Better grab your popcorns—well, maybe not

After more than a year and a half, finally, Manila dwellers will get the chance to experience again the pleasure of watching movies on the big screen.

With Metro Manila now under much-relaxed protocols with Alert Level 3, movie theaters are now permitted to operate. Though viewing in cinemas today are not the same as it was before in pre-pandemic times, movie theaters’ comeback is still celebrated by many, especially in the movie industry, one of which is the Cinema Exhibitor Association of the Philippines (CEAP).

“The entire film industry is extremely grateful to the IATF for finally allowing us to reopen under Alert Level 3,” the CEAP says. “Sincerest gratitude goes to those who guided and supported us - Go Negosyo Team for paving the way to be recognized as an industry appealing for its reopening, the MMDA for the much-needed guidance, the Department Of Trade And Industry for always assisting the film industry and the LGUs for their utmost support. It also pays to recognize the cinema workers and employees who stood by us on this journey.”

The non-stock and non-profit corporation, on a mission to promote and achieve the objectives of its members and the common good of the cinema exhibition industry, released a few titles moviegoers should expect to see playing in the cinemas as they open. Among them are films under the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Already released films such as “Black Widow,” “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” and “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” will get their big-screen debut. While much-anticipated films such as “Eternals” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home” will premiere in cinemas.

Apart from the superhero films, the CEAP also hinted at the coming of other films such as “No Time To Die,” “The Matrix Resurrections,” Disney's “Encanto,” “Dune,” “Ghostbusters Afterlife,” the Philippines’ “Kun Maupay Man It Panahon,” and the possibility of the Metro Manila Film Festival happening in the theaters again.

“We know that you are all excited as we are to watch on the big screen,” the association says. “However, we must do our due diligence by coordinating with the LGUs where our cinemas are located. This is to ensure that we comply with their detailed guidelines. We are coordinating with the other stakeholders as they prepare content for the cinemas. As we get ready to open our doors, please know that we are doing so with the highest dedication to the health and safety of all our patrons and employees as we bring back the cinematic viewing experience you have all been waiting for.”

See you soon at the theaters soon!