Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon told local candidates running in the October 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to campaign cleanly, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The BSKE campaign period started last Thursday (October 19) and will last until October 28, 2023.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon told candidates for the Oct. 30 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to hold a clean campaign and not resort to mudslinging.
More than 400 BSKE candidates in Muntinlupa will start their election campaign today, Oct. 19, which will last for 10 days until Oct. 28.
“One final reminder…I call on all candidates to do a clean campaign focused on presenting the best what they can offer to the people. Plataporma at programa, hindi paninira (Platform and program, not mudslinging),” Biazon posted on Facebook on Oct. 19.
He added, “Hangad natin na maging mapayapa at tapat ang pagpili ng mga susunod na maglilingkod sa barangay (Our goal is peaceful and honest selection of the next persons to serve in the barangay).”
The mayor said he hopes that the winning candidates will pursue “fast, responsive, effective at efficient service.”
The winning candidates, he said, should come up with programs that will undergo planning and are aligned with the city’s development plans.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you going to vote in the BSKE on October 30? Are there members in your local community who have shown awareness about the polls and the many candidates running? Is someone in your local community running for barangay captain?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the city of Parañaque, a man entered a police sub-station in Barangay Tambo pretending to be a member of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) and the Military Intelligence Group (MIG) and eventually got arrested when the ID cards he submitted were found to be fake, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. This is a case of the usurpation of authority (for past cases, click here and here).
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A man posing as a member of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) and the Military Intelligence Group (MIG) was arrested in Parañaque City on Oct. 18.
According to the report of the Parañaque City Police submitted to the Southern Police District (SPD), the suspect appeared at Tambo police substation together with three Chinese nationals at around 8:40 p.m. to report an incident.
The suspect identified himself as member of ISAFP and MIG when questioned by police.
He presented an AFP ID and MIG ID, but the police discovered the IDs were fake.
The police said the suspect confessed that he is not a member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The suspect was immediately brought to the Station Investigation and Detective Management Section (SIDMS) custodial facility where he was detained.
The police filed a case of violation of usurpation of authority against the suspect.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be a lot of individuals in the city committing usurpation of authority who have not been caught?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
With the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) all set to happen less than two weeks from now, the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) top officials recently visited Las Piñas City and conducted a related voting simulation at Robinsons Place, the City Government confirmed through its Facebook page.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s October 18, 2023 FB post. Some parts in boldface…
In anticipation of the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections set for October 30, the Commission on ElectionS (COMELEC) hosted a voting simulation exercise at the Robinson’s Mall in Las Piñas on Tuesday, October 17th. The event aimed to test the preparedness of both the electoral body and the voting public, as well as to identify any potential issues that could arise on election day.
Gracing the occasion were notable COMELEC officials including Chairman Atty. George Garcia, and Commissioners Nelson Celis and Atty. Rey Bulay. The simulation was a crucial step in ensuring that the electoral procedures are followed, and to make any necessary adjustments before the actual elections. It also served as an educational endeavor to familiarize voters with the voting process, in an effort to make the real event run as smoothly as possible.
The undertaking is part of COMELEC’s broader strategy to ensure free, fair, and efficient elections at the barangay and SK levels. It adds to a series of measures the commission has been implementing, which include voter education campaigns and the vetting of candidates.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, do you view the voting simulation helpful when it comes to educating local voters in preparation for the October 30 BSKE? Are there many people in your local community who intend to vote in the BSKE?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
As the public became more aware of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) coin deposit project, it is unsurprising that the accumulated amount of coins deposited through machines reached almost P115 million, according to a BusinessWorld news report. Take note that the BSP recently installed additional machines which should give people more opportunities to deposit their idle coins.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news report. Some parts in boldface…
THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) has collected P114.9 million in coins less than four months after the launch of their coin deposit machines (CoDMs) nationwide.
The central bank collected 42.4 million coins worth P114.9 million via the CoDMs as of Oct. 6 since they were rolled out in June, it said in a statement on Tuesday.
“We would like to thank our participating retailers and coin savers, especially those who have been promoting the usage of CoDMs on social media, for being instrumental in the program’s continued popularity and success,” BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.
The coin deposit machines form part of the BSP’s efforts to improve the circulation of coins in the financial system.
