Christmas is definitely right around the corner, and if you haven’t taken your nearest-and-dearest to what could be your new “happy place,” you and the fam are missing quite a lot!
Dubbed as the country’s “biggest immersive theme park,” J Castles is a 30-acre area in Tanauan, Batangas, that is absolutely jam-packed with all sorts of family fun: from thrilling adventures, nostalgic journeys and awe-inspiring attractions.
A year after my very first visit where I explored the park’s Castle Pop and Castle Studios, and enjoyed the gastronomic offerings of Castle Foodie, I joined my fellow content creators again in touring the park’s newest features which give families compelling reasons to visit again and again, during the holidays and beyond.
1. Castle Adventure
Got hyperactive kiddos? Castle Adventure’s got all the fun stuff: here, the little ones can have an outlet for their boundless energy with exciting slides, hopscotch and obstacle courses, swings, interactive zones and lightscapes where they can run, climb, jump, explore, go on quests and let themselves and their imagination run wild.
2. Castle Carnival
In the mood for diversion and amusement? Castle Carnival should be right up your alley. Here, the fam can enjoy fun rides such as twirling teacups, drop-and-bounce, and even a double-decker carousel!
3. Castle Inflatables
What better way to take advantage of J Castles’ proximity to Taal Lake than to admire the scenic view from the country’s longest inflatable Infinity Pool? Enjoy some fun in the sun with the fam while lounging on the poolside or cooling down in the water.
You can also challenge your shooting and tossing skills through various classic carnival games reimagined in larger-than-life inflatable form.
If your kids feel like expending some more energy, they can explore more of Castle Inflatables’ attractions where they can run, climb, slide, spin and tumble to their heart’s delight!
4. Dreamers
J Castles recently unveiled its new nighttime light and fireworks show, featuring entrancing music, lights, and storytelling. While the castle’s facade is awash with captivating colors and shapes, the skies beyond it light up with a spectacular fireworks display.
Plan your fam’s visit today
Ready to bring your family to your newest happy place over the holidays? Book your tickets today via Klook – use my code “JELLYBEANS” to enjoy up to 5% discount.
J Castles is located at Purok 7, Barangay Gonzales, Tanauan City, Batangas. The park is open from 11am to 7pm, while Castle Inflatables is open from 9am to 6pm.
To get there:
via Private Vehicle: From Metro Manila, take the Sambat Exit (Star Tollway, Tanauan City, Batangas), exit to Talisay – Tanauan Road (2.5km) and follow signages going to J Castles.
via Public Transport: Take a bus going to Tanauan City from any major bus terminal in Metro Manila, then alight at Tanauan City bus stop where you can take a ride going to Victory Mall, Tanauan. Take a jeepney or tricycle going to Barangay Gonzales, where J Castles is located.
J Castles also offer an exclusive point-to-point shuttle service departing from Barangay Santor hourley from 1pm to 5pm.
Disclosure: Together with other content creators, I attended a tour of J Castles. Tickets and food were provided at no charge in exchange for this feature.
The enchanting world of Arendelle is no longer confined to the silver screen. On November 20, 2023, Frozen fans will witness the grand unveiling of the World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. This groundbreaking attraction, inspired by Disney’s mega-hit animated films, “Frozen” and “Frozen 2,” promises to redefine the very essence of theme park entertainment. As the first and largest “Frozen” themed land on the planet, it’s a journey that will melt hearts and create memories that last a lifetime.
Arendelle Awaits: The Ultimate Immersive Experience
Step into the shoes of Anna, Elsa, and Olaf as you embark on an unforgettable adventure into the World of Frozen. Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, known for its innovative and immersive attractions, is taking visitors on a journey into the mystical land of Arendelle. With captivating stories, beloved characters, and breathtaking landscapes, you’ll be transported to a world where magic knows no bounds.
From Screen to Reality: A Dream Come True
The magic of Arendelle comes to life with impeccable attention to detail. This new themed land is a testament to the power of imagination and Disney’s dedication to creating memorable experiences. From the moment you walk through the gates, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the charm, warmth, and wonder that made “Frozen” a global sensation.
Guests will delve into this immersive travel destination, with its captivating stories, beloved characters, culture, stunning landscapes, enchanting music, and cutting-edge technology for the first time in forever by celebrating Summer Snow Day and enjoying fun-filled attractions such as Frozen Ever After and Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs.
Michael Moriarty’s Vision: Elevating Hong Kong Disneyland
Michael Moriarty, the Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, couldn’t be more excited about this historic moment. He shared his thoughts on this monumental event, saying, “World of Frozen is set to make its grand debut at Hong Kong Disneyland on November 20, marking an exciting milestone for the park’s expansion. This beloved franchise will elevate Hong Kong Disneyland’s global presence. We are excited to offer our guests an enchanting and immersive experience, where they can explore the captivating wonders of Arendelle.”
Plan Your Visit: A Few Friendly Reminders
Before you pack your bags and head to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort to experience the magic of World of Frozen, here are a few important details to keep in mind:
Advance Ticket Purchase: Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance to secure your spot. You can also reserve your park visit up to 90 days before your planned visit via the Hong Kong Disneyland reservation website.
Stay Informed: Staying updated with the latest visit arrangements is crucial. Be sure to check out the latest information at Hong Kong Disneyland’s official website.
Mask Policy: Wearing face masks is optional for both guests and cast members throughout the resort. Feel free to enjoy the enchanting atmosphere without any mask-related worries.
So get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey, where the magic of “Frozen” comes to life before your very eyes. It’s a dream come true for Disney fans and adventure seekers alike, so mark your calendars and prepare for a trip to the magical kingdom of Arendelle.
About Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort offers unforgettable, culturally distinctive Disney experiences for guests of all ages and nationalities. Filled with your favorite Disney stories and characters, Hong Kong Disneyland offers guests the opportunity to explore seven diverse lands that are home to award-winning, unique attractions and entertainment. Complete your adventure with stays at the resort’s luxurious Disney hotels. The magic doesn’t end at our doorstep; as a dedicated member of the local community that cares deeply about societal wellbeing, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort spreads its magic through community service programs that help families in need, boost creativity among children and families, encourage the protection of the environment and inspire healthier living.
Mobile app gives the latest updates & helps plan your visit
The Hong Kong Disneyland mobile app keeps guests informed of all the excitement at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, from operating hours to entertainment schedules. Reserve your park visit and get Disney Standby Pass to meet Disney friends inside the park. Use the GPS-enabled map to find your way around the park or make reservations for park and hotel restaurants, and make every moment count with wait times for each attraction. Magic Access members can also view block-out calendars and membership privileges, designed to make your visit even more magical.
Download the Hong Kong Disneyland mobile app for free:
One of the happier news that we received lately is that the metro has moved down its COVID-19 alert level status, resulting to the further loosening of restrictions.
This new alert level has allowed leisure and entertainment businesses such as theaters, theme parks and other tourist attractions to open up and accept visitors once again.
More importantly, this means that after a year and a half of being stuck at home, the kiddos can now venture out and explore a bit of the world outside again.
As parents, you are surely on the lookout for a place to take the kiddos to give them a welcome break from the stress of online classes and the monotony of staying at home, while creating a special moment for the family to spend time together and create special memories outside of home.
Well, here are six reasons why Manila Ocean Park is your best bet for your family outing:
1. The people behind Manila Ocean Park are excited to see you again.
After more than a year of being away from their exhibits, outlets and shows, the staff of country’s first world-class marine theme park and premiere educational entertainment destination are happy to be back doing what they love.
MOP VP for Sales and Marketing Mary Joyce Tarroza and Media Relations Manager Reden Ramones join us for a photo opp.
Your friendly neighborhood unnie bloggers getting started on our Manila Ocean Park adventure.
