5 micro-cinemas you should visit after the pandemic
Cinema Centenario is gone (at least its physical cinema), but it doesn't mean that all hopes are lost for film buffs out there.
Some of the micro cinemas around Metro Manila are still standing, waiting for a go-signal to resume operations. Of course, no one really knows how our movie viewing experience will look like after the months-long pandemic.
In the meantime, take a look at our list of micro cinemas worth visiting in the future.
Black Maria
Photo by: Black Maria (FB)
This 40-seater cinema is a Mandaluyong City hidden gem. There's some history here too as the building used to house SQ Film Laboratories--one of the pioneering photochemical labs in the Philippines.
Black Maria opened in 2017 and has since gained a following among movie buffs looking for a good variety of titles to watch. Some of the movies screened here were Loving Vincent, Patay na si Hesus, Culion, The Art of Ligaw, Utopia, and Double Twisting Double Back, to name a few.
Location: 779 San Rafael Street, SQ Film Laboratories Building, Mandaluyong City
Cinema '76
Photo by: Cinema '76 (FB)
Film fans flock to this cozy cinema for its fix of movies, ranging from obscure to popular Filipino and foreign titles. The cinema is operated by TBA Studios, the film and distribution company behind the films, Birdshot, I'm Drunk, I Love You, and Heneral Luna.
Viewers can also purchase cool merchandise in the cinema like t-shirts, canvas bags, CD soundtracks, and other great items.
Location: 160 Luna Mencias Street, Addition Hills, San Juan City and 3rd floor Anonas LRT City Center, Aurora Blvd, Quezon City.
Cinematheque Centre Manila
Photo by: Cinematheque Center Manila (FB)
Funded and operated by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), this cultural hub screens an eclectic mix of films, with particular focus on Filipino titles. After watching, guests can loiter around and check out the in-house museum containing mementos and items like film posters, film equipment, miniatures of Manila movie theaters, and statues of Filipino movie icons like Manuel Conder and Lino Brocka.
Location: 855 T.M. Kalaw Street, Ermita, Manila
CCP Arthouse Cinema
Photo by: CCP Arthouse Cinema (FB)
This intimate cinema is known for screening curated films bundled under one theme to mark an occasion or significant national event. It's also a venue for insightful discourse on the merits of the movies being screened.
To keep up with the times, CCP Arthouse Cinema has been very active in hosting online screenings events for free during the lockdown.
Location: Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theater), Roxas Boulevard corner Pablo Ocampo Sr. Street, CCP Complex, Pasay City.
UP Film Institute's Videotheque
Photo by: UP Film Institute (FB)
Designed to accommodate 60 people, this micro cinema has been renovated and armed with modern audio and video equipment for a pleasant viewing experience. From short films to full-length projects ranging from the bizarre to the conventional--this cinema is worth visiting if you want to broaden your taste in movies.
Location: 2/F Cine Adarna Building, Magsaysay and Osmena Avenue, University of the Philippines-Diliman, Quezon City