“A case was made for a cash recycler program because we had about 36 billion coins in circulation then, but there seemed to be an artificial shortage in some areas in the Philippines,” BSP Deputy Director Jann Ryan D. Jose said.
The central bank said there were 39.1 billion coins in circulation as of April for an average of around 358 coins per person, almost three times the 2005 average of 121 coins per individual.
“When coins are not recirculated and left idle, an artificial coin shortage can happen in certain regions. This increases the likelihood of businesses shortchanging their customers,” the BSP said.
The BSP has finished deploying its target of 25 coin deposit machine units in malls across Metro Manila and other nearby provinces.
The value of coins deposited in CoDMs may be credited to the depositor’s e-wallet account or converted into a shopping voucher for over-the-counter transactions. Customers depositing coins can credit the equivalent amount to their e-wallets.
The awareness of the coin deposit project of the BSP is only growing and this prompted people to collect their coins and deposit them. Very recently at Festival Mall in Alabang, I noticed a growing number of people who lined up at the BSP coin deposit machine at the ground floor carrying plastic jars full of coins. One particular customer ahead of me who carried such high number of coins took a lot of time to deposit them into the machine (supported by a designated technician) as the counting got disrupted a number of times which required the technician to do some fixing. That customer’s coins were worth over P20,000 in value.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are there any BSP coin deposit machines near your local community? If you were able to find the machines, were you able to deposit your idle coins? Are there many people in your local community who are interested to deposit their coins into the machines?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
This past Sunday inside Tahanan Village, Barangay BF Homes in Parañaque City, several people converged at the area of the Tahanan Homeowners Association (THA) clubhouse by the poolside to avail of varied health services during the health check activity which was a special project of the Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. (CCTI) headed by its President Florencia Umali. According to Umali, the total number of patients present was at one hundred and seventy three (173).
Several patients paid P350 each for a diagnostic package that includes a free platelet count (for dengue test), ECG, FBS, BUN, SGPT, CBC, Uric Acid, Urinalysis and Total Cholesterol test. There were also other tests that were offered by health services provider Sto. Domingo Diagnostic & Medical Center Corp. during the activity such as Triglycerides for P150, Creatinine for P150, HBA 1C for P300, Chest X-Ray for P150 and TPAG for P200 to name some. Also present during the activity were personnel who prepared coffee, pandesal and a hot meal for the benefit of the patients. The health check test results are scheduled for release on October 22.
Patients gathered at one side of the Tahanan Village pool to get verified and examined by the health services personnel.
Patients seated and waiting for their respective turns just outside of the Tahanan Village clinic for ECG.
“We are very happy over the reception of this special project of our club and the fact that we were able to organize this after the COVID-19 pandemic,” CCTI President Flor Umali said. “The staff are very courteous and prompt with their work in serving the patients. We will have this health check activity again on February 11, 2024.”
Umali added that their local community health check project received valuable support from the Tahanan Village Board of Directors, Parañaque City Councilor Nina Sotto and Ryan Yllana, and from Barangay BF Homes Captain Paolo Marquez.
Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. (CCTI) President Florencia Umali.
Another look at the many patients who lined up to get served for their health-related needs.
The CCTI President also announced that their next activity is the Christmas Bingo Bonanza set to happen on December 2, 2023, inside Tahanan Village.
For my previous blog posts about CCTI, click here, here, here and here.
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, it was announced that the City Council was highly rated finished 3rd in the 2023 Local Legislative Award (LLA), according a news report by the Manila Bulletin.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City Council received an outstanding overall rating and ranked third in the 2023 Local Legislative Award (LLA).
In a letter to Vice Mayor Artemio Simundac, the LLA Regional Awards Committee, chaired by the Department of the Interior and Local Government-National Capital Region (DILG-NCR), said the Muntinlupa City Council got a rating of 94.5 percent, or an outstanding score.
The RAC congratulated the Muntinlupa City Council for its “outstanding achievements” and “active and enthusiastic participation,” in the LLA.
“We are proud of our SP [Sangguniang Panlungsod], not only because they are partners of the Executive department in serving the city, but also for their excellent showing in the 2023 LLA. Congratulations for their hard work and here’s to more outstanding legislative work for Muntinlupeños,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you satisfied with the way the City Council has been doing its duties?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, it was announced that local senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and pregnant women will be able to vote in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) as early as 5AM on October 30, 2023, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Take note that Muntinlupa City is officially a pilot area for early voting for the vulnerable sectors.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Muntinlupa City has been chosen as a pilot area for early voting for vulnerable sectors in the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) chose Muntinlupa as the pilot location for the early voting project.
