JUST IN TIME for the Philippine opening of ‘Star Wars: Rogue One,’ SM Mall of Asia inaugurated its brand new cinemas on Thursday, December 15.

With Pinoy Star Wars fans rushing to see the film this weekend, the addition of Cinema 7 and Cinema 8 should help ease moviegoer traffic at one of Asia’s biggest malls, also the go-to spot for people living south of Metro Manila. Each cinema seats 153 and comes equipped with a top-of-the-line Christie CP 2215 digital projector system and Dolby 7.1 surround sound.

Personally, though I’m not really a die-hard Star Wars fan, this felt like the right movie to try out SM MOA’s brand new cinemas. So I told Elvin right away that we had to check it out, since his time in the Philippines is limited before he heads back abroad after the holidays.

Glad they didn’t disappoint. The space felt cozy, and the stadium-style premium glide seats offer the best view in the theater.

I am camera shy so Elvin takes the director’s seats for now. Kidding.

SM Mall of Asia Cinemas 8 & 9 lounge is dressed with ‘Star Wars: Rogue One’ characters and figures with souvenir items to buy but this huge Clone Trooper gets our attention as it’s a perfect picture companion.

With PWD-friendly facilities, including dedicated lavatories and slots, it’s the cinema to head to, especially during the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2016, which starts December 25, when the mall’s foot traffic peaks. SM Cinema has every right to encourage more families to spend the holidays here at the movies.

For anyone craving affordable, tasty cinema treats, the Grub Central is right here with a wide array of favorite snacks to pair with your movie. The lounge doubles as a great venue for special screenings and movie events, too — I’m already thinking about organizing one soon.

While tickets can be bought at the cinema’s ticket booths, for added convenience you can also book seats through www.smcinema.com.