Yes, You Can Rent Your Own Cinema. Here’s How

Yes, You Can Rent Your Own Cinema. Here’s How

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Hoping for some alone time or perhaps thinking of taking the whole family out to the movies? If you’re still iffy about sharing space with many people, you can now rent cinemas for your exclusive use.

Related: 6 Movies To Watch Now As Cinemas Start To Open In Metro Manila

All over the metro, movie buffs rejoiced at the fact that cinemas are now finally operational again. While there are still caveats because after all, we are still under the pandemic, Filipinos see the reopening of the theaters as a glimmer of hope that we are slowly returning to normal. 

While the IATF has released the health protocols and 50% maximum capacity for indoor venues like cinemas under Alert Level 2, many still feel anxious about possibly contracting the virus. And honestly, who can blame them? 

This is what makes the option of renting your own movie house all the more appealing. Gone are the days where booking your own cinema sounds novel, as this might just become the new normal when watching movies. It’s completely understandable to still feel iffy and uncomfortable sharing a closed area with strangers. This is why we’ve gone ahead and collated a list of theaters that you can lease for your own exclusive movie experience.

SM Cinema’s Book-a-Theater

SM’s promo will be available until December 24 of this year. Note that normal theaters are also out of the question as block screenings are only possible in SM Cinema’s Director’s Club theaters. 

The prices are based on the date and time of booking and the number of people attending.

Off-peak hours fall on Mondays to Thursdays from 11 AM to 5 PM. Within these days and time frame, prices start at Php 5,200 at 12 pax or less. Yes, or less! So this means that should you want to schedule a date or even alone time in the cinema, it’s still possible to have your own. We don’t know about you, but to us, this sounds like a good place for a proposal! 

On the contrary, peak hours are from 5 PM onwards on Mondays to Thursdays and whole days during Fridays to Sundays. Prices start at 20 pax or less for Php 8,500

While the maximum number placed in the order form for off-peak and peak hours is at 17 pax and 25 pax respectively, SM ensures that, if desired, additional heads may be added at Php 450 per person. This is as long as the total number of attendees fall within the maximum capacity designated by IATF. 

Fortunately, many SM Cinema branches are offering the promo. For other information, you can find more of the nitty gritty details here and through their reservation form.

Cinema ’76

Should you not be able to book in mainstream movie houses like those by SM, there’s no need to fret. Indie theaters like Cinema ’76 are also opening to the public their 48-capacity cinemas for rent. The fee falls at Php 12,000 for a standard time of 3 hours. Like SM, the only time that booking may take place is during their off-peak hours, which are during 10 AM-3 PM from Mondays to Saturdays. Appointments may be accomplished via e-mail at [email protected] or by messaging their Facebook account.

Black Maria Cinema

This microcinema’s 16-capacity space may also be leased for as low as Php 10,000 for 3 hours. This is as long as renters will bring their own movie content to watch. Unlike the aforementioned places, booking can be done any time during their operating hours, 10 AM-8 PM, from Mondays to Saturdays. It’s accessible, too, as it’s situated in Mandaluyong—which is near the center of Metro Manila. To book, simply send them a message through this address: [email protected] or through their Facebook page. FYI, reservations must be done 1 week in advance.

Know that regardless of where you book your own cinema, there will always be the non-negotiables. Take note that only fully vaccinated individuals are permitted inside the venue and food and drinks are not allowed. However, water may be brought inside in case of emergencies. 

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