Enchanting stories and sustainable initiatives

I don’t remember how long it has been since the first time I visited the theme park, but it always welcomed me with excited screams, joyous laughter, vibrant colors and a bustling atmosphere with the ebb and flow of the crowd. Every visit felt so enchanting that I would always have different stories to tell as soon as my day of fun ended.

The lifelong memories I made within the corners (and numerous attractions!) of Enchanted Kingdom (EK) are just some of the many that are etched in EK’s more than 20 years of giving people a magical experience. It truly has been a world of fun for the kids and kids at heart alike all these years.

Dubbed as the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, EK launched its roster of events for its 28th anniversary last Oct. 1 at Eldar’s Theater at the Sta. Rosa, Laguna park. With the theme “What’s Your Enchanted Story?,” the celebration places the spotlight on recreating memorable tales from the past and creating new magical experiences for every guest.“We are very excited to capture these enchanting stories from our past and present guests and celebrate these magical experiences with the future generation. All of you are part of Enchanted Kingdom’s story,” said Nico Mamon, 28th anniversary celebration wizard and the head of organization development and corporate planning.Fireworks competition

Mamon said the main anniversary highlight will be the return of the Sky Wizardry Fireworks Competition, eight years after its last spectacle. A collaboration with Filipino manufacturers, the competition is set to highlight local artistry with pyrotechnics and music, and will be held every Saturday of October.

On Oct. 7, they held a World Teachers’ Day celebration event as part of National Teachers’ month. Today, there will be “Storytime with Eldar” for the kids, which will be followed by its very own “Grand Storybook Characters Parade” to introduce other Enchanted Kingdom characters. A performance from Eldar’s E-Kreators will happen on Oct. 21 while the grand finale of the Sky Wizardry Fireworks Competition will be held on Oct. 28 along with the “Be Enchanted!” concert which will feature local artists including KZ Tandingan as the headliner.

Of course, EK also has new offerings that are here for a good time and not just as an anniversary special.

Along with its new attraction Agila the EKsperience will come with Starbooks, an interactive kiosk system and digital library in a box, containing thousands of carefully curated knowledge content. Two units will be installed at the attraction in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology, further cementing their vision of “edu-tainment,” or learning while enjoying.

Anna Mamon-Aban, EK’s head of business development and digital transformation also introduced the EK mobile app which features the park’s interactive map as well as ride and show schedules. She told Lifestyle that the app is also one of their initiatives to be more sustainable as a theme park, as the app will gradually reduce the production of physical copies of the maps usually distributed among guests.

The siblings shared to Lifestyle that the theme park embraced many other initiatives for the environment throughout the years as well.

According to them, EK is committed in implementing local government ordinances such as the strict utilization of recyclable utensils as well as in the proper segregation of wastes. They’re partnering with many of their suppliers who have similar initiatives, like Coca-Cola’s World Without Waste.Currently, around 90 percent of the lighting in the park uses LED. In the future, they are also looking into adopting solar technology.

Mamon also pointed out the park’s flora. “As you can see in the park, when it was developed and built, and even when you walk around, we really see and make sure that we maintain the greenery of the park,” he said. “We have I think over 50 to 60 different kinds of trees here in Enchanted Kingdom. There are also signs on them [bearing their common and scientific names], which is also part of the field trip experience for the students.”

For EK, its own enchanting story highlights not only the experience of its people, but also its own social responsibility. The whimsical moment they provide must be balanced, so every guest would leave as learned, changed individuals: improving both for themselves and for the environment.

So, now is a good time to ask, what is your enchanted story? INQ