Last week, I was lucky to be part of the Media Launch (which I will share with you in a separate post) and therefore I was among the first to experience AGILA.

To be honest, a blog post will not be enough to contain how I felt for that brief moment. But I hope this will give glimpses that will encourage you to try it with your loved ones and see for yourself. :)

Why is AGILA world-class?

SimEx-Iwerks is the name behind the technology of this ride. The patented SkyRide innovation will finally land in the Philippines.

SimEx-Iwerks is a world leader in cinematic attractions specializing in designing and building 3-D, 4-D, 5-D, 6-D Ride and Simulation Experiences. For over 25 years, SimEx-Iwerks has built partnerships with institutions, parks and destinations that today provide our Special Effects Experiences at over 200 attractions worldwide. SimEx-Iwerks’ family friendly attractions are experienced by 30 million guests annually, generating new revenues and increasing overall 
park attendances.  (From SimEx-Iwerks.com)

What can you expect from AGILA?

(Photo from Interaksyon) 

Unlike other attractions, this is not beginning with just a line of people wanting to get inside the theater. There is like an initiation process (char) to prepare your senses for what you are actually getting yourself into. Enjoy this, because it blurs the line between the real and unreal (triggered, hello postmodernism *intended haha I miss ENG103) better than other fantasy rides do. It makes you present. Though you know what you see cannot be real, in that moment, things are different. Rules are broken. 

Leave your problems behind, you are entering a new world.

The theater has three levels of seats, but the same experience is guaranteed wherever your ticket leads you. 

Though, I must admit that I was happy to see we were assigned on the highest level. AGILA did not take off right away. But there was no room for impatience because I just took the time staring at the HUGE SCREEN in front of us, so huge it felt like it can eat us, and observing at the people around as they were tying their seat-belts. Everyone was excited. There is no age difference here, we were all acting giddy as if we were five-year-olds. Ate Angel was beside me, and kuya Benedict was beside her. A row of strangers was on my right, but it was like there were no strangers here, we are in our own world after all.   

Ate Angel was sharing with me how her first ride gave her goosebumps and tears. See, this ride is not just about the external thrill, the experience intends to give people an internal impact.

When our flight started, I deliberately forgot that I am just in this seat with 104 more people. As a huge fan of flying and theater, to literally be in a flying theater is just a dream come true. And thank God for Enchanted Kingdom! Because if not, you and I would have to fly to Disneyland California or Disneyland Shanghai to experience it and watch the film Soaring Over The World. Or to other countries that have it, too.

(Photo from SkyRise Miami)

(Illustration from InPark Magazine)

Because of Enchanted Kingdom, this technology is now within our reach. But it does not end there. It is not Soaring Over The World you will watch when you fly with AGILA. Flying on the wings of the Philippine Eagle is unique to the movie EK offers. Where else would he take you but to the beautiful places in our own archipelago?

Where AGILA takes you

From Batanes to Jolo, the ride is literally breathtaking and overwhelming. Not because of rollercoaster feels that will take your heart away, but because of the splendor of our land (and water) that will just tug your heart and make you proud to be a citizen of this country. Not to mention the ORIGINAL MUSIC BY RYAN CAYABYAB for this film--everything is really meant to harmonize your senses. The movement of its wings, the view, the speed, the transition.

Printscreen of an actual scene (WATCH this one-minute Youtube video)

In my experience, I really felt blessed every movement, sound, cheer of the crowd, smell of the popcorn and flower, mist in the air, fog--it was real. My childhood dreams of riding a huge flying creature (whether unicorn or dragon haha) and seeing great views became real for a brief moment. The moment was brief, but it sure will stay with me.

After this EKsperience, I can honestly say that I have never seen the Philippines this way. What I have seen in postcards or YouTube videos, were just surrounding me that moment. For six minutes, I have been to over 20 destinations. Of course this does not replace the real thing like literally visiting the places, but that is not the aim of AGILA anyway. This is our springboard to future travels.  

During the media launch, Chief Operating Officer Cynthia Mamon said that often, attractions make you want to go somewhere else. But AGILA inspires you to discover our own first.

Yes, AGILA is more than a ride, it promotes the Filipino spirit. It inspires tourism in our homeland. 

The bigger picture is a story of entrepreneurship, disruption, and inclusive business according to Department of Tourism Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado during her speech at the Formal Launch.

What happens when you ride the AGILA

For every ticket sold, one peso will go to the Philippine Eagle Foundation. Every person who leaves the theater will not leave without passing by PUGAD, too. PUGAD is a Go Lokal store in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry. This is a platform for local artists to get exposure in the market and earn from their crafts and designs.

(Photo from Gadgets Magazine)

(Because photos or it didnt happen char. Thanks ate Angel)

From shirts to drawstring bags (there is this REALLY cute must-have drawstring bag there and it says Collect moments not things, though when you collect it, you collect a thing so it is a paradox.) to Pugad plushies to magnets to caps, there are different merchandise to choose from.

Photo from Angel Isles (rightmost) I am so happy to meet the bubbly Zy from Enchanted Kingdom Digital Marketing and kuya Benedict, the CEO of ResortsGuide.ph! This was us outside Pugad after the Launch of the store. Yes, it was the second of three launches that same day.

(Photo from Kate Was Here. Read her blog Enchanted Kingdom Newest Ride Takes Flight) 

MAG-ANAK is a culpture by British-born, Cebu-based artist James Doran Webb depicting the Eagle Family. He made it from dead wood and created a masterpiece. The building of AGILA shows you more reasons to be proud of who you are.

In summary, taking this flight will not only give you a memorable ride, it will give you more reasons to love the Philippines and to appreciate life. There are many things to look forward to, and many places we still have not been to.

Keep going, keep soaring high like AGILA. :)

This I think is what makes the EKsperience an EKceptional one.