I love watching movies, be it on the big screen or at home. The hassle of traffic just to get to the mall and then line up to buy the tickets has somehow made me stay at home and watch movies on DVD more often. But when blockbuster films are shown, that’s when I know I have to get up and watch it on movie theaters. Good thing online ticketing systems are already in place for all the cinemas I frequent. Guess what? There’s an equally innovative way to enjoy going to the movies without having to line up for tickets — SM Cinema’s e-PLUS Card.

This latest entertainment offering is actually a prepaid card that can be reloaded with P500 and P1,000 load denominations. Cardholders get free snacks every time the card is reloaded which can be done at the SM Cinema ticket booth. Soon reloading transactions can be done online through www.smcinema.com and other reloading facilities. It’s very ideal as a gift-card. I learned that companies can have these cards customized; perfect for corporate giveaways, employee incentive programs and promotions.

But it’s not just about avoiding the long lines at the ticket booth. The card can actually be upgraded to a loyalty card with an option to avail the e-PLUS Starter Kit which includes a movie, snack, and a premium item. Earn reward points when watching a movie using the card. SM Cinema is also cooking up to include earning points when buying food at any Snacktime outlets. These points can be redeemed easily for items at the e-PLUS booth located in all SM Cinema branches nationwide.

On our way to the launch last Thursday, April 12, a fellow blogger voiced out that this product looked like a step back in time with the advent of technology. Furthermore, there’s already an SM Advantage Card which is SM Department Store’s loyalty card. But when I learned that the e-PLUS Card offers access to exclusive promos with partner merchants, I then realized that this is not just another loyalty offering. Sure, it’s in similar category with that of SM Department Stores. But what they don’t offer, SM Cinema’s loyalty card can do more — Entertainment, Privileges, Lifestyle, Upgrades and Surprises!

e-PLUS cardholders can use the points earned to get exclusive SM Cinema items from parking discount vouchers, planners and gadgets like cellphones and digicams. Cardholders are also entitled to a 50% discount on select SM exclusive movies, join online and seasonal promos and quarterly raffles for a chance to win gadgets, trips and concert tickets. Membership to the e-PLUS loyalty program automatically qualifies the cardholder to enjoy special offers from The White Hat, Goldilocks, Mister Donut, Hen Lin, Sbarro, Airphil Express and SM Men’s Wear.

Other merchants includes Villman, Lenovo, Silverworks, Belo Men and Belo Essentials where members can expect unbelievable surprises. Meanwhile, expect special privileges from Beauty and Butter, The Body Shop, Slimmer’s World, Slimmer’s Face and Skin, SM Storyland, SM Bowling, SM Skating, MOA Eye and Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center. Lifestyle stores The North Face, Bratpack, Roxy, Delsey, High Sierra, Quicksilver, Kickers, Sanuk, DC and The Travel Club also offers discounts to e-PLUS cardholders. These are premium offerings not found in other loyalty programs.

It’s easy to get an e-PLUS card. Simply fill out an application form from any e-PLUS booth at SM Cinemas nationwide. Submit the form, and if you decide to avail the e-PLUS Starter Kit, simply pay P300 and you will receive a personalized e-PLUS card and a welcome text message. The starter kit includes a premium gift item, an automatic pass to a movie, plus a large popcorn and soda. A member gets a complimentary movie ticket for another movie of choice on the next visit to SM Cinema by validating the mobile number. That’s a lot of freebies for a welcome treat!

I was fortunate to experience the convenience of this innovative product during the launch. We got our cards, enjoyed food, music and gifts from merchants. The event was capped by a special premiere of the Battlefield at SM MegaMall Cinema 3. Check out the photos of my coverage:

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