It was a stress-free Sunday afternoon when we learned about a new international film with an outstanding review already being shown in theaters. We decided to watch the movie in a recently opened SM Director’s Club Cinema in our area. It is in SM East Ortigas, located at Ortigas Avenue Extension, Brgy. Sta. Lucia, Pasig City. We learned through social media that it has 8 theaters: 4 regular ones and 4 Director’s Club Cinemas.
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We were aware that there were such extravagant cinemas, but we never had the chance to watch a movie in one. We’ve always been satisfied with the 2D and 3D cinemas for our weekend dates. There was no need to try it, considering the extra cost. This time, though, our preferred movie was only showing in one of the Director’s Club Cinemas. So I can say that this movie experience was unintentional. We were considering going to another nearby mall, but decided against it – I’m glad we did.
Click here for Directions to go to SM East Ortigas.
How to get your tickets at the SM Director’s Club Cinema
The Director’s Club Cinema usually has reserved seating. If you want to secure a specific seat, you may call the cinema hours before the movie. You also have to be in the cinema at least an hour before the movie to confirm your reservation. Coming in late might lose your reserved seats to other walk-in viewers.
Another way to secure your movie seat is to make a reservation on the SM Cinema website using your E-Plus Card. This is a stored-value reloadable card to avail various SM services.
You may go directly to the ticketing section 15-20 minutes before the movie. They will ask which film and seating you would like. One movie ticket costs Php 500-520 per person with a complimentary bowl of popcorn and bottled water (as of March 2026). You will need to pay for anything else extra. Bringing outside food is prohibited. Ours was unplanned, so we got two tickets – then at Php 400 per person (2018) – at the booth an hour before the actual screening.
Breathable Adjustable Swivel Office Chair
The Facilities
We arrived about 15 minutes early. The corridor to the cinema was clean, bright, and spacious. I immediately appreciated the PWD-friendly design: a dedicated wheelchair ramp led to the doors. The designers did a commendable job prioritizing accessibility for PWDs and families. This was a smoother, less crowded, and more convenient movie-going experience.
Inside our assigned cinema, the huge, comfortable automatic recliners were a standout feature. I didn’t count exactly, but there seemed to be about twenty seats with generous spacing between them. One caveat: you might get too comfortable and drift off to sleep, so pick your movie wisely.
There is a table placed between every pair of recliners. You can use it for your complimentary popcorn and beverage. A buzzer sits at the center of it. You can use it to call the attention of the staff if you need assistance. If you’d like more popcorn, additional bowls are available for purchase. You can also buy a beverage from the cinema staff member, who will bring it to you in your seat.
The Services
The staff assigned to us was very pleasant. We were early and the first to go inside. She led us in and informed us to press the buzzer if we needed anything. We got our free popcorn before the movie began, and she also bought our beverages for us. During the movie, one of the staff approached and asked if we buzzed for assistance- we did not. It might be a system glitch and too minor to affect my overall impression.
Mobile Metal Office Cabinet Drawers With Lock
Another great thing about the set-up? The comfort room is inside the cinema, just a few steps away from our seat, near the entrance. I was pleased there’s no running around for a quick bio break.
The Technology
I appreciated the wide wall-to-wall screen in HD as soon as the cinema started showing movie trailers. The vibrant colors and sharp images make it absolutely superior to screens in regular cinemas. It makes the experience more desirable and personal. Couple it with a Dolby Atmos surround sound system, and you’ll have one unforgettable movie experience.
Value for Money
To sum up, we enjoyed the state-of-the-art facilities and technology with complimentary beverages and popcorn. The theater was also less crowded and gave a more exclusive feel. As a result, we had an awesome movie experience. I can fairly say that paying Php 400 per viewer for all these was absolutely worth it.
Read: Review: Dad’s Saisaki-Kamayan World Buffet, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City
My Rating: SM Director’s Club Cinema
This blog post was originally published on April 29, 2017, and updated on March 19, 2026.
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