AT A GLANCE
TBA Studios President and COO Daphne O. Chiu says Cinema ’76 is ideal for private film screenings, media launches, talkbacks and workshops, live viewing parties, intimate shows, music gigs, gaming events, etc.
It is also available for theatrical releases, block screenings, cinema rental, film festival venue, premieres, and other special events.
Janine Gutierrez (Facebook)
Young people, film lovers, and other serious cinephiles have found a new home (how beautiful!) on Tomas Morato Avenue, the heart of the country’s entertainment capital, Quezon City, with the formal opening of Cinema ’76 Café on March 18.
The new Cinema ’76 is a combination of micro-cinema and coffee shop situated in a more sophisticated section of the city.
For one, the Cinema’s new location offers more breathing space and easy accessibility. It has a wide, open-air patio where guests can unwind with a meal or coffee after watching a movie. Both indoor and outdoor dining options are available.
TBA Studios President and COO Daphne O. Chiu says Cinema ’76 is ideal for private film screenings, media launches, talkbacks and workshops, live viewing parties, intimate shows, music gigs, gaming events, etc.
It is also available for theatrical releases, block screenings, cinema rental, film festival venue, premieres, and other special events.
We take note, in particular, of the Cinema’s signature couches, which are like two-in-one love seats, allowing for a cozier ambiance.
Daphne O. Chiu
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Cinema ’76, described as a multi-purpose creative space, is the pioneer micro-cinema in the country, first opened in June 2021 in Anonas, Quezon City.
It was established to celebrate Cinema ’76 Film Society, an informal group of film enthusiasts.
Its new address is on the second and top floor of a low-rise, a short distance from ABS-CBN.
With cinema and theater as themes, Chefs Gene and Gino Gonzalez of the Center for Asian Culinary Studies, designed the café’s menu, taking into consideration the spirit of Cinema ’76 Film Society.
The menu covers a wide range, from cocktails, coffee, and comfort food, spanning American, Italian, Asian cuisines.
Certain orders can also be brought into the theater to complete the movie-watching experience.
At the full-house event, Chef Gene told me, "We have a good mix of new and familiar flavors.” Some dishes reminded me of my favorite Gonzales bistro, the now-classic Café Ysabel in San Juan.
On the menu are dishes called "Luna," chicken tocino with salted egg relish and tomatoes; "Del Pilar," adobo flakes, cream cheese, and pickled onions; and "Quezon," chicken inasal with tomatoes.
There are also various versions of pasta, Truffle Fries, Mozzarella Sticks, Croquettes, Nachos, bistro dishes, theater snacks.
Spotted on opening night were Janine Gutierez (who helped cut the ceremonial ribbon), Robert Sena, Laurice Guillen, Ina Feleo, Mercedes Cabral.
A Lion Dance and Movie Trivia Quiz served as event highlights.
Cinema ’76 is now fully operational, with regular screenings of carefully curated films from a wide range of sources.
Check out Cinema ’76 website for the screening schedule.
