One of the most iconic micro cinemas in Metro Manila, Cinema Centenario, is officially shutting down its gig haunts and late-night bars due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation.
In an emotional letter posted on Facebook, the indie movie hub in Maginhawa, Quezon City said its farewell with a heartwarming narrative about Cinema Centenario’s origins starting from their very first guests.
“May ganito palang pelikula? Ang ganda-ganda. Babalik kami, malapit lang naman kami. Salamat dito sa ginawa niyo, marami pala tayong magagandang pelikula,” the guests said, according to their story.
Cinema Centenario also detailed it’s humble beginnings as well as the many challenges that diminished any hopes for its reopening.
They pointed out that it’s been 200 days since the cinema’s operations were suspended.
“After more than 200 days ng aming pagsasara buhat ng pandemic, nais naming magpaalam dahil tuluyan na naming isasara ang pinto ng ating tahanan sa maginhawa,” the statement from the noted.
The next step is unsure as of the moment since sustainability and safety have become main concerns.
“Hindi ito naging madali para sa amin…Malaking factor sa aming desisyon ang safety and sustainability, kahit payagan pang magbukas ang mga sinehan, it won’t work sa aming kinalalagyan,” the statement added.
Still, Cinema Centenario was thankful for the memories and encouraged its patrons to continue to support local films.
“Sana, manatili rin ang inyong suporta sa kung saan man kami magpunta. Uncertain pa kung ano ang hatid ng ‘New Normal. ‘But we will move forward sa patuloy na pagdevelop ng Pelikulang Pilipino even beyond it’s celebration.’
Kumusta? Mayroon po kaming kuwento.
Sa unang linggo ng aming operation, may random old couple na nagpunta sa…
Posted by Cinema Centenario on Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Places like Cinema Centenario have kept us hopeful about the future we’ve been longing for when this is all over, so knowing that the place won’t be around anymore breaks our hearts. Though it has come to an end, the least we can do is to keep the Philippine cinema alive by supporting Filipino films, just like what Cinema Centenario did.
POP! Creator Community / Alexandra Del Mundo