“We welcome this initiative by the Comelec to test new ways in the voting process especially to help persons with disabilities (PWDs), seniors, and pregnant women–those who are recognized as especially vulnerable–and make the voting process easier and more accessible for them,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon.
According to Muntinlupa City Election Officer Atty. Kimberly Joy Alzate-Cu, under the early voting scheme, PWDs, seniors, and heavily pregnant women will be allowed to vote in their registered voting centers from 5 a.m. – 7 a.m.
This will prioritize the vulnerable sectors in the voting process and to help them avoid the rush of voters during the regular voting hours from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on election day.
To avail of early voting, one must be enrolled in the voting center’s Accessible Polling Precinct (APP), which is located nearest to the voting center’s entrance.
If they are not enrolled, they may still vote in the center’s Emergency Accessible Polling Precinct (EAPP). This scheme designates an alternative temporary precinct where the vulnerable voter may cast their vote.
However, unlike the APP, which has its own voting machine and other materials and personnel, in the EAPP, the voter’s ballot will be fetched from their regular precinct by the support staff.
In addition, a companion assisting the PWD, senior, or pregnant voter may also vote during the early voting hours, provided they are also registered in the same voting center as the individual they are accompanying.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you welcome the early voting scheme for the BSKE? Are there several senior citizens or PWDs or pregnant women in your local community who want to vote in the BSKE on October 30?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recently installed more coin deposit machines particularly in shopping malls which will give people more opportunities to put their idle or excessive Peso coins to use, according to a BusinessWorld news report. As of the end of September 2023, almost P100 million worth of coins have been deposited since the BSP launched their coin deposit machines project.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news report. Some parts in boldface…
CONSUMERS have deposited P98.8 million worth of currency into the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) coin deposit machines (CoDMs) as of end-September or just three months after their rollout in June.
This is equivalent to 37.2 million pieces of coins from over 37,000 transactions, the BSP said in a statement. The highest single transaction recorded on the machines so far was worth P100,260.
“With more CoDMs installed in various retail establishments, the BSP expects wider public use that will lead to more efficient coin recirculation in the country,” the central bank said.
The BSP has completed its goal of deploying 25 coin deposit machine units across Metro Manila and other nearby provinces. The central bank began deploying CoDM units in June in partnership with Filinvest Lifemalls Corp., Robinsons Supermarket Corp., and SM Retail, Inc.
BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat told reporters on Wednesday that the central bank is looking to roll out more machines across the country, adding that the BSP has been asked to set up some in Cebu, Davao, Pampanga, and Baguio.
“Right now, we are just assessing [the existing machines]. We’re talking to the provider how to make the machines better because the machines are usually jammed,” she said in mixed English and Filipino.
The machines can get stuck if the coins deposited are taped or bundled or if a consumer deposits foreign objects such as nails, tokens, and screws, she said.
“The ideal is when we deploy coin deposit machines, it would be stand-alone,” Ms. Romulo-Puyat said. “Now, the machines need technical assistance all the time.”
The demand for coin deposit machines has been higher than expected, with people lining up to deposit coins, she added.
“People have warmed up to it. The mere fact that people are asking when the BSP will deploy units in their area means people are looking for it,” she added.
The BSP has installed coin deposit machines in SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, SM City Grand Central in Caloocan, SM City Marilao in Bulacan, SM City Taytay Rizal, SM Hypermarket FTI in Taguig City, SM Southmall in Las Piñas City, SM City Sucat in Parañaque, SM City Calamba, SM City Marikina, SM City San Mateo Rizal, SM City Valenzuela, Robinsons Place Metro East in Pasig City, Robinsons Place Antipolo City, Rizal, Robinsons Place Novaliches and Robinsons Place Magnolia, Quezon City.
