Going to the movies soon? Here's where and when cinemas are opening
With the implementation of Alert Level 3 in Metro Manila, public spaces such as cinemas and theaters are gradually opening their doors after the "world's longest cinema lockdown" as dubbed by the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP).
The move is set to restore over 300,000 jobs after a year and 7 months of closure, but strict guidelines will be in place to ensure safety for moviegoers and staff.
Ready to experience cinemas again? Here are a few protocols to remember:
- Only fully vaccinated individuals are permitted (with presented authentic vaccination cards)
- 30% capacity is allowed
- No eating inside the cinema
- Ticket-purchasing will be contactless
- Seating must be socially-distanced
In the meantime, the following malls have already announced their upcoming openings:
Megaworld - Nov. 10
Megaworld Cinemas in Metro Manila, Laguna, and Iloilo are set to reopen on Nov. 10 with upgraded movie theaters and intensified safety measures to ensure a safe watching experience for moviegoers.
These seven Megaworld Cinemas will be reopening their screening of movies:
Metro Manila
- Eastwood Cinemas
- Lucky Chinatown Cinemas
- Newport Cinemas
- Uptown Cinemas
- Venice Cineplex in Metro Manila
Biñan City, Laguna
- Southwoods Cinemas
Iloilo City
- Festive Walk Cinemas
Per a press release, Megaworld Cinemas will be rolling out new upgrades such as reconfigured seats to ensure social distancing, intensified sanitation of seats and surroundings using UV technology, and and modified air filtration and circulation systems.
Rockwell - Nov. 10
Rockwell Cinemas will also be opening their doors in Makati's Power Plant Mall and San Juan's Santolan Town Plaza.
Seating will be at 40% capacity for moviegoers, with a one-hour interval between movies for disinfection through UV lights and misting machines.
Vista Malls - Nov. 10
In a Facebook post, Vista Malls shared that they will also be opening their theaters starting on Nov. 10.
- Evia Lifestyle Center - Las Pinas
- Taguig
- Daang Hari
- General Trias
- Naga
- Tanza
- Dasmariñas
- Malolos
- Bataan
- Pampanga
- Sta. Rosa
- Iloilo
Ayala Malls
After keeping moviegoers in suspends, Ayala Malls has joined the rest of the cinemas in the country also opening its doors in November.
In a Facebook post, they shared that the following theatres in NCR will be accepting moviegoers.
Nov. 10
- Glorietta
- Ayala Malls Circuit
- Bonifacio High Street
- Market! Market!
- Ayala Malls Manila Bay
- TriNoma
- Fairview Terraces
- Ayala Malls Cloverfield
Nov. 17
- Greenbelt 3
- UP Town Center
SM Cinemas
After months of anticipation, SM Cinemas is opening its doors in its many branches all over the country.
Nov. 17
- SM Aura Premier
Nov. 24
- SM North EDSA
- Mall of Asia
- Megamall
Nov. 26
- SM Grand Central
Nov. 30
- SM Fairview
- SM Southmall
- SM Manila
- SM BF Parañaque
- SM Clark
- SM San Lazaro
- SM Baguio
- SM Dasmariñas
- SM Sta. Rosa
- SM Sucat
- SM. Sta Mesa
- SM Bicutan
Cinema fans can expect a number of films to appear on the big screen such as Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Eternals, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Resident Evil: Welcome to Racoon City, and James Bond: No Time To Die, among others.
Interested viewers can book their tickets in the coming days at smcinema.com.
Robinsons Malls - Nov. 24
Robinsons Movieworld is welcoming back moviegoers starting on Wednesday, Nov. 24.
Their theatres in Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Galleria, and Robinsons Place Manila will be the first three branches to screen films. They will also offer cashless transaction facilities for those that can't book their seats online.