Ask people what kind of superpower they wish to have, and many would say “to be able to fly.”
The country’s premier amusement park, Enchanted Kingdom makes this wish sort of come true when it finally opens its newest and grandest attraction yet, Agila the EKsperience on Sunday, Dec. 11.
Agila the EKsperience is the first and only flying theater in the Philippines and said to be the largest flying theater of its kind. It is inspired by our national bird, the Philippine Eagle.
The newest attraction uses a patented motion picture technology that creates a realistic sensation of flight as if like an eagle. Strapped on their seats, guests will get to “travel” from Batanes to Cagayan de Oro through the six-minute film which was shot in 10 days across more than 3,000 kilometers.
The visually stunning film will be viewed on a large format screen, whose combined area of 544 square meters is said to be larger than a basketball court and the typical IMAX theater screen.
Aside from a visual treat courtesy of the film that showcases the natural wonders of the Philippines, the flight is amped up with multi-sensory effects such as wind, water, mist, scents and the combination of overhead stereo speakers and seat bass shakers for the most realistic flying sensation.
The journey begins with the wise Wizard Eldar’s magical mission. He summons his mighty friend Agila to take visitors on an aerial quest to find and restore the light to the fading gem stones of Earth, Water and Air. As if by magic, the theater lifts guests from the ground and transports everyone across the country, to see the most amazing places from the vantage point of an eagle.
EK President Mario Mamon said Agila is the theme park’s most expensive attraction yet.
“It is, without mentioning any numbers, a substantial investment,” said Mamon. “But this is something that we feel will be really world class and will put Enchanted Kingdom at par with other amusement parks in Southeast Asia.”
In essence, Agila is both a fun and educational ride that can be enjoyed by all ages.
Agila the EKsperience is housed in the massive nine-story building Enchanted Kingdom started building in March 2015. An attraction on its own, the iconic structure is designed to depict the sun and its eight rays as a tribute to the Philippine flag—a testament to EK’s commitment to building Filipino pride.