When it comes to the ultimate barkada or family bonding experience, what often comes to mind for many Filipinos is Enchanted Kingdom (EK). For years, it has welcomed everyone to a place of wonder and adventure, helping guests create more memories with their loved ones. Over time, the Laguna-based theme park has also made it its mission to champion the beauty of the Philippines.

That can be said of one of its major attractions, Agila the EKsperience. Through it, guests explore the wonders of the archipelago as they go on a quest to find the elemental gemstones—from an eagle’s vantage point. Since opening in December 2016, the motion-theater experience has also highlighted the park’s commitment to sustainability, educating guests about caring for and preserving the Philippines’ rich natural wonders through an immersive journey.

Last July, Agila the EKsperience temporarily closed its doors for renovation and to add new features to its film. In time for the park’s 30th anniversary weekend (Oct. 18 and 19), it is reopening with a new name: Agila the EKsperience: Saribuhay. “Saribuhay” in English means “biodiversity,” perfectly capturing the essence of the flying theater. This also means that the experience now features more of the country’s diverse landscapes and underwater worlds.

“Saribuhay is more than just an experience—it is a powerful call to action,” said Dr. Cynthia R. Mamon, chief operating officer of EK. “Beyond its mission to promote the beauty of the Philippines and drive tourism, Agila reminds us of the urgent need to conserve the environment and protect our wildlife.”

During our visit, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle got to try the new Agila the EKsperience: Saribuhay. To sum it up, the experience remains unique and is a must-try for every visitor to EK.

At the theater’s lobby, guests can marvel at the murals painted on its walls, which come to life through the Artivive app. Notable additions include redesigned interiors along the theater’s passageways, now themed after the three elements—water, earth, and air.

The experience inside the theater remains the same as before, with multi-sensory effects such as moving seats, wind, mist, scents, and immersive audio that make the ride feel realistic. What’s new is that Agila now has a companion exploring the richness of the Philippines’ seas—but that’s something you’ll have to discover yourself when you ride.

Dr. Cynthia also emphasized that admission to the majestic flying theater is already included in the park’s regular day pass, as part of EK’s Education Program. “The park welcomes 600,000 students each year as we offer EK as an alternative classroom where they can learn through our ‘Physics Behind the Rides’ and ‘Botany in the Park’ programs, among others. With Agila the EKsperience: Saribuhay, we aim to help ensure that our next generation of leaders is equipped with awareness of the importance of protecting biodiversity,” she said.

EK’s grand 30th-anniversary celebration has even more in store for parkgoers. Apart from Agila the EKsperience, the park is also reopening the iconic Space Shuttle, now offering a more immersive and thematic experience for thrill-seekers.

There will also be nighttime spectacles, starting at 6 p.m. EK will debut its first-ever projection mapping show, “Wheel of Fate: The Magical Journey of Eldar the Wizard.” Adding to the spectacle is the Echoes of Enchantment Grand Parade, a special showcase featuring the park’s beloved Storyverse characters led by Eldar the Wizard himself.

The celebration promises to be a star-studded event, with Filipino celebrities joining the two-day festivities. On Oct. 18, powerhouse vocalists Gigi de Lana and Rita Daniela, stars Mauie Francisco and Mitzi Casacop, as well as acclaimed singer-songwriter Rob Deniel and the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, will enchant everyone with their performances.

The first night of the celebration will conclude with The Magic of Saribuhay: A Pyromusic Spectacle.

On Oct. 19, the park will host Forever Enchanted Live: EK’s 30th Anniversary Concert, featuring Parokya ni Edgar, Cup of Joe, and Over October. Capping off the festivities, the Memories of Magic: Sky Wizardry EKstravaganza will light up the night sky with a breathtaking pyromusical show—commemorating EK’s three decades of creating magical memories that last a lifetime for all Filipinos.

During our visit, we also tried some of the park’s newest food offerings. Families and friends will definitely enjoy the Pansisig, a crispy twist on pancit, and the Soy Good Chicken, which tastes as mouthwatering as it sounds.