UPDATE: Read Eastwood Ultra 7 Cinema, Persona Non Grata

As a voracious reader, I’d often like to take time off from my books to enjoy a movie or two. I’d normally hit the cinemas in Alabang Town Center for convenience or if I consider the movie deserves special attention, I’d opt for the Greenbelt 3 cinemas in Makati. You’d hardly catch me watching any place else.

Personally, I wouldn’t really trek as far as Eastwood just to watch a movie. I live down South for crying out loud! And my work hardly takes me up North (I’ve learned how to choose my battles well, thankyouverymuch). A trip to Makati is already a taxing choice. So, finding myself responding to an extended invitation to watch Blood: The Last Vampire in the new Eastwood Ultra 7 Cinema decked out with fully reclining seats had me baffled. Driving all the way to Eastwood and watch a movie I haven’t heard of no less, reasons why I said yes still elude me. Gah.

Was it the full butler service who’d wait on you as you enjoy the unlimited popcorn and beverages?

Was it the cozy 60-seat capacity of the cinema?

But, now, having experienced watching a movie in the Ultra 7 Cinema, it’s the seat that takes home the prize. It doesn’t hurt that it’s also located on the topmost level of a pet-friendly mall filled with fab stores (they have Haze, Luca, R.A.F., and Steve Madden to name a few).

Of course, I really don’t go watching movies alone. I did try (”try” being the operative word) one time a couple of years ago back in Australia. I was going to watch Pride & Prejudice which starred Keira Knightley but some guy (whom I went out with on several more dates after that night, LMAO) used some pick up line and ended up watching the movie with me. There goes my attempt in going to the movies alone. Heh. Anyway.

It was a fantastic opportunity to invite a few bloggers, friends and family along to share the experience with me, namely: Mrs.Z, Charisse Vilchez, Lauren Dado, Marco Sumayao, Maita Baello, Lowell Umali and my official photographer, Arnold Manuel (yea, I’d like to keep it within the family LOL).

I’m not going to write a full review of the movie. Not worth the effort. But I have got to say this, if you’ve got plans to see it, change it. It’s not that it’s gory or scary. Gory, yes. Scary, hardly. It’s a movie adaptation of an anime series. Story badly told, characters badly acted. If not for the cinema being as good as it is, I would’ve walked out 15 minutes in. I ended up sleeping for some parts of it instead. Can’t help it, the seats were that comfortable! Hahaha!

Marco Sumayao & Lauren Dado

After the movie, folks enjoyed food (like the unlimited popcorn left any room for more!) and drinks over at Stackers Burger Cafe in Eastwood Citywalk.

Charisse Vilchez

This is the part that I often enjoy the most. Swapping stories, more photos and a fun way to get to know each other more.

Annalyn Jusay

I wish I was hungry enough to try the triple-patty burger (dream on, I say, hehe) but I wasn’t so I just ended up enjoying a 16oz. Iced Latte while alternating taking photos and joining in conversations.

Er, me?

Oh, nevermind that the movie sucked, the cinema ultra-rocked and the whole afternoon was spent with beautiful people with beautiful stories in a beautiful place that I don’t normally get to see. I always love experiencing something new and sharing it with other people, too.

Special thanks to Eastwood Ultra 7 and Tinay Magtira of Megaworld for sponsoring a fun afternoon spent with fellow bloggers and friends.

Some photos were taken by Arnold Manuel and Annalyn Jusay.

Photos © 2009 Sasha Manuel