Dabarkads join Dapitan City’s Festival of Colors

DAPITAN CITY, Philippines — Gloria’s Fantasyland, one of the country’s premiere theme parks and considered as the first amusement park in Visayas and Mindanao, has unveiled new attractions for family entertainment.

Among the attractions launched were the Joy of Life and The Festival of Colors shows. The event was graced by Dabarkads Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Paolo Ballesteros, Pia Guanio, Ryzza Mae Dizon, TAPE, Inc.’s Tony Tuviera, GMA 7 AVP for Regional TV Oli Amoroso, GMA TV Northern Mindanao station manager Armi Sobrimesana and Primetime Queen Marian Rivera who were billeted at the Dakak Beach Resort.

“Gloria’s Fantasyland is the biggest theme park outside of Luzon and the first of its kind in the whole of Mindanao. It is a place where we can showcase something that the Filipino can be truly proud of,” said Lana Jalosjos-de Leon, Dakak and Gloria’s Fantasyland VP for sales and marketing.

 The theme park was established five years ago. It is located near the Gloria de Dapitan Entertainment Complex. It boasts of high-tech facilities and brand-new, imported rides like the Zimmerman coaster, Go Kart, Bumper Cars, Beehive, 5D Theater and the most expensive Horror House, which was designed by movie set designers.

The Festival of Colors is an extravagant evening spectacle featuring the most colorful costumes in   the world. It wows and fascinates the theme park’s visitors with a dazzling display of beautiful fabrics, interesting art pieces and costumes worn by performers mounted on 12 giant floats showcasing the rich culture not just of the Philippines, but also of other Asian, African and European countries. Visitors to Gloria’s Fantasyland are also treated to a one-hour musical parade with original music, lighting and set designs created by award-winning Filipino artists.

The highlight of the float parade was the presence of Marian, who wore a Filipiniana dress. Also seen was Dapitan’s pride Junrey Balawing, a 2011 Guinness Book of World Records holder for being the world’s shortest man. The radiant smiles of the muses, dancers, performers and Marian kept the audience excited until the end of the parade. The show culminated with fireworks display.

Filipinos and foreign tourists can catch and enjoy the year-long Festival of Colors show daily at 10 p.m. The park is open from Tuesdays to Sundays at 4 p.m. onwards.