I really just go to this cinema for the free popcorn that is included with ticket purchaseread more

You know what I love about Greenbelt 3 Cinemas? They always have film festivals…read more In fact, I just came home from the French Film Festival that is ongoing until tomorrow. It is really great that this cinema screens films from different countries and even hold film festivals here. Usually, the tickets to each film in the festival go for Php100. Pretty cheap actually. Another thing I appreciate about this cinema is that they're really accommodating to kids. They always have a booster seat for my nephew who is still too small to see the screen. And, they have food trays which makes it really convenient to stuff yourself with food during a movie.

There aren't too many things a movie house has to offer in order to please me. (Of course, besides…read morethe featured film being enjoyable at the very least, but that is something they cannot always help.) Honestly, I don't need mind-blowing technology like an overwhelmingly oversized screen, and smokes and mirrors; all I need are fine comforts combined with well-maintained facility. Of course, first would be great snacks. Apart from the standard popcorn, Power Plant has Buy The Bucket and Potato Corner. I usually get the tofu chips with sour cream and cheese sauces from the former, or barbecue fries from the latter. Either of the two goes well with a tall glass of rootbeer. Then, the aircon gives off that cardigan temperature and the floors are clean. The seats are comfy too, meaning, the cushions still have that nice luxurious bounce and the hinges don't squeak when I shift my body every time something riveting happens onscreen. Also, there's enough space: the head of the guy in front of me doesn't block any part of the screen, the leg room is ample and there is enough distance between me and the people beside me. (We could be the closest of friends but any relationship is destined to end badly the minute a person ruins a movie moment for me.) Most of all, in my entire history of watching at Power Plant, I don't remember having to share the theater with an ignoramus who behaves like he's in a conference room. I don't know if I've merely been lucky with this particular place but this is simply one of my biggest pet peeves and I swear I have employed the help of powerful witches in seeking revenge from loudmouths who have done much less.

Based on observation, I would say 50% of the moviegoers here are senior citizens! That's pretty…read moreawesome if you ask me, and if I get to live the next 40 years, I'd go to this cinema a lot to watch for free! I'd say this theater is at par with Gateway's for the comfy seating and capacity, and immersive viewing. I just find the picture of lesser contrast but their sound quality makes up for it though it can be too blaring at a point. Ranging from Pho240-260 a seat, it's a deluxe choice for a movie given Power Plant Mall is one of the more upscale shopping areas. Not too shabby but they really have to renovate their washrooms to compete with Century City that's just down the street.

We watched Skyscraper here and enjoyed ourselves. We opted for the theatre with reclining seats…read morethat included snacks with the ticket price. The reclining seats did not recline as comfortably flat as others we've been to and there is no compartment for a bag or shoes. That's partly the reason for missing one star. The other reason for docking a star was the AC which you could clearly hear during silent periods in the movie. It wasn't even cold considering how loud it was for a theatre. The snack choices included were popcorn and soda from Taters or coffee and cookies from a coffee shop next door. Since we just had dinner somewhere prior to watching, we opted for the coffee with cookies. Not a bad experience but it is nothing to write home about either.

Definitely at par with my favorite movie theater in the metro. This comes closest with Commerce…read moreCenter's screening room in terms of comfort and cleanliness. Century City Mall's cinema also has that personal home theater feel with only a couple of seats available. Decent acoustics in every corner to avoid those irksome "What'd he say?" moments. They accept reservations or ticket purchases online when you register an account on their website.

Very sleek and vibrant atmosphere and interior design. There are plenty of food stalls and vendors…read morewithin the area to casually dine in or to have your take-out to bring with you inside the cinemas or elsewhere (yes you can bring food like Burger King inside the cinemas just so all of you foreigners out there know). It feels very relaxing and soothing to hang out here; I really like all of the lights glamoured up in a kind of dimly litted sort of place. All of the Hollywood, foreign, and local Tagalog films are usually sreened in this cineplex. In fact this is most probably my favorite place to catch a movie in Manila/Makati, as well as my favorite hang-out/chill spot in Glorietta in general. My rating is definitely a 5/5!

