There is no need to worry if your face shield will obstruct your view; you can remove it once the movie begins.
Even if you got to catch a film before the first lockdown, it’s been almost two years since you’ve entered a cinema. Fortunately, if you’re fully vaccinated, you finally have the option to.
With Taguig Mayor Lino Cayetano, Chairman Benhur Abalos Jr. of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Charmaine Bauzon, president of the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP)’s stamp of approval upon inspection, Bonifacio High Street Cinemas formally reopened their theatres last Wednesday, November 10.
In line with regulations under Alert Level 2, a maximum of 50 percent indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals.
However, besides seeing an anticipated movie, well-loved aspects of the cinema experience are still temporarily barred. No eating and drinking (except water), masks must be worn at all times, while you can remove face shields once the movie begins.
Back to the cinemas
Instead of entering the cinema with a large popcorn in one hand and soda in the other, you must present your vaccination card, have your temperature checked, and fill up a digital health declaration form upon entrance. Once inside, you’ll be greeted with the same cold temperature (a jacket would come in handy!) and spacious recliner seats the BHS Cinemas are known for.
If you’re going with friends, be prepared to sit one seat away for them, following social distancing protocols. According to the Taguig mall, their theatres offer more than one meter of space compared to other cinema standards.
Although you must watch the movies without snacks, the Taguig mall organized a dedicated area in the cinema’s lobby for guests to dine before or after a screening.
It might be odd to describe something as mundane as a movie theatre experience as nostalgic, but you might find that it is. From the ultra-widescreen to the heart-thumping surround sound, it can remind of pre-pandemic days, at least for a couple of hours.
Safety protocols
All the BHS theatre staff must be fully vaccinated and use UV cleaning devices before and after each screening. In addition, hand sanitizers and alcohol are available for use. And although no eating is allowed inside the cinema, BHS set up a dedicated area in the theatre’s lobby to dine in before or after screenings.
Now, if you’re tired of browsing on Netflix, you can enjoy a cinema movie viewing safely with your friends and family.
The BHS Cinemas are open to fully vaccinated individuals every Wednesdays to Sundays only. From November 10-14, BGCitizens can enjoy blockbuster films such as “Dune” and “A Quiet Place.” Ticket reservations and purchases can be done from 11AM to 9PM daily.
For landline reservations, simply contact 02 7956-8942. To keep up with the latest happenings in BGC, visit Bonifacio Global City and Bonifacio High Street’s Facebook pages.
