10 Low-Key VIP Cinemas Perfect for Solo Watching

(SPOT.ph) Remember how when you were young you'd think things like "When I grow up, I'll be able to eat cake whenever I want"? Yeah, well now that you're an adult eating more than two bites of anything even a little too sweet causes instant bodily harm—not all is lost though. One small way to exercise your autonomy as a grown-up capable of making your own decisions (though not always the best, admittedly) is to just get up and go watch a movie. As in, in a cinema. Now you can always loop in your S.O., friends, or family, but who are we kidding? That just turns the whole agency exercise into a hassle. If you're in it for total quality "Me" time and an incomparable cinematic experience, we round up 10 theaters around the Metro that are typically quieter than the rest. 

Also read: Smackdown: What's the Best Cinema Popcorn in Metro Manila?

Go solo at the 10 best cinemas in Metro Manila

SM Fairview Director's Club Cinema

This place is dubbed "Farview" for a reason: it's far away from all the people you're constantly avoiding (Read: everyone). Jokes aside, this mall is the type that's frequented only by the people who live nearby so chances of you bumping into someone unexpected are low. Plus, the Director's Club Cinema is nothing to scoff at, what with plush reclining seats, Dolby Atmos, and laser projectors for clear sounds and crisp visuals. No sharing armrest space here, either. Tickets are around P490.

Robinsons Magnolia VIP Cinema

Treat yourself to a luxe cinema experience that starts with your very own special lounge by the theater (yes, we make sure to catch the trailers, too). Apart from reclining seats and amped up amenities, the VIP Cinemas of Robinsons Movieworld has its own waiting area so you're sure you don't miss anything. If you're a usual of this New Manila mall, it's about time you check out the cinemas in the newer wing. Who knows, it might just start a new hobby! Tickets are around P500.  

Power Plant Mall VIP Cinema

Rockwell's cinemas were one of the first to open after lockdown restrictions lessened. And thank goodness because we were starting to really miss the Metro's best butter popcorn. Now while the VIP theater of Power Plant is pretty straightforward with a basic reclining seat and ample leg room, the salty, crisp, and buttery treat took the whole moviewatching experience to a different level. Good food makes everything so much better. Tickets are around P600.

Century City Mall Premier Cinema

This Makati mall may be near the city's liveliest spots (Read: Poblacion) but it has always been able to keep a pretty quiet existence. We're sure you hang around here for some quiet time before hitting the streets, but trust us, their cinema isn't to be missed out on either. They've only got three cinemas so you're sure of a small crowd, but be sure to book the premier one! This one's outfitted with cozy and plush brown leather recliners and a pretty sizeable tray so you can munch away in comfort.  

Ayala Malls Vertis North A-Giant

It was only pretty recently that people began to pay attention to this mall next to Trinoma, and we say it's about time they extend that attention to its cinemas as well. Hidden at this mall is an A-giant screen, aptly named thanks to its—surprise surprise—size: a whopping 24.4 by 12.3 meters. If you've ever wanted to feel like you're in the film, here's you're chance. Those seats ain't bad either. Tickets start at P550.

Ayala Malls Manila Bay A-Giant

Don't worry, folks on the other side of the Metro, as you won't be missing out on the big-screen action. And we really do mean "other side" because this is Manila Bay we're talking about! Another A-Giant screen calls Ayala Malls Manila Bay home. This screen measures 24.3 by 13 meters, or around four times bigger than usual. Yup, we're definitely taking note of this the next time a massive action blockbuster is showing. Tickets start at P470.

S Maison Conrad Director's Club Cinema

If you're in it for the comfort, then the Director's Club cinemas over at SM Malls make for great contenders. If you're looking for a branch that's more secluded, and therefore bound to have less people, then S Maison Conrad has got you. Just take a look at that theater and it's lush red carpeting. You have all the space you need and more with their plush reclining seats—make sure to grab a bucket of their popcorn with your tickets and you're in for a relaxing ride. Depending on what you're watching, that is. 

Evia Lifestyle Center IMAX With Laser

Absolute cinephiles are bound to know about this one. Located at the Evia Lifestyle Center is Southeast Asia's first IMAX theater to be equipped with 4K laser projection, meaning better visuals all around. Don't discount the audio either as this theater is equipped with a more immersive 12-channel sound technology. And as for the seats? Well, they may not have leg rests but expect comfort with their leather-like material. You know how they say you ought to watch films as the director intended? We're pretty sure this is what they had in mind. Tickets are priced steeper than most at around P800 per but you are paying for the best type of movie-watching!

Santolan Town Plaza

From the same folks behind Power Plant is this low-key mall along Bonny Serrano Avenue. If you live nearby, then there's pretty much nothing stopping you from just popping by on random evenings to see what's on. There are two types of theaters to choose from: one regular and one with world-class Dolby Atmos sound systems. Whichever you choose, all mid-sized theaters are equipped with comfy seats for a chill viewing experience. TBH, if you do live nearby, then we're envious as this could easily become a regular thing for you. Tickets are at around P350. 

Estancia's The Screening Room

Yeah, we're pretty surpised that this Ortigas mall has a premium cinema option, too. Pleasantly so. The Screening Room theater is equipped with plush seats thate fully recline, have little trays, a light, and even a USB port—in an eye-catching red, too. Most importantly, this theater has its own restroom in case you need a break during the screening. This low-key spot has all the luxe comforts of a VIP theater minus the buzz of a busy central mall. Tickets are at around P550.