Eyes wide open for CinemaJam 2014

Combining movies and music: it’s an idea so natural to Filipinos, it’s hard to believe it took this long. Cinema Jam 2014 does just that — combining movie screenings with a daylong music festival, complete with live local music acts and various activities like bunjee trampolining and ziplines, food vendors, art tents and the like. So who says festival season is over?

Following the well-attended Cinema Jam 2013 held at Event Circuit in Makati, this year’s edition is set to unfurl at the Greenfield District Central Park, Mandaluyong on Nov. 30.

Some of the bands on this year’s lineup include Itchyworms, Franco, Bamboo, Banda Ni Kleggy, Imago, Pedicab, Chocolate Factory, and Urbandub. Another first is the launch of the country’s only photochromic lens in the iconic shade of green called Crizal Transitions Signature lenses — that’s those prescription glasses that adjust to sunlight outdoors to protect your eyes from UV rays. It’s a partnership between top global lens maker Essilor and Transitions Optical, both which happen to be sponsors of the event.

Outdoor movie festivals never really caught on here the way the did in, say, New York’s Central Park, but it’s a fun way to unwind and chill out between musical acts. After a day of festing, chilling and eating, it’s sublime to catch movies and music as the sun goes down. This year’s cinematic offerings are Letters to Juliet (with Amanda Seyfried) and Now You See Me (with Jessie Eisenberg).

Another nice thing about Cinema Jam is that it’s for a good cause. Each year, a portion of proceeds from ticket sales are donated to World Vision for their many charity projects (victims of typhoons Pablo and Yolanda, Bohol relief, child sponsorship programs, Zamboanga conflict victims, et cetera). And according to Jinky Navo, marketing manager of Essilor, who spoke at the Cinema Jam presscon at Makati’s Spicy Fingers, the fest is also “an important advocacy to raise awareness for good eyesight.” That’s right: you can get your eyes checked right at Optical Village tent during the fest. Last year Essilor also worked with World Vision to sponsor eye exams for kids from Aklan, Cotabato and Negro Occidental.

“We’re bringing more artists and activities for music and movie lovers this year, and we’ve tied up with MYX Channel for live DJ sets,” Navo added, before making this inventive pitch to movie buffs: “Imagine zip-lining while watching your favorite movie!” Well, we’re not sure that will actually happen, but aside from outdoor screening of movies and live performances, each ticket entitles guests access to outdoor activities like bungee jumping, ziplining, wall-climbing and more.

Tickets for CinemaJam 2014 are available at Ticketworld, where you can bag early bird tickets until Oct. 20 for P400 (a P100 discount on regular price). You can also avail of the Family package (4 tickets) or the Barkada package (5 tickets + 1 free) to save more. Also, keep your eyes out for the special promo through sponsor Crizal Transitions: get four tickets for free with every purchase of Crizal Transitions Signature eyeglasses.

Movies, music and festival fun. Not a bad way to bring in the Christmas season. (Popcorn and glow sticks not included.)

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CinemaJam 2014 tickets are available from Ticketworld. Call 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

This year’s Crizal Transitions CinemaJam is sponsored by C-Interactive, Greenfield District Park, Myx, the Official Music Channel, Cinemaone, Police, Toby’s and Medicard Philippines.