The value of coins deposited in CoDMs may be credited to the depositor’s e-wallet account or converted into a shopping voucher for over-the-counter transactions. Customers depositing coins can credit the equivalent amount to their GCash or Maya e-wallets.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If there is a BSP coin deposit machine in your city, were you able to visit and deposit your coins? When was the last time you stored your coins in containers?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA sports news report. Some parts in boldface…
Andrew Kim Remolino of Cebu and Kira Ellis of Laguna emerged champions in the elite category of the National Age Group Aquathlon at the Vermosa Sports Hub in Cavite on Sunday.
Remolino, a silver medalist in the Cambodia Southeast Asian Games last May, clocked 16 minutes and 20 seconds in the 500-meter swim/2.5-km run event to beat fellow Cebuanos Matthew Justine Hermosa (16:26) and Joshua Ramos (16:41).
Ellis registered 16:58 to claim the gold medal in the women’s division of the event organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines, headed by Ramon Marchan, and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.
Cebuanos Raven Faith Alcoseba (17:34) and Karen Manayon (18:02) bagged the silver and bronze medals, respectively.
The top three finishers in the men’s 16-19 category were Daniel Nazarro (17:32), Johnwayne Ybanez (17:50) and AJ Caoile (18:02), while in the women’s division were Diana Victoria Seda-Lomboy (19:30), Juliana Laine Lagula (21:29) and Naomi Felicity (21:55).
In the youth 13-15 category (300-m swim/2.5-km run), Darell Johnson Bada of Olongapo City won the boys’ division in 14 minutes. Peter Sancho Del Rosario was second in 14:01 while Euan Arrow Ramos was third in 14:14.
Eleora Caelle Avanzado topped the girls’ division, crossing the finish line with a time of 16:30 followed by Maria Zabelle Eugenio (16:41) and Yvaine Osias (16:45).
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
For decades now, I have been living in Alabang and I witnessed how much Muntinlupa City modernized along the way. Bordering Barangay Ayala Alabang is Filinvest City (formerly called Filinvest Corporate City) which itself is home to several business or facilities such as the Filinvest Tent, Commercenter, Acacia Hotel Manila, Crimson Hotel, Westgate and, of course, the wildly popular place to be in – Festival Mall.
For the newcomers reading this, Festival Mall opened in May 1998 with its initial name Festival Supermall. Way back then, out of pure curiosity, I entered the mall for the first-time ever during its soft opening on May 1, 1998 (Labor Day here in the Philippines) as I was already looking for a new place and new discoveries at a time when I got tired of Alabang Town Center (ATC).
Being very new back then, Festival Mall’s presence of retailers or tenants was not yet dynamic as there were still businesses inside that could not open in time for the mall’s opening. I do remember walking down seeing lots of vacant retail spots covered with signs such as “opening soon”, “coming soon” and the like. Back in those days, the Philippine economy and society itself were dampened by the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.
As the months passed by, more businesses opened and Festival Mall’s early attractions include the X-Site Amusement Center (which already had the indoor roller coaster) and, of course, the brand new cinemas which had several screens operating at a very spacious area on the top floor. I still remember seeing lots of people lining up for tickets and seats to watch Armageddon which ended up as the highest grossing movie of the world in 1998.
Indeed, for more than a decade, Festival Mall’s original cinemas became a favorite destination of mine to watch movies in Alabang and I definitely was not alone. I also remember the times when the said cinemas attracted a whole lot of moviegoers when the annual Metro Manila Film Festival’s (MMFF) opening day (every December 25) happened resulting in long lines. Watch the YouTube videos below…
As you can see in the above videos, Festival Mall’s original cinemas was a hot spot for moviegoers. It should be noted that the mall is strategically located in close proximity to the Alabang Viaduct and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) which ensures visibility to motorists and accessibility to commuters on a daily basis. The old cinemas were also a hot spot for a variety of small businesses selling different kinds of food and drinks to moviegoers and others who just passed by.
