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BY MAE SINGUAY
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Tuesday, April 4, 2017
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BACOLOD City – A P600-million theme park will be built in Barangay Guinhalaran, Silay City, Negros Occidental.
“Magic Island” will rise on a 3.75-hectare lot. It shall become the second theme park in the Philippines, next to Enchanted Kingdom.
Aton Land and Leisure, Inc. president Reynaldo Bantug said the project will contribute to Negros Island Region’s tourism and socioeconomic growth.
A groundbreaking ceremony and lowering of time capsule for the project was held on Sunday.
Among the installations to be put up in Magical Island are rides and entertainment, educational and cultural exhibitions and programs, food and beverage, merchandise, and lifestyle hubs.
About 12 kilometers from Bacolod City and to be designed to accommodate 3,000 visitors daily, Magic Island will showcase “the rich Negrense folklore, culture and art in its entertainment and educational facilities, and also its architecture.”
The conceptualization of the project took almost four years, according to Rep. Alfredo Benitez (Negros Occidental, 3rd District), nephew of Atty. Simplicio Palanca, chairman of Aton Land and Leisure, Inc.
Benitez said the theme park is expected to employ hundreds.
Among its initial offerings will be the tallest Ferris wheel in Visayas, roller coasters, carousels, kiddie and family rides, thrill rides and go-karts, haunted house, and arcade games, Benitez said.
One of Aton Land and Leisure, Inc.’s suppliers, the Italian company Zamperia, is also Disneyland’s biggest supplier, Bantug said.
Benitez hopes the theme park becomes operational by summer next year.
Multi-awarded Negrense director Peque Gallaga was tapped as artistic and creative consultant for Magic Island.
Aton Land and Leisure, Inc. is embarking on an initial 28-hectare estate development — an upscale lifestyle center with a fun and leisurely ambiance — starting with Magic Island this year.
Some 24.25 hectares more will be developed into a residential and commercial area.
Silay City mayor Mark Andrew Arthur Golez said they expect these projects to bolster the local economy, specifically contribute to investments in infrastructure, job creation, and tax and tourism revenues./PN
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