Alternative gems: How micro movie houses cement Philippine cinema’s legacy

There’s nothing like going to the movies.

Imagine relaxing on a comfy chair with your friends beside you, gobbling popcorn even before the trailers finish. But the threats of the COVID-19 pandemic restricted access to cinemas worldwide last March 2020 to lessen the spread of the virus. It wasn’t until late 2021 when the gates of movie houses opened to the Filipino public again. With the fears of the SARS-CoV-2 virus spreading still lingering—especially in closed spaces like movie theaters—cinemas are working hard to assure moviegoers that their safety is a priority.