Philippines' first floating cinema opens

MANILA, Philippines — Megaworld Cinema launched today what is touted to be the first and only floating cinema in the Philippines, located in Venice Grand Canal in McKinley Hill, Taguig City.

The McKinley Hill Float-In Cinema aims to allow moviegoers to once again recapture the thrill and joy of watching movies on the big screen in a safe and relaxing setting aboard the mall's Venetian gondolas. 

In an interview with Philstar.com, Megaworld Cinema spokesperson Tinay Magtira said putting up the floating cinema is their way of answering the public's clamor to watch movies in a safe and extravagant way. 

"Well, since we are the only mall in the country that has a manmade canal inside, we were inspired by its waters and then there's also the clamor from different people, the movie buffs, they want to go back to watching movies on the big screen," Martira said. 

"So, to satisfy that clamor, we thought of an innovative way of bringing in the cinema to them, but also at the same time, still following the safety protocols of the government so we brought it outdoor. Instead of the usual drive-in cinema, this is more open, you're not enclosed in a car, so it's more open. This is an innovation that we wanted to bring into the customers for different kinds of experience," she added. 

The floating cinema will be open to the public on December 5 with the 2020 American romantic drama "I Still Believe" as film to be shown. Admission price is P500 per head or P1,000 per gondola, inclusive of snacks, drinks and personal kits. 

Guests can book and buy their tickets contactless at Megaworld Cinema website.