreman was keeping an eye on them. Is the magnificent film center truly built on the bones of builders forgone? Magandang Gabi, Bayan (Good Evening, Nation) named after the signature open and close of Noli de Castro, is a news magazine program in the Philippines. From the tower of the four . Betty Benitez, wife of Assistant Minister Jose Conrado Benitez, gave the order to pour the cement over the bodies and continue construction. The Manila Film Center served as the main theater for the First Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) January 18-29, 1982. They were on their way to Tagaytay at night. On an interview withi-Witness, a worker said that not only construction workers died in there but also their families. 258 Words. Of course with a tragedy like this, there are going to be restless souls attached to the building and some of these ghosts have been spooking guests of nearby buildings. Prior to the Manila Film Center, the Philippines did not have an official national film archive which is why on January 1981, then first lady Imelda Marcos spearheaded the building of the first Manila Center. Betty Benitez, istri Deputi Menteri Perumahan Filipina dan sahabat Imelda Marcos pun terpilih menjadi kepala pengawas dari . During the documentarys making, I-Witness did not find any family who claims they have a relative who was left buried underneath the Manila Film Center nor did they find anyone who is still looking for someone missing since that tragedy. The Manila Film Center is a national building located at the southwest end of the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex in Pasay, Philippines.The structure was . An urban legend later cites a figure 168 workers, with the project supervisor Betty Benitez becoming the 169th victim after her death in a freak car accident a few months later. History. More than 300 guests arrived including George Hamilton, Brooke Shields, Priscilla Presley & Peter Ustinov. Many Filipinos blamed it on the revenge of the dead workers. Jose Conrado "Jolly" Benitez passed away on Sunday, September 13, due to . A Korean company is currently making efforts rehabilitating the image of the center with a transvestite Las Vegas-like act. Furthermore all the bodies were retrieved and were given a proper burial. Betty Benitez, the person who overlooked the project on behalf of Imelda Marcos, died from a freak accident a few months after ordering the entombment of dead bodies in the foundation. A blanket of security was immediately imposed by the Marcos administration, and neither rescuers nor ambulances were permitted on the site until an official statement had been prepared. During the Marcos reign, the first lady, Mrs Imelda Marcos wanted to promote and develop our countrys art and culture. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manila_Film_Center. Anne and Fr. As for Betty Benitez, she died in a freak accident a couple of months after the tragedy of the workers. The Manila Film Center closed its doors the next year after Imelda lost the funding for her festival and decided to raise the money by featuring pornography. That building has lots of untold history about horrors and not everyone experienced that. Under the supervision of Betty Benitez, the spouse of then Deputy MHS Minister Jose Conrado Benitez, they organized a group to pursue the . 1929). The law also allowed an exclusive exemption of films shown at the Manila Film Center from censorship. Manila was a Mecca that attracted film stars and celebrities largely from Hollywood, among them George Hamilton, suave, silken and smooth, often at the side of Imelda. Some places close down or change owners over time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQJ7uK8vpdQ. Prior to the Manila Film Center, the Philippines did not have an official national film archive which is why on January 1981, then first lady Imelda Marcos spearheaded the building of the first Manila Center. In 2001, the film center underwent a rehabilitation costing over $15 million, and it is currently being used as a theatre. The Manila Film Center served as the main theater for the First Manila International Film Festival[2] (MIFF) January 1829, 1982. The Manila Film Center is a national building located at the southwest end of the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex in Pasay, . Prior to the Manila Film Center, the Philippines did not have an official national film archive which is why on January 1981, then first lady Imelda Marcos spearheaded the building of the first Manila Center. Under the supervision of Betty Benitez, the spouse of then Deputy MHS Minister Jose Conrado Benitez, they organized a group to pursue the project. I'd check my sources if i were you mr. author. Inurned in niches inside the chapel are the remains of Dean Conrado F. Benitez, Francisca Tirona Benitez, Helena Tirona Benitez, and Emma Lavadia Benitez Araneta Valeriano. that was really creepy.. me and my friend go there recently 3a.m. It is indeed certain that though the alleged 150 deaths were an undeniable tragedy, the glorious batisse of culture and local history sprouting from lost workers bones and sweat, will continue to fascinate the masses for decades to come. 1986 also an exclusive exemption of films shown at the Manila Film Center from