Ice, ice babies talk about warm memories of Manila
Not every little girl dreams of becoming a princess. But a Disney princess? Yes!
This rings true for professional figure skater Gretchen Trowbridge, who started skating when she was three.
“It may sound funny but I have a soft spot for Pluto,” Gretchen says with an impish grin. “Though I still dream of becoming a Disney princess, I realized that being ‘evil’ is quite fun. Because aside from having kids get ‘scared’ of you, it’s really quite fun to be booed at,” she jokingly adds, drawing cheers/jeers from the crowd.
Gretchen is one of the performers of the “Disney On Ice: 100 Years of Wonder” which will be coming to Manila this December.
“It’s my third opportunity to perform here,” she adds. “I was here in 2009 and 2014. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been to Manila and I’m proud to say that this is the best place on the planet to bring Disney On Ice stories during Christmastime.”
Gretchen and her team travel around the globe to spread some holiday cheer, but tickets don’t sell as fast as they do in Manila.
“Here, people really take their families out and celebrate publicly. And that’s special for us. And so, we really work hard to make you guys happy,” she adds.
The last time “Disney On Ice” performed in the country was Jan. 5, 2020, several weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
Bringing the magic of Disney back to Manila
Gretchen was in Manila for the press launch of “Disney On Ice: Celebrating 100 Years of Wonder.” Featuring new and classic tales, SM and Feld Entertainment are bringing back this multi-generational experience from Dec. 22 to Jan. 7 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“We’re celebrating milestones today,” says Arnel Gonzales, SAVP and general manager of SM MOA Arena. “First, we’re celebrating 65 wonderful years of the SM brand. We’re also celebrating 100 years of Disney and Disney On Ice has ‘100 Years of Wonder’ to commemorate this.”
“Disney On Ice” has become a Filipino family tradition, and it means the world to Feld Entertainment to be back and welcome a new generation of fans to see the show.
“I’m sure many of the parents who will come this year have memories of ‘Disney On Ice’ when they were a kid and now, they get to share that experience with their children. We’re proud that we’re a show that all generations can come and enjoy together,” enthuses Matthew Garrick, senior director at APAC Feld Entertainment.
That’s true. “Disney On Ice” has become a tradition to most Filipino families — mine included — come Christmastime. It’s a must for kids, no matter where you and your family rank on the Disney Fan-O-Meter. The last time my family watched it though was when my son was seven years old, almost two decades ago. So, yes, I had to research who Mirabel of Encanto is before coming to the press launch. But yes, I’m still spellbound by the magic of Disney.
Exciting tweaks and turns await as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and the Disney princesses embark on an interactive and memory-rich adventure to iconic Disney destinations.
“This year’s ‘Disney On Ice’ will be unlike anything fans have seen before — it’s bigger, has more character interactions, and has new show elements that will take families on an adventure through timeless stories,” notes Garrick.
See the world from the rooftops of London with Mary Poppins and Jack and his band of dancing lamplighters.
“It’s the first time Feld Entertainment is bringing Mary Poppins to Manila,” shares Gretchen. “And yes, Mary Poppins is going to ‘fly.’ So as soon as families get into the Arena, they’ll feel like they’re in London. And just like in the movie Mary Poppins Returns, there’s a bike scene. Onstage, we’ll have tricksters called BMX Bikers who will jump around with their bikes on the ramps. It’s quite memorable.”
Guests can also travel with the gan to the sun-soaked Motunui and help Moana restore the heart of Te Fiti. Set off on a safari and snap unforgettable photos of wild cheetahs and monkeys when guests traverse through the Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa.
Discover a whole new world and be swept up in Aladdin’s princely parade filled with spectacular stunts, magical moments with Genie, and a brand-new song from Jasmine that will render the audience Speechless.
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Watch out for the complete list of ticket prices and best-view seats this October via SM Tickets platform and nationwide outlets.