What? People only watch films in this cinema when Greenbelt 3's cinema is full? Are you kidding…read moreme?! During long and boring breaks in college, my friends and I would watch movies in all the cinemas in Makati. And we've learned that the first place to go to when you want to see a movie is Glorietta 4's cinema. See, they offer more choices and they usually have the new movies. Sometimes, it's cheaper to watch a film here! Because more and more people are finding out that this place isn't that bad, it gets pretty packed. The lines on the opening day and weekend for Avengers: Age of Ultron were pretty long and the whole floor was packed with people. The guards here really check your bags and there have been times when my friends and I were made to leave our cameras with the guard. I suggest reserving or buying your tickets online if you're seeing a really popular film at peak hours. If not, just buy the ticket when you get there. Don't forget to get some snacks while you're at it.

There are days I watch movies just to see the trailers…read more Does anyone else do that? Or is it just me? This weird habit of mine can be a bit expensive especially because a movie costs more than Php200. And this is where I say, "That's why I like watching movies at Greenbelt 1." In my four years of watching movies here, I don't recall paying more than Php200. It's always been Php150 to Php200. If you see movies at odd hours, meaning not at night, there will be at least ten other people in the cinema with you. It will be quiet and you won't hear teenagers talking during the movie. Oh, just know that there will be times when the movie you want to see will not be playing in this cinema. Sometimes though, when all the other cinemas are done with a certain movie, the movie will still be showing here. So, just try your luck here I guess.

Located in the Greenbelt Mall in Makati, this is one of several theaters in the greenbelt area…read more Movies are reasonably priced and the theater is kept clean. As others have said it is older but if your just looking for a place to watch a movie, it has all that you would need. So if you don't want to face the crowds at other cinemas then check out greenbelt 1.

One of the more popularly known production rental houses, RSVP houses al the equipment you'll need…read morein a shoot and more. Because they've been in the industry of equipment rental for a very long time, big movie outfits and television companies go for RSVP when it comes to their rental needs. I had the pleasure of working with these guys and I really appreciated how they worked. Because their men are used to long hours of shooting, there was never a moment I encountered when they were inefficient. Everyone was pretty professional. I think RSVP is the most equipped when it comes to film and video equipment. They have dollies, cranes, steady cams, etc. And while their charge for professional services may be quite steep, film students would be happy to know that they actually give discounts to non-professional projects.

A must-visit retail and lifestyle destination -- Glorietta Mall, Ayala Center…read more Glorietta Mall in Makati's Ayala Center is hands-down one of the most impressive and comprehensive shopping destinations I've ever experienced. This isn't "just a mall" -- it's a true lifestyle hub where every visit feels like an adventure rather than a quick stop. From the moment you enter, you realize how massive and thoughtfully organized it is. The complex is divided into five distinct sections (Glorietta 1 to 5), each with its own vibe, tenant mix, and experiences to explore -- which explains why I literally got lost both times I visited trying to take it all in. Shopping & brands: Glorietta delivers an extraordinary range of stores -- from everyday necessities like grocery and hardware offerings to spacious department stores and high-end Western and European retailers. You'll find international fashion brands, lifestyle shops, tech stores, and accessories galore. Glorietta's blend of well-known global brands alongside local favorites makes it appealing for both serious shoppers and casual browsers. Dining & experiences: It's not just about retail -- the mall has an extensive food scene, with eateries ranging from casual cafés and food courts to sit-down restaurants. Whether you're craving coffee, a quick bite, or a serious meal, there's a wide selection of options to satisfy every palate. Entertainment & lifestyle: Beyond stores and food, Glorietta also offers entertainment like cinema screens, gyms, arcades, and large activity centers that frequently host events and seasonal attractions. Design & accessibility: The layout can feel like a city inside a city -- with multi-level retail, integrated walkways to nearby malls like Greenbelt and department stores like The Landmark, and even connections to public transit via Ayala Station. It's a bustling, walkable environment that's well-maintained and feels safe thanks to visible security presence throughout. Atmosphere: The overall vibe is lively but clean and modern, with plenty of open space, seating areas, and wayfinding signage to help orient you (especially useful if you do get turned around like I did). Despite its size, the mall feels welcoming and dynamic -- perfect for shopping sprees, people-watching, or just killing time in style. Bottom line: If you're in Makati and enjoy malls that combine world-class shopping, diverse dining, entertainment options, and thoughtful design, Glorietta is an absolute standout. Even after multiple visits, I still feel like I've only scratched the surface of what this place has to offer -- and that's exactly the kind of experience you want from a destination mall.