censorship. In the midst of a hurried construction, on November 17, 1981 shortly before 3:00 a.m., a floor collapsed and workers were trapped in wet cement. While the latter remains difficult to prove, it is clear that the bleak history of the Manila Film Center has made for an eternity of controversy surrounding the Manila Film Festival. Under the supervision of Betty Benitez, the spouse of then Deputy MHS Minister Jose Conrado Benitez, they organized a group to pursue the . Neither rescuers nor ambulances were permitted[9] on the site until an official statement had been prepared. Had it been responsibly handled, MIFF could have been another prestigious film festival such as the ones in Toronto or even Cannes. Tao talaga yan. Dan ukuran Manila Film Center itu +16.000m alias sekitar 1.7 hektar . P.D. Prior to the Manila Film Center, the Philippines did not have an official national film archive which is why in January 1981, then first lady Imelda Marcos spearheaded the building of the first Manila Center. You'll have free perks like WiFi and self parking. Imelda melibatkan ratusan arsitek untuk merancang banguannya. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the film center's architect, Hong, were part of the strategic planning session on structure's renovation. As a result, the center was being completed as quickly as possible in time for its inaugural film festival. Unescos assistance was invaluable in the design of the archives, so they were asked to be consultants of the project. It has been speculated that due to the 9 hours that passed before rescuers were allowed in the site, some of the workers were entombed alive and that the bodies were left in the hardened concrete slabs. With the help of Betty Benitez, Deputy MHS Minister Jose Conrado Benitez's wife, Imelda Marcos founded a . According to Hong, the foundation was set on reclaimed land near theManila Bay. QUEEN ELIZABETH II & WORLD WAR 2 - THE SERVICE OF HER MAJESTY, THE STORY OF ROMANS WHO USED URINE AS A MOUTHWASH, A STORY OF A DAUGHTER WHO WANTS TO KILL HER PARENTS, DO YOU KNOW - LINCOLN AND KENNEDY HAVE STRANGE THINGS IN COMMON, THE MYSTERY OF THE CRUEL EXPERIMENT AGAINST DONALD & GUA. Beatriz Romualdez Francia, Imelda and the Clans, http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/25140/publicaffairs/multo-ng-nakaraan-ghosts-of-the-past, https://designkultur.wordpress.com/2010/01/08/cultural-center-of-the-philippines-the-manila-film-center-tragedy/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manila_Film_Center, https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/the-horrifying-mystery-of-manilas-haunted-cinema/. Because of the extravagant financial losses from the first festival, they attempted to gain more audience by showcasing pornographic films. The first priority is to rid the place of the trapped souls so she seeks the help of a priest Fr. Mr. Ramon M. Ignacio, Senior Technology . Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Posted by . History. And then, there are the updates. Dr. Froilan Hong, however, the architect in charge of the project, publicly unveiled the plans of the site and claimed he believed that over 150 workers had been buried alive in the concrete, but due to the strict time frame of the construction, their bodies were never retrieved. 1986), which required the immediate creation of a board of review for motion pictures and television. Local and international newspapers widely reported the irresponsibility of the government of the time, blaming the scale of the catastrophe on their ineptitude dealing with the accident appropriately. Here, I searched and collected the most popular urban legends that scared and formed questions on Filipinos' minds. What the first lady wants, the first lady gets. Design and architecture writer Deyan Sudjic credits the Manila Film Center accident as one of the events which heralded the downfall of the Marcos dictatorship half a decade later, saying:[21], The beginning of the end of the Marcos period was marked by the collapse of the scaffolding on the Manila Film Center, one of Imelda Marcoss pet projects, as it was being rushed for completion. But the building was due to open for the festival, and Betty ordered, "Pour the cement. They blamed it on the revenge of the victims of the tragic theater. Report Save Follow. Due to this time limit over 4000 workers . Apparently, the Benitezes were not only known Marcos cronies, one member of their family, the late Betty Benitez (wife of Jolly and mom of PWU President Kiko Benitez), gained notoriety for her involvement in tragedy that was the Manila Film Center. Perhaps the anger of the spirits of the workers could not be replaced with anything. The Manila Film Center was condemned in 1991 due to its dismal structural integrity. Under the supervision of Mrs. Betty Benitez-the spouse of the then Deputy MHS Minister Jose Conrado Beneitez organized a group to pursue the project. Many Filipinos blamed it on the revenge of the dead workers. I am encouraging every Filipino to contribute urban legends they know, share some details in addition to articles already created, help the author correct wrong information, and create their own articles. Because of the very strict and tight schedule, some decided to take their wife and kids