During a chat with me and my fellow bloggers, MOP VP for Sales and Marketing Joyce Tarroza and Media Relations Manager Reden Ramones, relayed how Manila Ocean Park’s personnel have looked forward to the reopening.
“We are incredibly thrilled to finally be able to open Manila Ocean Park to the public again, return team members to work, and welcome guests back to enjoy our amazing and educational attractions,” added Mary Joyce.
2. It has reopened 6 well-loved indoor attractions.
With its return to operations, Manila Ocean Park has reopened six classic and fun-filled indoor attractions that appeal to young and old alike.
Oceanarium, for example, is home to over 270 species of marine creatures. Here, the family can walk through a 25-meter long curved walkway tunnel that gives visitors the feeling of being surrounded by sharks, stingrays, eels and other sea creatures swimming overhead.
Marveling at marine creatures
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s a manta ray!
Big fish in a big pond… err, aquarium.
Little fishie playing hide ‘n seek
🎶Just keep swimming…
Swimming, swimming… 🎶
The Jellies Exhibit, on the other hand, takes the family away to a wonderland of transparent jellyfishes that gracefully float and glide about accompanied by multimedia effects and music. This fantastic display has earned these creatures the moniker “The Dancing Sea Fairies.”
Jellybeans in the City with the Jellies.
Dancing sea fairies
Jellyfishes in the City, yeah, I went there!
Jellyfish duet
The more adventurous visitors can explore the World of Creepy Crawlies where they can encounter bugs, frogs, spiders and worms and other creatures not for the faint of heart.
The Penguin Exhibit, the first penguin park in the country, lets visitors get up close and personal with Humboldt penguins (also known as Peruvian penguins or Patranca).
Look at the penguins from Peru!
This penguin is showing off for the audience.
Humboldt Penguins are social animals.
They are curious creatures, too!
At the Christmas Village, the kids and adults can relive the magic and spirit of the holiday season.
Feeling the holiday vibe.
Hello, Santa!
Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland, too!
Lastly, at the Super Toy Collection, kids of all ages can view the most extensive display of toys inspired by Pinoy childhood superheroes.
With these fascinating points of interest in the park, the family will have lots to explore and discover.
3. You can catch the South American sea lions in action.
The fun doesn’t stop indoors, either.
Step out to the Sea Lion Show and catch these large but adorable creatures perform breathtaking tricks.
Sea lions from South America
“Watch my next trick!”
“Am I pretty?”
“Mwah!”
You might even get a kiss from one!
4. The family can enjoy a gastronomic journey al fresco
All that fun and excitement are sure to work up an appetite so plop down at the dining area near the Sea Lion Show and feast on on the newly refreshed Asian fusion menu from Chef Ranuka Hettiarachchi.
You may also opt to head down to Garden Dining by White Moon Bar where the kids can explore the greenery while the grownups relax with a drink or two.
Can’t get enough of these culinary creations? You can also have these scrumptious dishes delivered to your home. More on that here.
5. Protocols are still in place to keep your family safe
What welcome news it was to hear that kids 17 years old and below, regardless of their vaccination status, are now allowed inside the park, as long as they’re accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult.
Your family can rest easy knowing that your continued well-being is a top priority at Manila Ocean Park.
In line with the guidelines from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and the regulations from Philippine government, the theme park is operating at 30% capacity.
Enhanced health and safety measures are also being implemented in accordance with the Minimum Public Health Standards to promote physical distancing, enhanced cleanliness and reduced contact.
Of course, these measures can only be effective with the cooperation of guests so please keep these in mind during your visit:
Secure your Safety Pass by scanning the QR code at the entrance.
Submit to health and temperature checks and, for adults, present your vaccination card and ID prior to entering.
Wear your face masks and face shields at all times.
Keep at least one meter apart. Markers and reminders have been placed in several spots to guide you.
Wash and sanitize your hands frequently.
6. You can take advantage of amazing deals
Until November 21, kids below 17 years old accompanied by a fully vaccinated adults are accepted inside the park according to the IATF guidelines.
