Magic, wonder, and adventure—these are just some of the words that come to mind when people think of Enchanted Kingdom. Founded in 1995 by couple Cesar Mario and Cynthia Mamon, the Laguna-based wonderland is a pioneering theme park in the Philippines, known for its world-class rides and attractions. Now, as it celebrates its 30th anniversary, it invites everyone to celebrate its spectacle and legacy with a new ride dubbed the EKlipse.

A testament to EK’s commitment to providing top-tier experiences, the EKlipse is designed and built by Italian manufacturer Zamperla. As its name suggests, the ride is inspired by the astronomical phenomenon of an eclipse, reflected in its intertwining arms that rotate around a central axis. The 36-foot-tall structure features the theme park’s signature purple, yellow, and green colors, with LED lights adorning its arms—making it an unmissable attraction both day and night.

The EKlipse has already generated buzz as the first of its kind in Southeast Asia and was recognized as “one of the best rides of 2019” by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) through its Brass Ring Excellence Awards.

“They look at safety, the unique experience it provides, and how different it is from other rides in the industry,” says Nico Mamon, EK’s division head for Integrated Marketing, Organization Development, and Corporate Planning, in an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “Those things are very important. In our industry, innovation is key.”

Before its grand launch today, March 30, 2025, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle got an exclusive first look at the ride. At the heart of its design is family fun—the EKlipse is a family thrill ride meant to be enjoyed with loved ones. The attraction consists of four rotating arms with a gondola at each end, accommodating four guests sitting back-to-back.

Unlike the park’s extreme thrill rides, such as Air Race or Space Shuttle, the EKlipse features a non-inverting ride, meaning guests stay upright throughout the experience. What sets it apart is the illusion of near-misses. As the arms pass each other in highly synchronized movements, riders feel the exhilarating sensation of a close encounter. The EKlipse is an ideal ride for families with pre-teens and teenagers.

“We want to ensure that all our multi-generational guests have something new to enjoy with their loved ones every time they visit EK by offering more inclusive rides and attractions like EKlipse,” says Cesar Mario Mamon, EK’s president and chairman.

“The core values we uphold at EK reflect how our family has managed this business over the years,” adds Nico. “Prioritizing love for God, honesty, loyalty, integrity, and respect, these values guide us at every level. Our 800 staff members work tirelessly to bring magic to life—some have been with us since our opening in 1995, while others are newcomers eager to carry on our legacy."

Beyond offering thrilling adventures, EK is expanding its attractions with an “edutainment” approach. Through the EKlipse, it hopes to provide guests with a fun and exciting way to learn about science concepts like Newton’s Three Laws of Motion and centripetal force.

The EKlipse is just the first of many new attractions EK plans to unveil for its anniversary. Upcoming highlights include a deeper dive into the story of its iconic character, Eldar the Wizard, an enhanced Agila The EKsperience, and a grand celebration in October.

“This is our first gift,” Nico says. “We hope everyone joins us in this magical experience, enjoys our newest ride, and remains forever enchanted.”

The EKlipse is located at the Midway Boardwalk of the park. Visit enchantedkingdom.ph or follow @ek_philippines on Instagram for updates on Enchanted Kingdom’s 30th-anniversary celebrations.