Sing along with Diego at the Ayala Malls

Move over, Dora. This Christmas, the Ayala Malls put the spotlight on Dora the Explorer’s eight-year-old, bilingual cousin Diego Marquez. This young animal rescuer has the ability to talk to animals, and keeps the rainforest safe with one dramatic rescue after another.

Coming all the way from his Animal Rescue Center in the rainforest, Diego is heading straight to the Ayala Malls for his first live musical in Asia — the “Go, Diego, Go! The Iguana Sing-along.”

It’s going to be an action-packed sing-along and play-along musical adventure, as Diego gets Filipino kids to join him in finding Iggy the iguana, who is trapped in a cold cave somewhere in the winter dessert!

”The Philippines is a key market for Nickelodeon’s live shows. In the past, we’ve brought in Dora the Explorer and Spongebob Square Pants here in Manila to the delight of kids and their parents. We felt it’s about time to bring Diego in because Dora has already established herself here in the country,” explains Myrna Monozca, director for marketing and retail business development of Nickelodeon and Viacom consumer products.

“Go, Diego, Go!”, Myrna adds, is a spin-off of Dora the Explorer. This animated and highly interactive series for preschool-aged children aims to foster love and respect for animals and the environment. Just like Dora, Diego has an animal companion named Baby Jaguar who assists him on his adventures.

In most episodes, Diego hears an animal’s cry for help at the Animal Rescue Center. With help from his friends, gadgets and viewers at home, Diego sets out to rescue the animal.

“In each episode, Diego and his friends encourage kids to use scientific thinking and investigative strategies to help animals in trouble,” says Myrna.

The show is also flavored with Spanish words, Latin American music, folktales and traditions that give the audience the opportunity to experience Diego’s culturally rich world.

”It’s amazing how Filipino kids can identify with Diego. They really connect with him. They feel that Diego is a real person. Well, maybe it’s because our culture is very similar to Latin America’s. We’re into song and dance. But more than just providing entertainment it teaches kids family values as well,” enthuses Myrna.

“Go, Diego, Go!” is also a hit at retail around the globe. In fact, it has generated over $670 million in retail since its 2006 launch and sold over 5.3 million books to date.

“Like Dora, Diego is one of our biggest properties for preschoolers. And since we are launching our consumer products program in Asia, we decided to bring Diego in not just to reinstate his popularity but also to promote his own line of merchandise,” says Myrna.

Get a chance to meet and greet Diego at Alabang Town Center on Nov. 21-23 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.; at the Pavilion Mall on Nov. 25-26 at 4 p.m.; at Market! Market! on  Nov. 28 at 11:30 a.m., Nov. 29 and 30 at 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.; and at Ayala Center Cebu on Dec. 5-7 at 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

An extensive range of Nickelodeon merchandise will be available during the show such as “Go Diego Go!” toys, bags, water bottles, and hankies at the Nick Knacks booth located at the Ayala Malls for kids who want to take Diego home. — Lai S. Reyes