Arcades in Metro Manila have reopened: Here’s what you need to know before visiting
Arcades are among the recreational venues that have been given the go-signal to reopen in Metro Manila under Alert Level 3.
While moviehouses are expected to open on Nov. 10 with Dune being the first big arrival, arcades have already opened up for gaming enthusiasts looking for a momentary escape and a fun way to pass the time at the mall.
Popular mall-based arcades like Timezone, Tom’s World, and Quantum Amuseument Corporation have announced which branches have reopened on their social media pages.
As per IATF guidelines, indoor venues like arcades can only accommodate 30 percent capacity for fully vaccinated guests. Those plan to revisit the mall are asked to bring their vaccination card and valid ID.
TimeZone Philippines
Timezone Philippines has announced the reopening of various branches at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Market Market, Bonifacio High Street, Ayala Malls Feliz, and SM Megamall among others, subject to the new health and safety protocols.
Aside from vaccination cards and IDs, Timezone visitors are required to show their Powercards for credits (available at the counter) to enter. Those who wan to play will have to undergo temperature checks and fill up contact tracing forms. Guests are also reminded to sanitize their hands before and after playing.
Visitors at the arcade must wear masks and face shields properly at all times, observe social distancing, and follow other safety protocols required by the LGU.
Tom’s World
Tom's World is also operating at 30 percent capacity for fully vaccinated customers only. The leisure establishment has stepped up their health and safety protocols to keep the space safe for guests and staff alike.
The arcade has invested on different safety machines and equipment like air purifiers, token sterilizer, misting gun and follows strict implementation of safety protocols. Tom's World is also encouraging contactless transactions through their token changes and cashless transactions through GCash.
Various branches of Tom's World are now open at SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM City Fairview and more.
Quantum Amusement Corporation
Quantum Amusement Corporation has announced that their branches at Eastwood Mall, SM City Marikina, SM City BF Parañaque and more branches have reopened, with more branches to come in the following days.
The big question for many parents right now is, are kids allowed to play in arcades?
Based on the latest IATF guidelines, indoor leisure establishments like arcades can only accept fully vaccinated guests. Unless accessing essential goods (like mall-based medical or dental clinics), minors are still not allowed inside malls where arcades are located.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reiterated on Wednesday that children below 18 years old are still not allowed to enter restaurants and shopping malls for leisure activities in areas under Alert Level 3.
For now, outdoor exercises and intrazonal and interzonal travel for minors is allowed within the region as long as they’re accompanied by an adult or guardian. Minors are also allowed to travel to obtain essential goods or for work in permitted industries and offices.
However, parents and guadians are discouraged from allowing minors outside for non-essential activities. So it looks like visiting arcades will be an adult-only activity for the time being.
Metro Manila eased into Alert Level 3 on Oct. 16, and will stay in this quarantine classification until the end of the month. Other areas that were also placed under Alert Level 3 from Oct. 20 to 31 are: Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Siquijor, Davao City, and Davao del Norte.