Micro cinemas served as a break and edgier version of cinemas in malls. Usually having a limit of 100 people or less, it gave that intimate movie-viewing experience that we find comfort in watching at home. As the nation’s pandemic toll continues to escalate, so does all types of businesses. From individual entrepreneurs to big corporations, deciding whether to lay-off employees or fully halt operation is a struggle everyone faces these days.

Yesterday, Cinema Centenario was one of them. The well-loved micro-cinema in Maginhawa officially announced that they are closing mainly because of the pandemic. “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,” as posted on their Facebook page.

The heartfelt farewell started with a story of an old couple that dropped by and left a big impression, not just for them but to the owner as well, “Sa unang linggo ng aming operation, may random old couple na nagpunta sa Centenario. Nakikita daw nila sa umaga ‘yung signage namin kaya n’ong gabi na magdinner sila, dumaan sila to check the place.” Narrating the story of how it started and the impact it had even from the beginning. But just like any stories, comes with endings.

Unfortunately, because of the quarantine and preventive measures being taken. Closing down is the safest option and is of the utmost priority right now. “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. Hindi biro ang safety concerns na hatid ng pandemyang ito kaya umabot kami sa desisyong ito. Manatili po sana tayong ligtas at healthy sa lahat ng pagkataon.” they wrote.

With so much uncertainty of what lies ahead, we can only be hopeful and work towards doing our part in easing this pandemic. “At sana, manatili rin ang inyong suporta sa kung saan man kami magpunta. Uncertain pa kung ano ang hatid ng ‘New Normal.’ But we will Moov forward sa patuloy na pagdevelop ng Pelikulang Pilipino even beyond its centennial celebration,” the post continued.

People online and patrons showed their support by sharing their experiences and moments cherished pre-pandemic.

wag niyo ako kakausapin sarado na cinema centernario ????

— anne (@anffsv) October 7, 2020

Used to go here alone, pagod na pagod from prod. work or naghahabol because of festival season and somehow watching a film here whether full house or 10 lang kami felt so comforting.

Till we meet again, Cinema Centenario 🙁 https://t.co/lG8MmMtmIc

— Josh (@marcjoshualo) October 8, 2020

centenario was THE gem of Maginhawa and no one can change my mind ???? https://t.co/KbGGEel3Qt

— vanilla manila boy (@kieldaho) October 8, 2020

cinema centenario pwede ko bang bilhin yung upuan niyo pati na din yung projector pati screen

— arden (@unardent) October 8, 2020

Ma-mimiss kita malala :(( hindi ako nakapunta masyado pero sobrang ganda lagi ng experience ko sa Centenario https://t.co/uayhIFgLhM

— Mitzi aka Peku (@pukepeku) October 8, 2020

Founded by a group of filmmakers, this cinema house of indie-films at the heart of Maginhawa marks off its final closure. With the name once being a tribute to the 100 years of Philippine cinema, we can only wish we don’t have to wait a hundred years for them to reopen. All of which are indefinite, depending on whether or not things get better soon. Once a haven for film lovers, the end credits rolled out and curtains closed, at least for now. Until next time, Cinema Centenario!

See Cinema Centenario’s full post here: