KidZania Manila National Art and Design Academy Launch

     The happiest place in the metro (for me and Kenzo) as of the moment- KidZania Manila recently inaugurated a booth where kids can do big things in the world of art and design. Kenzo is a budding artist that's why during the event, he truly enjoyed his experience at KidZania Manila's National Art and Design Academy.

     The misters and misses that day saw a new and colorful light with the opening of the National Art and Design Academy. This successful partnership of National Bookstore and Dong-A made us more excited to visit KidZania Manila! The play city now has maestros who'll be creating wonderful masterpieces. Kids who love to draw and paint can now express themselves artistically inside the booth. Highlights of the launch below :)

KidZania Manila National Art and Design Academy Launch

     KidZania Manila’s National Art and Design Academy was launched recently, through a gathering of Filipino artists. Hosted by LA Ferriols, the launch gave attendees a sneak peek into the exciting and art-filled experience that kids are set to enjoy. The unveiling was also attended by the park's state governor, Maricel Arenas-Pangilinan and representatives from National Bookstore and Dong-A.

KidZania Manila National Art and Design Academy Launch

     The event was also graced by special guests including art prodigy Hamzah Marbella, visual artist Tokwa Peñaflorida, and graphic artist Dan Matutina.

KidZania Manila National Art and Design Academy Launch
Visual artist Tokwa Peñaflorida, Art prodigy Hamzah Marbella, and graphic artist Dan Matutina on the hot seat with Ms. L.A. Ferriols

     After the presentation of guests, Kenzo joined the live activity demonstration. He experienced that day what kids can do inside the academy. Kenzo was giddy to get hold of the paint brushes so he chose to do the stained glass wall painting activity. To make the experience more memorable and of course inspiring, one of the guest artists joined and taught him some techniques while painting the glass.

KidZania Manila National Art and Design Academy Launch
Kenzo with Graphic artist Dan Matutina

Misters and Misses Artists for a better world, hear ye! hear ye! 

     I'm pretty sure you're all excited to know what's in store for you when you visit the newly opened National Art and Design Academy. Here are the things that you need to know if you want to be an artist or designer for a day:

• The National Art and Design Academy offers fun-filled painting and drawing activities that allow kids to craft memorable pieces. 
• By painting a stained glass window or a wall mural, misters and misses can color KidZania-inspired images to their hearts’ delight and earn 8 kidZos. Kids can also pay 15 kidZos to join painting and drawing classes. 
• A maximum of 15 minutes is provided for the creative exercise and some artists-in-training can even bring home their finished artwork right after. 
• Participating CitiZens also receive higher salary or pay less to join the activity.

KidZania Manila National Art and Design Academy Launch
Kenzo with Graphic artist Dan Matutina listening to the instructions of the KidZania Manila Staff

     Within the establishment’s activities, the fun and learning continue as kids experiment with watercolor, using Dong-A supplies. Misters and misses can surely produce works of art as their canvas becomes their own personal playground. Look at Kenzo's almost finished stained glass window painting. Adorbs, right?! He's so happy with his work and wanted to paint the entire window.

KidZania Manila National Art and Design Academy Launch
Busy as a bee, Kenzo's before and after work :)

     Let your kids discover and hone their artistic potential and let their imagination run free to create their own masterpieces only at KidZania Manila’s newly opened National Art and Design Academy. The play city is open every day: Mondays to Thursdays (9AM-4PM); and Fridays to Sundays (9AM-2PM and 3-8PM). 

To book tickets and for more information, visit manila.kidzania.com

Good Times!~

KidZania Manila: Safe and Secure Hub for Learning through Play

     A city where kids can do big things, KidZania Manila is an exciting destination for dreamers ages four to 14 to role-play various careers in a safe, secure environment. With about 8,000 square meters of educational play space, the kid-sized metropolis is designed to be as child-friendly as possible—from the look and feel of each establishment, to the professional and pleasant staff that guide and care for kid visitors.

     Kenzo is so excited to visit KidZania Manila for the second time. This time, he is going to play there with his cousins. I'm pretty sure that some mommies here had been there not only once, right? I'm also excited to go back there because it's childhood feels, indeed! It's fun and tiring at the same time but definitely worth it! More details about KidZania Manila after the jump.

KidZania Manila: Safe and Secure Hub for Learning through Play

KidZania Manila

• KidZania Manila is a mini-metropolis customized for kids. 
• The play city features smaller-scale yet completely functional replicas of city structures such as a bank, fire station, hospital, TV and radio stations, theater, and even its own Supreme Court and tax office.
• The strict attention to details is reflected not only in designing and building a hyper-real replica of a working city, but also in the safety and security features of the entire facility. 
• KidZania Manila has anti-slip flooring and no sharp edges to avoid accidents, as well as heavily secured access points and clear directional signage. 
• Also in place are professional security measures, including CCTV monitoring cameras, a paging system, and emergency facility features, to ensure that each kid remains safe while inside the premises.

KidZania Manila: Safe and Secure Hub for Learning through Play

     In addition, kids and their parents are fitted with matching RFID (radio frequency identification) security bracelets when they check in at the KidZania Manila International Airport. These devices keep track of the kids’ location at all times and ensure that no child can leave the facility without being accompanied or picked-up by their registered adult companion.

KidZania Manila: Safe and Secure Hub for Learning through Play
At KidZania Manila, parents and guardians can keep track of their kids’ location at all times through the use of matching RFID bracelets. Only KidZania staff can put them on and take them off, ensuring that no child can go out of the play city without their registered adult companion.

Care in Every Corner

     KidZania Manila also went to great lengths to ensure that the entire play city is accessible to all kids, including those with special needs and disabilities. Aside from elevators transferring from floor-to-floor, stair lifts are also provided for establishments or levels accessed through stairs. The comfort rooms are compliant with Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 (An Act to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain Buildings, Institutions, Establishments and Public Utilities to Install Facilities and Other Devices) and its Amended Implementing Rules and Regulations (the “Accessibility Law”). Information in establishments within the city is also available in audio-visual medium.

     Friendly, professional and accommodating, the KidZania Manila staff are also equipped with the expertise to accommodate and assist visiting kids. They have completed a series of training sessions, including the KITE (Knowledge Integration Training for Expertise) Training Program, to ensure that the operation, safety, and experience of KidZania Manila meet global quality standards.

KidZania Manila: Safe and Secure Hub for Learning through Play

     Key frontline personnel are also trained in the provision of first-aid and carry basic medical kits with them at all times. In addition, the play city has a dedicated, fully qualified first aid team that can attend to medical concerns.

Let your kids experience the power and fun of play at KidZania Manila. 

For more information on ticket prices and schedules, visit manila.kidzania.com

About KidZania

     KidZania is an interactive kids’ city combining inspiration, fun, and learning through realistic role-play for kids four to 14. Kids can independently explore a kid-sized city with over 100 role-playing activities. Each experience is designed to empower kids, giving them the confidence to be their best selves, and inspiration to be great global citizens. One of the world’s most inventive, most awarded and fastest-growing kids’ educational entertainment concepts, KidZania has 21 locations in 18 countries, including in the Philippines.

     KidZania, Inc., headquartered in Mexico, was founded in 1997, opened its first park in 1999, and is privately held. For more information about KidZania Manila, visit manila.kidzania.com. KidZania is locally franchised by Play Innovations, Inc., whose majority stakeholder is ABS-CBN Corporation.

Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival

     "Let it go, let it go." I'm sure the whole family will not let it go now that another magical show will happen this holiday season that will showcase two of the most loved characters of the recent Disney movie- Frozen. Are you ready to see princess Ana and Queen Elsa

     For kids and kids at heart, Christmas is never complete without the colorful, magical show that makes Christmas dreams and fantasies come to life—Disney on Ice. And this holiday season, the awe-inspiring Disney On Ice returns for another spectacular performance on ice.

Disney on Ice presents Magical Ice Festival

     Now on its 33rd show worldwide, Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival will once again capture the hearts of the Filipino fans—both parents and their children—who will watch the show at the Big Dome.

     This year’s grand production will wow viewers as it features Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Tangled, Beauty and the Beast, and – for the first time – the Academy Award winning and number one animated feature film of all time, Frozen!

Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival

     “We are taking a fresh new spin on how we’re presenting the Disney stories. We are weaving together the four worlds of royal sisters Anna and Elsa, Ariel, Belle and Rapunzel as they each embark on their own epic journey,” says producer Juliette Feld.

     Disney on Ice presents Magical Ice Festival showcases a medley of splendid set elements, impressive light display and costume pieces, along with show-stopping performances by a cast of world-class skaters!

     “Everyone will be in awe as they watch Ariel slowly pulled upwards and then rapidly twirl above the ice. This is the first time that we’ve captured her transformation like this in a production. That’s what makes Magical Ice Festival different, we selected scenes we’ve never done before and then took our time on the details to make them truly special,” says director Patty Vincent.

     Sure to amaze and delight kids and young at heart, Disney On Ice will take you to an unforgettable magical journey as you get whisked away into the wintry world of Disney movie’s Frozen!

     “In our more than 30 years of producing Disney On Ice shows, Feld Entertainment has been waiting for a film like Frozen,” says producer Nicole Feld.

      “By pulling together moments from classic Disney stories to the newest feature film sensation Frozen and combining them with elements of comedy and music, we developed a truly unique way to re-tell each fairytale,” says producer Juliette Feld.

     Celebrate Christmas with your family and Disney favorites Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy, together with Ariel, Belle, Rapunzel, and sisters Anna and Elsa in the enchanting world of Disney on Ice presents Magical Ice Festival.

The show runs from December 25 to January 3. Tickets are now on sale. 

For more information, visit TicketNet website or call 911-5555

Tips on How to Maximize Your Kid's Time at KidZania Manila

     Kenzo really enjoyed his stay at KidZania months ago. If time permits, we will stay there the whole day. There are so many things to do in KidZania, your kid's precious play time will be well spent if you know how to maximize your time during your visit. It's the most visited play city in Manila today, I've heard that you need to book ahead to reserve a slot. I promised Kenzo that we will go back to KidZania with his cousins. But for now, here are the tips to make the most out of your child's KidZania Manila experience.

Tips on How to Maximize Your Kid's Time at KidZania Manila
L- Our KidZania boarding passes, R- KidZania Tags :)

     Kids looking for an awesome experience that lets them learn while having fun can head to KidZania Manila—the only interactive play city where kids can explore, discover, and learn how the real world works. 

     Built to scale for children, KidZania Manila has more than 70 establishments and features over 100 role-playing activities that kids aged four to 14 years can enjoy. These fun and immersive career activities have been designed to be developmentally appropriate for their age group.

     The play city has a wide range of activities to choose from, you’ll find a handy guide below on how kids can maximize the fun and have the best learning experience at KidZania Manila. 

Tips on How to Maximize Your Kid's Time at KidZania Manila
KidZania activity infographic

Find the best career

     Upon arrival at KidZania Manila, kids are given a boarding pass and check for 50 kidZos. Once inside the play city, they can head over to the Bank to encash their check into KidZos—the official currency in KidZania. Here’s a not-so-secret tip: they can conveniently open a bank account with a minimum deposit of 20 kidZos—just make sure to check the schedule for the opening of accounts at the Bank. After opening an account, kids get their own personalized ATM card that they can use in the ATMs all around the play city. 

Tips on How to Maximize Your Kid's Time at KidZania Manila
50 kidZos was given to Kenzo after we encashed the check upon our arrival at KidZania 

     Now, it’s time for them to choose where they want to go. Kids can check each establishment’s Census Plaque to help them determine which activity they can participate in. Reading these plaques is especially helpful because they indicate the age requirement and duration period of the activity, as well as how many visitors can join and whether the activity will require earning or spending kidZos.

     KidZania Manila also has an Employment Office which helps kids determine their preferred immersive activity. Here, visitors find out which jobs are best suited for them, giving them a better idea on which establishments to go to. 

     Once they decide which job to take, kids can easily find the establishment using an app on a mobile phone which they can rent at the ABS-CBN Mobile shop.

Earning kidZos

     Just like in the real world, kids can get a bachelor’s or master’s degree in various fields at the Centro Escolar University. They can sign up for any—or all!—of the four degrees at the University: Humanities and the Arts, Engineering and Architecture, Health Sciences, and Business Administration. This allows them to earn more or pay less kidZos in the professions related to the fields they have studied. 

Tips on How to Maximize Your Kid's Time at KidZania Manila
Kenzo wanted to join the activity in all the establishments but we wasn't not able to maximize our time since we arrived an hour later and it's Saturday. 

     Fans and frequent visitors can even become citiZens of KidZania Manila through the B-KidZanian loyalty program. They can apply for their very own PaZZport at the PaZZport Office and earn stamps every time they role-play a career. The more activities kids complete, the more benefits they'll earn and the more fun they'll have on their very next visit. 

Bring home the KidZania experience

     If kids want to bring home a souvenir or two, the National Store is the place to go to. With two locations—one near PikZ station and the other just by the exit—they will surely find toys and collectibles that capture the fun they had at KidZania Manila. The National Store accepts payments in Philippine pesos, a foreign currency in the play city.

Tips on How to Maximize Your Kid's Time at KidZania Manila
Kenzo's precious photo taken inside the Emergency/Medic Room and the photo was printed at the PikZ Station :) 

     Another important stop for kids and their parents alike is the PikZ Station, where they can get photos of the misters and misses’ unforgettable and precious on-the-job moments at the play city. 

Z-U next time! 

     After a fun and eventful day of “work” and play, kids can make a beeline for the Immigration Office, located between the Mobile Shop and the National Store. This is where security bracelets are removed and guests make their exit. 

Tips on How to Maximize Your Kid's Time at KidZania Manila
Our last stop was the city tour bus. We enjoyed our tour before going home. Kenzo also bought something from his hard earned KidZos that day at the souvenir shop

     At KidZania Manila, kids can enjoy a fun learning experience that sparks their imagination, ignites their minds, nurtures creativity, and inspires real-world exploration. And with these tips, children can do even bigger things and make the most out of their role-playing experience. Bring your kids at KidZania, I swear that your trip will be oh so worth it! I'll make another blog post on Kenzo's experience at KidZania soon!:) 

Let your kids enjoy the KidZania Manila experience!
For more information, visit manila.kidzania.com
Like them on Facebook: KidZania Manila
Follow them on Twitter: @KidZaniaManila
Follow them on Instagram: @kidzaniamanila

Good Times!~

About KidZania

     KidZania is an interactive kids’ city combining inspiration, fun, and learning through realistic role-play for children four to 14. Kids can independently explore a kid-sized city with over 100 exciting roles. Each experience is designed to empower kids, giving them the confidence to be their best selves, and inspiration to be great global citizens. One of the world’s most inventive, most awarded and fastest-growing kid’s educational entertainment concepts, KidZania has 20 locations in 17 countries, including in the Philippines. 

     KidZania, Inc., headquartered in Mexico, was founded in 1997, opened its first park in 1999, and is privately held. For more information about KidZania Manila, visit manila.kidzania.com.

     KidZania is locally franchised by Play Innovations, Inc., whose majority stakeholder is ABS-CBN Corporation.