Cinema has come a long way since it was first invented in the 1800s. Even the way we consume film has drastically changed in the past 200 years. In modern times, because of the Covid-19 health crisis, online streaming has become the primary means of viewing motion pictures. As the world shifted to the post-pandemic era, watching movies further evolved as the big screen became accessible once more, potentially ushering in the revenge of cinema.

Before anyone anticipated the coronavirus, the idea of swapping chairs with beds in theaters was already on the rise. In 2016, CJ CGV Cinema, located in the heart of Gangnam in Seoul, South Korea, collaborated with mattress and pillow brand Tempur to create the “Tempur Cinema.” Not long after, snuggling cinemas popped up all over the globe, including the Buda Bed Cinema in Budapest, Blitz Megaplex in Jakarta, Gold Class Movies in Sydney, and The Enigma Theater in Bangkok, to name a few.

Megaworld Lifestyle Malls marked a significant milestone in the local entertainment industry by bringing the Tempur Cinema to the Philippines. The first-ever bed cinema in the country can be found at the Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Uptown Tempur Cinema officially launched on Nov. 8 with a program hosted by media star Tim Yap. The event kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Alliance Global Group CEO Kevin Tan, Focus Global Inc. president Stephen Sy, Focus Global Inc. executive vice-president Loli Sy, Megaworld Lifestyle Entertainment Group head Brix Valdenarro, and Uptown Bonifacio general manager Camille Elviña.

“Megaworld Lifestyle Malls has always been committed to pushing the boundaries, exploring uncharted territories, and redefining the standards of world-class entertainment for our valued guests,” says Camille. “We believe the cinema experience is more than a two-hour escape from reality. It should be savored in unparalleled comfort and style.”

Among the first to experience the extravagant movie house was the face of Tempur Philippines Liza Soberano, along with celebrity couple Alodia and Christopher Quimbo, as well as KC Concepcion, at the premiere screening of The Marvels.

As described by the luxury mall’s management, Uptown Tempur Cinema is a place “designed to elevate the movie viewing experience like never before with top-notch seats and seating configuration comparable to a first-class airplane cabin.” But there’s so much more to it than simply replacing the seats with beds. They deliver on the promise of an upscale movie experience.

First, the beds make use of extra special premium memory foam that adapts to your body’s shape, weight, and even temperature. Lying on it feels like you’re resting on a cloud. Tempur mattress is based on NASA technology developed in the ’70s, particularly, the pressure-absorbing material that supports and cushions astronauts during lift-off. The pillows and the sheets too are from Tempur, all ensuring utmost coziness.

The theater is souped-up with features that make the viewing experience as lavish as it could get. The room is equipped with Dolby Atmos for an immersive sound quality. Beds are automatic and can be reclined at whatever angle you choose using a remote control.

On the side of the headboards are small, dim sidelights that you can adjust and turn on and off according to your preferred ambiance. Below the side lamp is a button to call on your butler who’s ready to assist you and fulfill any of your doable whims and requests throughout the film. You could even ask for a menu of the things and services you could purchase inside.

There are 26 beds available, each able to accommodate two people. A ticket is priced at ₱1,000 and admits a single person. This means a bed costs ₱2,000. In short, you have to share the bed or pay for the entire space. A ticket comes with a complimentary gourmet snack and drink. 

So how does sanitation work? Cleanliness is a priority. Observed every after show is hotel-grade housekeeping by expert personnel trained under the Megaworld Hotels and Resorts. Beddings and sheets are changed each viewing.

No dress codes are enforced, so, yes to pajamas! The only strict requirement is to have socks on. In case you forget your foot covers, socks may be purchased at the ticket booth. All other rules adhered to in regular cinemas must be followed.

Last of the restrictions are no outside food and drinks, cam-cording, firearms, deadly weapons, explosives, and pets are allowed inside the cinema.

Bookings can be made at the ticketing booth on the third floor of Uptown Mall or via megaworldcinemas.com