Festival Mall at 25
This past May, Festival Mall turned 25 and its anniversary was highlighted with special events as well and publicity through the media. There were these Festival Mall 25th anniversary feature articles that got published in different newspapers almost simultaneously. In the commemorative article that got published in the Manila Bulletin, President and CEO of Filinvest Development Corporation Josephine Gotianun Yap was quoted which goes as follows in the excerpt below. Some parts in boldface…
“We would not be where we are today without the unwavering support of our customers, merchants, suppliers, and employees who have journeyed with us through the years. It is humbling to think that when we first opened the mall, we only had 30 stores and no anchor supermarket. But thousands of visitors came on our first day, attracted by our amusement centers, cinemas, and food court. And now the mall has 800 tenants and eight leading anchor stores. We value our collaboration with major retailers, which has enabled us to bring together SaveMore, Ace Hardware, Robinson’s Department Store, Handyman, Shopwise, H&M, Decathlon, and Landmark all under one roof. As we build on its strong foundations for the future, we see Festival Mall continuing to serve as a place where time stops for making memories with family and friends,”
As seen above, the Filinvest Development Corporation executive clearly referred to the original cinemas which was one of the early attractions of Festival Mall way back in 1998. As mentioned earlier, Festival Mall today has more modern cinemas located at the expanded area on the same floor but several meters away from the original cinemas. So how does Festival Mall’s original cinemas look like nowadays? Watch the video below…
Yes, indeed the mall’s original cinemas have turned depressing. There are much less customers who pass by the area and many of the businesses that operated within have closed down! As I personally found out, Festival Mall is still using a few screens at the old cinemas for moviegoers while leaving the many others closed and left in the dark. If you think about it carefully, what does the mall management have in mind with regards to all of those cinema seats, sound systems, projectors, screens and other pieces of equipment inside each and every closed screen of the original cinemas?
A closed screen at one end of the original cinemas of Festival Mall. Just imagine what is left of all the hardware (examples: projectors and speakers) and seats inside.
This was a premium place to watch movies at. It had more comfortable seats and better equipment that made the cinematic experience more immersive. It was here where I saw 2001’s Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within.
This is where I used to buy movie tickets for many years. For some time now, the selling of movie tickets here has stopped. To buy tickets, you have to go to the modern cinemas of the mall several meters away by foot at the same floor.
Apart from seeing more of the screens of the original cinemas closed down, the number of small-time businesses that sold different kinds of food and drinks are also gone which is depressing. Those businesses offered moviegoers different choices of what to eat or drink apart from the usual popcorn and drinks sold by the cinema’s concessionaires. I do remember a certain business joint that sold really good coffee (both hot and cold) that is also affordable.
There used to be different kinds of small business joints that sold a variety of food and drinks located on the floor spots at the original cinemas area. Those businesses have since closed down and left.
I remember the times I bought popcorn and drinks at this place before watching a movie. Now there are no food, no drinks and no people selling to customers anymore.
With the way things are right now, walking through the original cinemas area of Festival Mall is lonely and depressing to do. The area is almost lifeless and it easily is the saddest place inside the mall which itself has become a major attraction for shoppers and families. I can only wonder if Festival Mall’s management has any plan to revive the original cinemas area. Will they someday renovate at least a few of the screens and install brand new seats and other equipment to accommodate more moviegoers? Do they plan to attract new businesses to occupy the vacant commercial spaces and floor spaces near the old cinemas?
It would be nice to know if Festival Mall’s management or Filinvest itself has any plan to revive commerce at the original cinemas area which is now the saddest and loneliest part of the mall.
To be very clear with you all reading this, I never worked for a shopping mall nor have I ever worked in the movie theater business. I am a long-time resident of Alabang who often visits Festival Mall for purchasing needed items, dining and availing of services. Watching movies at Festival Mall used to be a big reason for me to spend time at the mall. I know for a fact that operating movie theaters is difficult and attracting people to watch movies on the big screen is tougher because of streaming. It does not help that the COVID-19 pandemic convinced people that watching new movies at home via streaming is the new standard which also made them think that movie theaters are unnecessary.
As a movie enthusiast, I can say out loud that watching a movie inside the cinema is still the best and most definitive way to enjoy watching. The movie theater experience can never be matched by streaming nor could the biggest HDTV at home could ever come close to the size and visual impact of a cinema screen. That being said, I can only hope that Festival Mall could someday revive the movie experience and commerce at their original cinemas area. They already have the modern cinemas at the expanded area but those are only 4 screens.
If you are living here in South Metro Manila and you have been to Festival Mall several times before, what do you think the mall management should do about their old cinemas? Is Festival Mall your favorite place to watch movies in? Do you think that hosting multiple film festivals – both foreign and domestic – each year would justify renovating the old cinemas of the mall?
Author Carlo Carrasco 