The city government of Manila also set the age cap for adult visitors at 65 years old.
So now is the best time to bring the whole family to Manila Ocean Park, especially with these amazing limited-time deals exclusively available at the park’s website until December 19, 2021.
Ocean Escapade (Php499 – formerly Php2,300) which provides access to the 6 reopened attractions at almost 80% discount from the original ticket price.
2+1 Flash Sale Promo. Buy 2 Ocean Escapade vouchers priced at Php595 and get 1 for free. That’s Php1,190 for 3 tickets already!
So not only can you bring the whole fam in for a lot of fun and adventure, you get to enjoy great savings, too!
Life in the city can feel somewhat stifling: modern life enables you to do so much but most of them require you to be sedentary, cocooned in air-conditioned rooms with your eyes glued to device screens, or traversing the drab concrete jungle.
Sometimes, we just crave for a bit of green space, areas with verdant life that refreshes the mind, body and soul. Several studies have already cited the health and social benefits of green spaces, which include stress reduction, enhanced mood and improved social interactions.
Just outside the metro in Mendez, Cavite, one can find Paradizoo, one of Zoomanity Group‘s theme parks. Here you can find green spaces in abundance, with 12-hectares of land that offers a combination of Paradize and Zoo that makes each visit uniquely relaxing and entertaining.
Inside the park, your eyes are treated to wide expanses of greenery with attractions such as:
Vegetable Garden. Paradizoo employs best faming practices, particularly in vermiculture, bokashi soil, hydrophonics and composting, to produce fresh and organic vegetables.
Flower Garden. Horticulturists and lovers of decorative plants will love the sheer variety of colors and shapes of flowers to be found here.
Meditation Garden. A quiet and peaceful place where one can relax and reflect, this is a boon to busy professionals who want to unload themselves from the cares of city life for a while.
Families will also welcome the opportunity to enjoy some time playing in the great outdoors with activities such as:
Archery Attack. An instructor will teach you the proper way to aim at and hit targets, which you can later use when doing mock battles with your companions.
Farm Frenzy. Meet and cuddle up (and let out your inner Disney Princess, hehehe!) as you meet new animal friends like rabbits, hamsters, birds, goats and other critters.
Plant Me Home. Want to take a bit of the greenery home with you? In this area, you can select flowers and vegetables from garden plots that you can buy and bring home.
Fun Z Bubble. Roll across the fields with the kids in this fun and exhilarating activity.
And when you’re parched or famished from all the exercise and outdoor activities, drop by the Paradizoo Cafe for some well-deserved snacking. You can also check out the cool souvenirs that you can buy and bring home with you.
As much as I love the city, it’s sometimes important to take a break from it for a while and get some respite in amidst the sunshine and greenery. Afterwards, I feel like I’m ready to face life in the city again, refreshed and re-energized.
Paradizoo is located along the Mendez-Tagaytay Road in Mendez, Cavite, open daily from 8am to 5pm.
To commute going there, ride a bus to Tagaytay City or at Olivarez terminal. Afterwards, then ride any jeepney or bus to Mendez and inform the driver to drop you off to Maglabe Drive. Lastly, take a trycicle ride to Paradizoo.
Rates:
Adult: Php199
Child (3 feet to 4 feet): Php149
Children below 3 feet free of charge
Book your eco-farm journey by emailing zoomanityonline@gmail.com or by calling +63 046 4131244 | +63 966 1938965. Know more about Paradizoo and other Zoomanity’s attractions at zoomanity.com.ph.
Here’s a tip: you can get discounted ticketsto Paradizoo Theme Farm by signing up for a free YOGO customer account and booking via the YOGO PH app (download now on Google Play or the App Store).
You can also book your tickets via KlookDisclosure: Together with fellow bloggers, I was invited by the Zoomanity Group to tour and experience the attractions at the Paradizoo Theme Farm. The tour was sponsored by the company and was not paid for by the attendees including myself.
Jellybeans in the City 