Today, October 19, Santa Rosa, Laguna, honors the 28th anniversary of Enchanted Kingdom (EK), the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, producing and offering amazing experiences and memories that last a lifetime for the Filipinos.
The theme park began with seven elaborately themed zones that were dotted with food stands, shops, kiosks, and other skill games when it first opened to the public in 1995. EK expanded to nine themed zones almost three decades after it first opened, housing more than 30 rides and attractions, 13 entertainment performances, 21 souvenir stores, 11 event facilities, and the AGILA the EKsperience, the country’s first and only flying theater.
More than just a themed amusement park offering thrill and excitement, the theme park also provides educational entertainment (edutainment) to guests of all ages, especially students.
Magical Beginnings
With the upcoming 28th anniversary celebration, EK Chairman and President Mario O. Mamon shared the humble beginnings of the theme park during the Philippine Tourism Investment Summit 2023.
“Why invest in tourism, specifically a theme or amusement park? Because there were no honest to goodness theme parks in the country at the time that we started planning. There were none of the scale, magnitude and qualities similar to theme parks like Knott’s Berry Farm & Disneyland in California,” Mr. Mamon explained.
“Most especially, we wanted to provide Filipinos the opportunity to obtain the ‘authentic theme park’ experience without necessarily having to travel abroad to do so,” he continued.
A Roller Coaster Ride and TIEZA partnership
But as in any pioneering venture, Enchanted Kingdom faced many internal and external challenges over the years, hence EK’s “roller coaster history”.
When the construction was implemented from 1992 to 1995, theme or amusement parks were not in the Investment Priorities Plan (IPP) of the Board of Investments (BOI) and the government. Mr. Mamon said that the enactment of Republic Act No. 9593, or “The Tourism Act of 2009,” gave EK a ray of hope for their future development plans as “theme parks” were then specifically included as a tourism enterprise.
“The decade after RA 9593’s enactment were our growth years wherein we increased not only our attendance but also our land area with the end in view of transforming the standalone facility into a multi-day, multi experiential ‘integrated attractions destination,’ similar to what other parks were doing all over the world. We decided to put our plans into motion in 2019 by applying for TIEZA accreditation to become both a Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ) and a Registered Tourism Enterprise (RTE),” Mr. Mamon narrated.
However, after TIEZA granted EK the seal of approval in 2020, the pandemic occurred. Still, EK bravely proceeded with the delivery and installation of their latest ride attraction, working collaboratively with TIEZA, all during the early lockdown phase of the pandemic.
Magic lives forever: Future Plans
As the impact of the pandemic eased by 2022, the tourism sector slowly recovered and regained its vibrancy. In fact, EK was cited by the government of Laguna for generating the highest number of same day visitors in 2022. The recognition was conferred during the provincial government’s celebration of the National Tourism Week 2023 at the Cultural Center of Laguna.
According to Chief Operating Officer Dr. Cynthia R. Mamon, the world class theme park is steadfast in enhancing its products and services to create magical experiences for all its guests. “Enchanted Kingdom is committed to our vision to be the Philippine leader in wholesome family leisure and entertainment. The recognition will serve as an inspiration to EK to always be the best channel of magic to every Filipino. We hope that in continuing to give our best, we are able to contribute to the betterment of our immediate community here in Laguna,” said Dr. Mamon.
Through its upcoming Cultural Village, which will feature rides and attractions centered on Filipino culture and history, Enchanted Kingdom is dedicated to strengthening and fostering Filipino patriotism beyond its 28th anniversary. With branded dining establishments planned for the EK Portico area, which is close to the park’s entrance, EK is also working its magic to give its visitors an upgraded dining experience.
Theme park will open its gates every day of the week beginning December 17 and will continue to offer pure family entertainment, particularly throughout the Christmas season, according to EK’s final announcement.
Visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph/ and EK’s official social media accounts @enchantedkingdom.ph for Facebook and Tiktok, and @ek_philippines for Twitter and Instagram for more details on this celebration and other planned events.
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