Cinema ’76 Anonas reopens

MICROCINEMA Cinema ’76 Anonas reopens this week with screenings of Dune and Black Widow. Guests have to reserve their tickets at least a day before their viewing schedule. Only fully vaccinated individuals are allowed to reserve and purchase seats. Eating and drinking is prohibited inside the cinema, however, the Cinema ‘76 Café will be open. Cinema ‘76 Anonas is located at the second floor of the Anonas LRT City Center, Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City.

Cinemas at SM reopen

SM CINEMAS are now reopening. First to reopen was SM Cinema Aura Premier on Nov. 17. The newly redeveloped theaters at SM Cinema North EDSA, Mall of Asia, and Megamall will be reopening on Nov. 24, while SM Cinema Grand Central will open on Nov. 26. SM Cinema Fairview, Southmall, Manila, BF Parañaque, Clark, San Lazaro, Baguio, Dasmariñas, Sta. Rosa, Sucat, Sta. Mesa, and Bicutan will reopen on Nov. 30. SM Cinema, in partnership with Hygiea Innovations and Technology, Inc., has installed MERV filters and air purifiers to ensure safe and clean cinemas. A health and safety officer will be present for every screening while movie theaters will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized regularly. SM Cinema employees are fully vaccinated and will wear full PPE gear. Safety protocols will be strictly implemented within the cinemas. Moviegoers (children and adults) must be fully vaccinated to be allowed inside the cinemas. They must also wear face masks at all times. The use of face shields is non-mandatory and voluntary. A health declaration must be presented upon ticket purchase. Temperature and symptoms will be checked upon mall entry. Reopened SM Cinemas will have capacity restrictions to allow customers to social distance one seat apart from each other. The bringing of food inside will be prohibited for now, although drinking water will be allowed in consideration of possible emergencies and health risks. Audience members will be asked to remain in their seats during the duration of the movie, and cashless payment options will be available via GrabPay, GCash, or credit or debit card.

QC boutique theater shows free short films

Sine Pop, a post-war house turned boutique theater in Cubao, Quezon City, currently hosts free screenings of short films and video works from across the world. The initiative is part of MCAD Commons: 2021 Artists’ Film International (AFI) Program. Established in 2008 by the publicly-funded historical 120-year-old Whitechapel Gallery, AFI showcases contemporary pieces from their regions to be screened across the participating countries. To be shown are Flight from the City (2015) by Irish artist Clare Langan, Invocation for a Wandering Lake Part 1 & 2 (2016) by American performance artist and film director Patty Chang, My Castle Your Castle (2017) by German ultra-contemporary artist and filmmaker Kerstin Honeit, What Has Left Since We Left (2020) by Italian artist and filmmaker Giulio Squillacciott, Setting the Stage for a Gathering of Friends (2020) by Indian writer and artist Himali Singh Soin, and Mag-uuma (Farmer) (2014) by Filipino filmmaker and human rights activist Kiri Dalena. Shows will be screened on Nov. 23 and 24, Dec. 1, 7 and 8. Shows run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All screenings are free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://www.mcadmanila.org.ph/aficare/.

CCP holds Batang Sining activities

THE CULTURAL Center of the Philippines (CCP) is holding Batang Sining, a series of weekly fun and educational activities, from Nov. 19 to Dec. 8. Following the Batang Sining theme “Sining para sa Kalusugan, Kumunidad, at Kalikasan,” the CCP Arts Education partnered with Black Canvas to reimagine arts education through online workshops, streamings, conversations and safely conducted in-person events supporting the holistic growth of Filipino children to explore creative expression, promote social awareness, and develop empathy to become more mindful, resilient and empowered. In the next three weeks, Batang Sining offers exciting activities that will expose and provide students with hands-on experiences on various art forms, help deepen their understanding and appreciation of Philippine arts and culture, while providing them with opportunities to engage in creative expressions. Follow the CCP, Batang Sining, and CCP Arts Education Facebook pages for more information and updates.

McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Workshop returns online

IN a first for McDonald’s Philippines, it will be holding the Kiddie Crew Workshop online. Spanning the weekends of Nov. 20 to Dec. 29, each McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Online Workshop will be a two-day session, each lasting 90 minutes in the afternoon. Held on a website, the children will be guided as they go through a virtual McDonald’s store. Various points in the digital area will let children hop from one activity to another — from dancing, to singing, to playing games where they can learn more about the different Kiddie Crew values of discipline, hard work, teamwork, sharing and responsibility, and active play. Attendees will also be accompanied by Ronald and the Gang throughout. For a registration fee of P499, customers will get access to the two-day online workshop, a one-day Workshop Meal,) and a Workshop Kit (chef’s hat, apron, bag, and cap) with a free kiddie crew T-shirt and lanyard. Registration for the McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Workshop is ongoing online at www.mcdokiddiecrew.com.

