Amusement is something we all look forward to when we plan a vacation. This is probably why theme parks always top the things-to-do list of every holiday itinerary.
For children, teen-agers, and adults alike, an amusement park is where one gets to create some of the best memories with family, friends, colleagues, or a special someone – armed only with an adventurous, child-like spirit and a happy heart – and relive them time and time again.
For nearly 30 years, Star City struck the perfect blend between fun, entertainment, shopping, and the thrills of an adventure that everyone seeks even on a brief respite from everyday living. . . at a price most ordinary Filipinos could afford. Indeed, when one thought of a relatively affordable weekend get-away, close enough to home, and with something for everyone, Star City was the only place that came to mind.
Housed within the CCP Complex, Star City rose at the site of the erstwhile Philippine Center for Trade Exhibitions (Philcite) which housed events such as car shows, book fairs, heavy machinery exhibitions, and even firearms displays. But after the birth of his daughter Thalassa, Star City founder Fred J. Elizalde let loose his brilliant creativity when he pitched the concept of converting Philcite into a full-fledged theme park for families to enjoy. The massive concrete structure soon became the venue of a year-round toys and gifts fair, supplemented by carnival rides and attractions that the masses enjoyed. But unlike the itinerant country “perya” that popped up for a week or two during a district or town fiesta, it was meant to become the go-to place for weekdays and weekends.
And in the three decades that followed, Star City became truly big on family fun, where a world of excitement, entertainment, and education awaited visitors, be they young or young at heart. Rides that spun, twirled, or zoomed. . . a collection of haunts to fulfill one’s fantasies. . . shows that provided spills and thrills. . . a nivean haven in negative 17 degrees to counter the heat of everyday living. . .toys, clothes, and other merchandise that were easy on the pocket. . . and fun-filled scoops of food and goodies all blended together in a one-stop-shop of merriment spread out over 35,000 square meters that boasted the only all-weather, airconditioned amusement park in the country. Retail and entertainment combined in a groundbreaking trend eventually followed by shopping malls nationwide.
Indeed, there was simply no way that kids and even adults could not enjoy Star City. Children let their imagination go wild as they indulged in their favorite rides, while their elders screamed their lungs out -- countering the stress of working hard by playing hard . Giant huggable stuffed toys guaranteed sweet dreams to many who won at arcade games, while massage chairs and wiggly fish spas provided relaxation in between the heart-racing, adrenaline-pumping non-stop action. And for many, even the simple joys of roaming around the amusement park with its cacophony of sights and sounds, brought pure unadulterated joy as a quick fix from the emotional wringer of today’s challenges. . .a wondrous reminder of why it is important to celebrate the child in each and every one of us when we can – with company, or alone.
But shortly after midnight on Oct. 2, 2019, Star City was gutted by fire. The cherished holiday dreams of children were shattered when the country’s oldest and most famous amusement park went up in smoke. Schools that had a planned to cap field trips with a few hours at the park had to make alternative arrangements. Families that had planned birthday celebrations or Christmas reunions by treating guests to ride-all-you-can access had to look elsewhere. Couples who were looking forward to cozily holding hands on the stimulating rides and attractions have gravitated toward newly romanticized places where they can snuggle under the stars instead. Hundreds working at the park lost their jobs. And many continue to mourn.
Park officials remained upbeat about the future of Star City, since the outdoor rides were untouched. It has been two long years since, with complications brought by the pandemic thrown in, but members of the management team were adamant to see the amusement park brought to life once more.
And come Jan. 14, 2022, Star City will reopen softly, welcoming visitors from 2-10 p.m. daily for the entire month, but moving to a Thursday-Sunday schedule from February to August as it pushes toward full completion through the rest of the year.
Comprising two floors on its original 3.4 hectare footprint, it will feature a more roomy and spacious but simple layout. Favorite rides will again be around. Kids can savor bump cars, mini viking, playland, quack quack and frosty train. Adults can look forward to the tornado, muzik express, bump car smash, and jumping star. Families can expect the Grand Carousel, Star Wheel, Telekombat, Wacky Worm, and the Egyptian Spinning Coaster among others. Those who derive their thrill from extreme rides will again be treated to the Star Frisbee, Jungle Splash, Surf Dance, the Seahorse Viking and the inverted roller coaster called the Star Flyer.
A Star Pass, priced at PhP400, will entitle the visitor to ride-all-you-can access. Entrance to Snow World, if bought at the gate or online will be PhP160. To promote contactless transactions under the new normal, the public will be encouraged to buy online, where QR codes can be sent to the guest via email, printed or saved on a cell phone, and then scanned at the gate to gain entry.
However, people may still buy their tickets at the gate. Health protocols prescribed by IATF like temperature check at the gate will be implemented, along with social distancing at the queues, provision of alcohol dispensers throughout the park, and sanitation of all rides in between cycles. Personnel and guests will be required to wear masks. Because of the current IATF Alert level 3 status, all guests must present their vaccination cards at the gate.
In the reconstruction, management made sure that the rebuilt and renovated building, including Aliw Theater, is structurally sound and compliant with fire detection and prevention rules and regulations, so the public can be assured of their safety. Capable and able staff will be around to handle any emergency, medical or otherwise. Park officials will also be monitoring capacity, and there will be real time updates over the official Star City website on whether the park can accommodate more guests.
Public excitement has already built up about the reopening of the park. As the year 2022 kicks in, beautiful memories of time spent with friends and family at the country’s foremost amusement park will be rekindled and relived to exhilaration. After all, Star City has been the Filipino favorite in terms of family fun and entertainment for the past 30 years. And the hiatus has only made the feverish anticipation to relive those thrills more gleefully intense.
See you all on Jan. 14! (Susan Isorena-Arcega)