Glorietta Mall is located in Ayala Center in the heart of Makati City. Ayala which runs a huge…read moredevelopment all across Metro Manila, but you will see much more development around the country. A mall that is sectioned off into different Zones 1-5, with connections in between. They do have options on the various types of merchandise from very high-end at Rustan's Department Store to mid-range clothing clothing stores and very affordable kids shops. There is also a Cinema on 4F. Security guards everywhere for your safety. I frequented this mall as a week visitor because it was literally downstairs from my hotel. The Ascott Makati is situated right on top Glorietta 4. You can easily come here to meet friends and family at any eatery. It's a great meeting spot something easy for anyone around the Metro to find a place to share a meal or coffee. There is a food court on the top floor, many bars and restaurants, and it's less formal than going out to a fine dining restaurant. You can sit back after a day of sightseeing or just relax while strolling around or whatever you would like while on leisure. For those who work in the CBD of Makati, going for a happy hour drink or dinner with your office mates after work before heading back home in the Manila traffic. There is also other hotels surrounding the area. For example, Holiday Inn & Suites is also located right on top of Glorietta at the opposite mall entrance from the Ascott.

For those bitching about how Art should be more accessible to everybody, may I present to you the…read moreTiu Theater. Formerly the old Louie's THX Cinema, the theater has recently been reinvented as an events venue back in 2014, and has hosted a number of concerts, plays, recitals, and performance art pieces. But what sets the Tiu apart from other event venues is how committed it is to making Art more accessible. The management of the Tiu will go out of their way to look for worthy art groups to sponsor. They have even staged a couple of free shows, just to get people more chances to watch these kinds of works. Time will tell if the Tiu can sustain and thrive with this kind of setup, but I'm happy we have such a venue for the arts.

Back in the day, the Tiu Theater used to be Louie's THX, the most high-tech movie theater in Makati…read moreat the time. These days, the Tiu Theater has become an events venue. I had the opportunity to come here for the Luna Art Festival in early 2015, and I loved the intimate, community-like vibe that was present all throughout. Inside the main theater, performers like the Adinkra Lumads group and other ethnic Filipino musicians and dancers performed to a crowd of art enthusiasts, and at some point, people took off their shoes and started dancing in the middle of the aisles! There were also a bunch of merchants outside the theater, selling shirts, food, jewelry and more. The back part of the theater is dimly-lit (adds to the vibe, I think), and has large murals painted on it, cementing the Tiu Theater's position as a haven for artists to showcase their work - be it performance art, visual art, handmade crafts, and more! I always enjoy events that are hosted here because it's always a good time with quality people in attendance.

