Isetann Cinerama Recto

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Manila, rises the Isetann Cinerama Recto. A beacon of entertainment and commerce, Isetann Cinerama Recto stands at the bustling intersection of C.M. Recto Avenue, Quezon Boulevard, and Evangelista Street in Quiapo. This isn’t just another shopping mall. Isetann Cinerama Recto holds a unique place in Manila’s history. It stands on the very ground where the grand Roman Super Cinerama once captivated audiences. Opened in 1964, the Roman Super Cinerama was a marvel of its time. It was the first building in the Philippines with an escalator and the first carpeted cinema. Imagine, a seating capacity of 1,500, making it the largest widescreen theater in the world. Sadly, a fire in the late 1970s brought the era of Roman Super Cinerama to an end. The Roman and Rojas families, owners of the theater, then sold the property to Isetann. Isetann Cinerama Recto opened its doors in April 1988. It resurrected the Cinerama name, breathing new life into the location. The Isetann Cinerama Recto also became the company’s headquarters, a move from their previous location in Carriedo. The construction of Isetann Cinerama Recto was not without its challenges. Protests and the People Power Revolution delayed the project. Even a tragic event, the Mendiola Massacre in 1987, further pushed back the opening date. The mall finally opened in April 1988, a testament to its resilience. In 1994, a young Sarah Geronimo, just six years old, performed a short concert at Isetann Cinerama Recto. This marked an early milestone in the career of the future pop superstar. More recently, in 2019, Isetann Cinerama Recto faced temporary closure due to permit issues and tax deficiencies. However, it quickly resolved these issues and reopened. Isetann Cinerama Recto continues to thrive. It serves as a symbol of Manila’s enduring spirit.