A P1B mini-city that encourages kids' imaginations to roam

MANILA, Philippines – A P1B “edutainment” theme park is set to rise in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig where children will have the opportunity to role play as doctors, firemen, or bankers and even hold town meetings.

Expected to open November 2014, KidZania Manila is practically a 6,000 sqm replica city that is proportionate to the size of kids aged 4 to 14. Here they can also learn about the inner workings of a city and the concept of managing money in KidZos currency.

The experience, says Maricel Pangilinan-Arenas, Play Innovations Inc. President and CEO, will help “ignite the hearts and minds of children everywhere, empowering them to believe they can contribute and get actively involved in creating a better world.”

A concept originally from Mexico, KidZania currently has 13 “cities” across the world including Japan, Dubai, Bangkok, and Portugal with 13 more being planned in the next couple of years.

During a press conference Tuesday, KidZania Global COO Andres Fabre said that while it is a facility where families can go for fun, entertainment and education, it also serves as “a new media for brands to develop”.

He added that having these two business models in one, supported by a strong social responsibility focus, is what makes KidZania successful.

As local partner, Play Innovations Inc., which is majority-owned by ABS-CBN Corporation, will customize KidZania Manila to showcase the many cultural aspects and virtues of the Philippines. The importance of farming and fishing will be included as well as disaster preparedness.

In terms of security, Fabre explains that no adult can enter KidZania without a child. Everyone who enters will have a bracelet that can’t be easily removed and it will contain an RFID chip that will provide the exact location of each. The parents or chaperone can wait or relax in a lounge where Internet is available.

Fabre likewise brought up how both Mexico and the Philippines share the same family values and giving a lot of attention to children’s education is what KidZania hopes to bring here, with safety given the highest priority.

Currently being developed by the Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation, KidZania Manila will be located at 11th street corner 32nd.