and let them stay in the almost-finished parts of the center. But the building was due to open for the festival, therefore it was said that instead halting the project for a rescue attempt and digging out the workers, Betty ordered, Pour the cement., thus, the bodies and some of the still alive people were burried on the spot in a rush to finish the building for Imelda Marcos' film festival and the Miss Universe pageant. De Guzman added that it is high time to elect leaders who offer "new politics" that would advocate for the needs of the majority. MANILA, Philippines - Former first lady Imelda Marcos' deputy at the ministry of human settlements died at 71. The rescuers were eventually permitted to go inside the accident site 9 hours after the collapse. The $25 million Parthenon-inspired theater started construction in 1981 in a reclaimed land near the Manila Bay. The Manila Film Center has long been believed to be the Philippines largest tomb, haunted by the ghosts of an unknown number of workers believed to be buried underneath. Some workers were buried alive. When a medium was sent into the Film Center to see if it was haunted, he went into a trance. Climbing inside, she would ask the driver to take her to the hospital. Betty thought that the rescue operations and recovery of the bodies would take too long and that theyre already behind of their onerous timeline, so she ordered them to pour cement over the trapped workers maybe to also hide the fact that there are more casualties? The Manila Film Center is one of the first lady's most ambitious and most extravagant projects in the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Ramon M. Ignacio, Senior Technology Officer at the Technology Resource Center, conceptualized the project and its various components. The most mystifying part of the tragedy remains the administration of the times desire to prepare an official statement prior to the rescuers being allowed on site. Now it . Imee Marcos called in a local medium to investigate and to see if the Film Center really is haunted. After the tragedy Prime Minister Cesar Virata disapproved a $5 million[20] subsidy which was originally intended for the film festival. He specifically focused on one unnamed worker who was buried in cement from the waist down for more than ten hours. the Philippines did not officially have a film archive. At 3:00AM on November 17, 1981, the scaffolding inside collapsed tossing many workers into the still-wet quick-drying cement below. Soon after The Amazing Show began its regular performances, something odd began to happen late at night at Manila Film Center. Share your stories with us on Facebook,on twitter @WeirdHQ, or in the comments below! But what would this be suggesting about the festival? This earned the Manila Film Center project the additional funding it required for its completion, which ultimately occurred in 1982. "Betty is with us."* Since opening day, people have reported cries and moans in the auditorium. The problem started when quick-drying cement was poured on each floor without waiting for the layers to dry. Gerard Lico,Edifice Complex: Power, Myth and Marcos State Architecture. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8yFuTnQTc4. . Ultimately, the building was finished in 1982 and on the opening night, the first film shown in the theater was the movieGandhi. The first priority is to rid the place of the trapped souls so she seeks the help of a priest Fr. Under the supervision of Mrs. Betty Benitez, the spouse of the then Deputy MHS Minister Jose Conrado Beneitez, organized a group to pursue the project. Since those were Martial Law years, the largely censored media failed to immediately see the tragedys extent. OYO 109 Winter Benitez Hotel. In 1986, after the EDSA People Power Revolution, the building was condemned as it was tilting. But the building was due to open for the festival, and Betty ordered, Pour the cement. The bodies of the dead workers were thus covered over so that the relatives could not claim them. Some newspapers stated that only 3 were killed. Despite the futuristic and concept creativity of Ignacio, only two of the project components were actually done. A film adaption of Coronel's novel premiered on January 8, 2015. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Since the beginning of construction, all parties are optimistic that it will succeed on time until the fateful event arrives. Imelda argued that such films contribute to the maturity of Filipino audiences pornography is all in the mind and heart if garbage affects us then there must be something wrong with us Gerald Lico, Edifice Complex. There was a news black out because of the Martial Law thats why after a few days, nothing was heard or read about the incident. Reply. Under the supervision of Betty Benitez, the spouse of then Deputy MHS Minister Jose Conrado Benitez, they organized a group to pursue the project. "Now there are 169," he said. The rumored actual death toll was 168. Corpuz was alive but Benitez died on the spot. The structure was designed by architect Froilan Hong where its edifice is supported on more than nine hundred piles which reaches to the bed-rock about 120 feet below. The women put a curse on her. A law was passed in the form ofpresidential decree 