Photo by Ric Gonzales
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — Experience an alternative entertainment under the new normal as SM City Pampanga officially opens the first drive-in cinema in the country dubbed Movies at Sundown on Friday.
Located at the mall’s Amphitheater, Movies at Sundown is SM City Pampanga’s newest recreational activity perfectly adapted for avid moviegoers who want to take a little leisure, pastime, and a break away from the ho-hum of quarantine.
The 20×8–meter viewing screen is mounted three meters above the ground that is set to entertain a maximum capacity of 80 to 100 vehicles to park-and-watch using a microbroadcasting FM radio frequency station for audio quality.
To optimize viewing experience for all moviegoers, designated parking slots are set for each vehicle. Sedans and cars will be parked on the first and second rows while SUVs will be stationed at the third and fourth tiers. All vehicles will be assisted by traffic marshals in the area on a first come, first served basis.
Only enclosed vehicles such as sedans, vans, and SUVs are allowed at the drive-in cinema. Open vehicles such as jeepneys as well as motorbikes are not permitted.
According to SM Cinema corporate marketing vice president Ruby Ann Reyes, more drive-in theaters are set for other SM Mall branches once the quarantine status is changed to modified general community quarantine.
“We do have a plan in putting up another one but we will only start once the MGCQ status has been implemented and specified,” shared Reyes.
Reyes also noted that a new schedule has been set following the safety protocols for the moviegoers as curfew hours are still enforced and maintained by the local government.
“Starting next week, instead of Friday, we will start it Thursday pero one screening na lang. We won’t have the 8:50 p.m. screening time anymore,” she said.
“Based on our testing, it is better to have one screening time. We also have our curfew here which is 11 p.m. so for the safety of everyone, we want them to go home early so they won’t have to rush,” she added.
Moviegoers are also advised to arrive and park at their designated slots 30 minutes prior to the scheduled screening while guests arriving 30 minutes past the opening credits of the movie will no longer be admitted.
The SM Cinema Drive-in ticket costs P400 per person inclusive of a bag of popcorn, hotdog sandwich, and bottled water. A flag will also be provided to wave outside your car window to signal the attendant for additional orders from the Snack Time Bar.
Movies at Sundown is now limited to one screen time set every Thursday to Sunday. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. as the movie will start at 6:30 p.m.
Contactless ticketing method is applied. Tickets are available at www.smtickets.com
And yes, IATF guidelines and safety measures are strictly observed and enforced.