SMART x American Music Awards 2021

MOBILE services provider Smart Communications, Inc. through its new GigaPlay App is bringing the 2021 American Music Awards (AMAs) exclusively to its subscribers, live on Nov. 22 at 9 a.m. (Philippine time). Hosted by multi-awarded rapper Cardi B, the 2021 AMAs will excite music fans everywhere when it brings together the biggest artists at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. In this time of pandemic, Smart makes the biggest acts available to Filipinos through amazing live streaming technology. Headlining the event is Korean supergroup and Smart endorser BTS who will  do two separate performances during the show. The six-time AMA-winning group is also nominated for three major awards this year, including Artist of the Year — a first for any Asian act.  The 2021 AMAs will also feature live performances from the hottest artists today, including Bad Bunny, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, New Edition, New Kids on the Block, Jennifer Lopez and part-Filipina singer Olivia Rodrigo, who marks her debut on the AMAs stage.  To experience the whole show, simply download the GigaPlay App via smrt.ph/gigaplay. Select the 2021 American Music Awards live while on PLDT Wifi or Smart network. The GigaPlay App is available to all Smart subscribers and the opportunity to experience live HD concert technology is all but a few taps away on your Smart-powered devices at no extra cost.

Fundraising concert, night market at Ortigas malls

ORTIGAS Malls — Greenhills, Tiendesitas, Estancia, and Industria — welcome back their guests with its Christmas with the Stars online fundraising concert. As the local entertainment and performance industry continues to grapple with the effects of the pandemic, Ortigas Malls teamed up with Ogie Alcasid and Ian Veneracion to create a fundraiser for the benefit of the Independent Production Workers Group (IPWG). Christmas with the Stars is scheduled to be held online (https://www.facebook.com/OrtigasMallsLife) on Dec. 11, 8 p.m. Every P1,000 single or accumulated receipt from any establishment in the Ortigas Malls entitles a customer to a free ticket to the online concert and support the cause. The concert will be accompanied by online mini-concerts every Friday on the Ortigas Malls social media pages. Aside from the fundraising concert, Ortigas Malls also unveiled its first loyalty card, the Ortigas Malls Community Card. It is designed to give mall-goers and shoppers a VIP experience across its malls. The rewards program allows members to enjoy real time perks ranging from free parking and carwash, to free use of Shopbox, free shopping fee from My Home Dashers, and discount coupons from Ortigas Malls merchant members. Register for an Ortigas Mall Community Card through the Ortigas Malls Mobile app for free. Ortigas Malls has also opened the Greenhills Night Market. Enjoy al fresco dining in a safe environment with over 50 food stalls and food trucks, and a colorful parol (Christmas lanterns) exhibit, while enjoying the nightly DJ music. The night market is ongoing until Jan. 7, 2022 (4 to 11 p.m). Entrance is free.

Christmas at the Shang

SHANGRI-LA Plaza is helping visitors get into the holiday spirit with a festive line-up of shopping treats and eats for the entire November. Update looks for the season with Shop Shang Now. The month-long sale features carefully curated picks from top fashion brands at the Shang. Finish holiday gift shopping early by visiting the Shang Market’s series of bazaars on all weekends of November. Find savory and sweet picks from the Food Forum merchants, and unique accessories and items from proudly local brands like Infinite, MNL, Curate, and Curious Creations. Food and drinks at special rates can be had at participating Shang restaurants and cafés like Mesa, Kettle, California Pizza Kitchen, Tender Bobs, Duck & Buvette, Corazon, Max’s, Fiesta Alamexo, Sumosam, Cyma, Banana Leaf, and Buffalo Wings & Things on Nov. 20-30. It’s all about accessories at the Grand Atrium on Nov. 22-30 as Shang and Philippine Fashion Coalition bring some of the country’s most creative local designers and brands together for Paskong Pinoy Fashion Fair. Shang ends November with a bang and a lot of discounts with its Black Friday Sale. Shop at participating stores like Marks & Spencer, Zara, and Bershka and get as much as 70% off on select items on Nov. 26-30. For inquiries, call 8-370-2597/98 or visit www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial. Follow the Shang on Instagram: @shangrilaplazaofficial.