1986(P.D. Regarding the official declaration that only 7 lost their lives on that fateful day, Dr. Hong claims there is no truth to such stories. The film however changes a few names; like the exorcism priest Fr. However, at the height of its construction on Nov. 17, 1981, tragedy struck. It's more fun here in the Philippines! There are even some instances when they had to cut off body parts that are sticking out. Login. Rumor had it than 168 had died. It was developed to house the 1st Manila International Film Festival in January 1982. While the Marcos, who ruled the Philippines at the time, prided themselves on the amount of manpower and funds that would be released to unearth this historical building, skeptics arose all over the Philippines. It is a symbol of the ambition of first lady Imelda Marcos by arguing that the Philippines has a national film development center. Create a website or blog at WordPress.com, Design a site like this with WordPress.com. A scaffolding of an upper floor collapsed and fell over an unknown number of construction workers. But theres more to the story. If I knew someone buried there, I would not stop until I got the body out. The heavily fortified buildings often surrounded by high boundary walls and large, Popular aspects of Filipino culture you need to be aware of, The most iconic paintings of the Philippines, The richest entrepreneurs of the Philippines, When Canadian trash lead to a diplomatic fallout with the Philippines, The Bojinka Plot : An extremist terrorist plot brewing in the streets of Manila, Blushing Pink Beach of Asias Latin City Great Santa Cruz Island, Parklane Hotel, The Most Versatile Hotel In Cebu, Digging Into The World Of Iglesia Ni Cristo, Mambabatok: Tattoo tradition in the Philippines. In fact, local Folklore suggests the existence of haunting spirits on site, who seek revenge over their unjust, violent demise.. Manila Film Center: Entombed. The Manila film center was constructed in 1981, former first lady Imelda Marcos along with Betty Benitez spearheaded the construction of the Manila Film Center. An accident occurred around 3:00a.m. on November 17, 1981, during the construction of the Manila Film Center. Manila Film Center berfungsi sebagai teater utama untuk Festival Film Internasional Manila Pertama (MIFF) 18-29 Januari 1982. . Sejak awal pembangunan, semua pihak optimis akan berhasil tepat waktu, hingga tiba peristiwa pada 17 November 1981. Website. Imelda Marcos wanted to finish Manila Film Center as soon as possible, because the premiere date was slated for January . UNESCO's[7] assistance was invaluable in the design of the archives, so they were asked to be consultants of the project. Ghosts? It is a symbol of the ambition of first lady Imelda Marcos by arguing that the Philippines has a national film development center. Nothing about the super swift completion of an 8-story building screamed safe; in fact, the practical carnage that followed as the roof collapsed during construction was possibly to be expected. betty benitez, brillante mendoza, brooke shields, canada, cannes film festival, cultural center of the philippines, filipino films, film festivals, imelda marcos, jeffrey jeturian, kinatay, kubrador . * Romulo, Beth Day. yah. Mr. Ramon M. Ignacio, Senior Technology Officer at the Technology Resource Center conceptualized the project and its various components. At the crux of the Manila Film Festival was the palatial Manila Film Centers construction. The structure was designed by architect Froilan Hong where its edifice is supported on more than nine hundred piles[1] which reaches to the bed-rock about 120 feet below. Fellow travelers like the WiFi. Can you imagine ililibing mo dun ang tao? After a while, their leader, Supremo, went into a coma and soon after, most of the superheroes who were once part of the League went abroad. The place in question is the Manila Film Center Complex. Workers were still sweeping off construction dust even when guests started to arrive. From what I was told, approximately between 1998 and 2001, a ladyboyone common Filipino term for a drag queen or transvestitewas murdered in the Manila/Pasay City area and her body dumped at the Manila Film Center. At least 169[3][4] workers fell and were buried under quick-drying cement. Mrs Marcos envisioned that the Philippines will be theCannes of Asia. The Manila Film Center is an abandoned auditorium by Manila Bay in the Cultural Center complex. He likewise prepared the feasibility study. Manila Film Center Manila Film Center; The front exterior of the Center: General information; Location . (LogOut/ It seems very rare to do because the smell and taste are disgusting. In a 2005 documentary about supernatural activity, the deadly accident 23 years ago is re-enacted. Some suggest, in the face of the horror that later occurred, that the project was cursed from the start. It stars Andi Eigenmann as DOT coordinator Anne, John Estrada as priest Fr. The Manila Film Center is an abandoned auditorium by Manila Bay in the Cultural Center complex. Now it is abandoned and it is said that spirits still roam the building, including Betty Benitez. In a 2005 documentary produced by GMA Network Channel 7: i-Witness, all 169 workers were traced and the records show that not more than a dozen died.