Pinoy Wrestling Revolution is an independent pro wrestling promotion made by pro wrestling fans for…read morepro wrestling fans --and people who just want to enjoy a darn good romp and an amazing crowd. It was also made by total morons for total morons. The brilliant kind of total morons, that is. PWR events are usually held in the Makati Cinema Square Arena. (When in Makati Cinema Square during a PWR night, really, just follow the noise. It's how I found it. Very hard to miss.) The program's format follows those of major pro wrestling brands like WWE and TNA, but still has that rough, independent, slightly unsafe feel to it. However, PWR and its patrons are completely self aware ahout this. Both the audience and performers know it isn't genuine and it's all for wild fun to a point that they carry it in stride, and that's where all the magic and chemistry that hold the whole event together comes from. I believe you might be sold by these stories alone: the characters are over the top, entertaining and are rowdier caricatures of Pinoy character stereotypes. One of the pro wrestlers' names is-- ahem-- "Kanto Terror." Another wrestler's tagline is "Minimum wage, maximum rage," but his character enters shaking literally EVERYONE's hands as if he were on everyone's side, and is portrayed as an over energetic nice guy dressed in head to toe yellow. (To which the crowd has often chanted "UST! UST!" or "PIKACHU! PIKACHU!") The energy and sense of community is so strong that even skeptics will eventually find themselves fist pumping, chanting, cheering and trash talking along with everyone else. Despite it being a performance, the level of action that happens live combined with the characters' senses of humor and commitment to their characters, as well as some wrestlers' mastery of pulling off pro wrestling moves, makes it very difficult to NOT get totally lost in the matches. I've witnessed wrestlers jumping from the 2nd floor of Makati Cinema Square's arena, as well as a fight literally ploughing unapologetically through the audience area fast enough to run over anyone who isn't careful. There are times when it's a little obviously staged, but sometimes the action gets so real you feel a genuine thrill, and it's the balance of these two that make PWR so enjoyable. Another part of PWR's charm is that these guys are obviously just cool regular dudes by day that like to train and pretend to beat each other up some nights for the pure fun of it, and for their passion for it. It makes you admire their generosity, dedication and spiritedness enough to tempt you to join them and create a PWR wrestler persona of your own. If you want an extremely crazy night full of action, unapologetic foolhardiness and most of all roaring passion, please, PLEASE watch PWR. Dare I say it's one of the most awesome and unique forms of entertainment you can find in the Philippines. Tickets are usually P250 a pop, but the experience is utterly priceless. Catch a show. It'll definitely be one for the books.

I always believed that we should support our own local brands, but never did I expect to see a…read moreprofessional wrestling promotion operating in the Philippines. As a professional wrestling fan who has never missed an episode of WWE RAW since 2009, I have always dreamed of witnessing an event right in front of my eyes. Through Yelp! Manila, I discovered that this is possible via the Philippine Wrestling Revolution (PWR). The shows are currently held at the iAcademy Auditorium in Makati City. The promotion is still at its relatively infant stages similar to smaller organizations in the United States, but the environment is already wildly fun and energetic. Nothing says a terrific wrestling show than free drinks, a lively crowd chanting whatever it wants, and seats close to the ring. The local flavor of PWR can be seen in its top performers. Social issues prevalent in the Philippines are represented via the wrestlers, whether it is social media (Ken Warren), networking scams (The Network), romance (Rederick Mahaba), or online gaming (VIntendo). Of course classical pro wrestling gimmicks such as a supernatural being (The Apocalypse), an underdog fighter (Ralph Imabayashi), and an arrogant true heel (Brian Leo) leading a heel group (Royal Flush) are present, interacting with characters heavily inspired from Filipino themes, which makes for an electrifying dynamic inside and outside the ring. The matches are fast-paced and action-packed from start to finish. However, some of the popular finishing moves such as the Stunner and Spear are used in the middle of the match, which lessens their eventual impact. Nonetheless, innovation is also evident as there were some moves I have never seen before. The transition between moves need some polishing, although this will improve in time. I applaud the PWR for starting a true wrestling phenomenon in the Philippines. There is always room for improvement, but seeing the dedication of the performers and the enthusiasm of the crowd, I strongly think they will make it. Once the PWR hosts a show at the Araneta Coliseum, the revolution will be a success. Support our own.