Prior to her husband's inaugural, Marcos already started fundraising for the Cultural Center; an initial half-a-million Pesos was made from the proceeds of the premiere of "Flower Drum Song" at the Philam Life Theater, and another ninety-thousand peso turned over from the Filipino arm of the Philippine-American Cultural Foundation. This was, however, insufficient to cover the projected cost of PH₱15 million needed to construct the theater. Much of the theater's funding came from a war damage fund for education authorized by the US Congress during President Marcos's state visit to the United States. In the end, the theater would receive US$3.5 million from the fund. To make up for the rest of the construction costs, Imelda approached prominent families and businesses to donate to her cause. Carpets, draperies, marble, artworks to decorate the interior of the theater, and even cement were all donated. Despite the success of the First Lady's fundraising, the project cost ballooned to almost ₱50 million, or 35 million over the projected budget by 1969. Imelda and the CCP board took a US$7 million loan through the National Investment Development Corporation to finance the remaining amount, a move that was heavily criticized by government opposition. Senator Ninoy Aquino strongly objected to the use of public funds for the center without congressional appropriation and branded it as an institution for the elite. Unfazed with the criticism, Marcos went ahead with the project and the Theater of Performing Arts (Now the "Tanghalang Pambansa") of the Cultural Center of the Philippines was opened on September 8, 1969, three days before the President's 52nd birthday, with a three-month-long inaugural festival opened by Lamberto Avellana's musical "Golden Salakot: Isang Dularawan", an epic portrayal of Panay Island. Among those who attended the inaugural night were California Governor Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy, both representing United States President Richard Nixon.