IRENE SINO-CRUZ
Anjo World Theme Park attendance is expected to perk up next year as the economy continues its recovery mode.
“There’s really a good bounce back this year especially the amusement park,” said Anjo World president Mr. Chester Lim in press conference held Wednesday, November 30, 2022, the theme park’s 3rd anniversary. The highlight of the anniversary celebration is the inauguration of the FUNtastic ARENA located at the second floor of the Colosseo.
According to Mr. Lim, the pandemic was somewhat a blessing in disguise because of limited travel outside the country and has given a boost to local travel.
“Local tourism is booming, and that helped a lot of revenue generation. Right now, we are seeing countries are opening up – South Korea, Singapore and hopefully soon, China. Tourists will start coming in and that will tremendously increase the prospects in terms of guest attendance. That’s why we are already preparing when the time comes,” he said.
Mr. Cedric Reyes, Anjo World head of sales, marketing and press relations, noted that the theme park has brighter prospects with the reopening of the economy and the growing number of guests going to Anjo World.
With the growing number of guests visiting the park, it is now open daily starting last November 24, 2022, from 12 noon to 8 pm on Mondays to Fridays and from 10 am to 8 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. The theme park will also have extended hours starting December until New Year.
According to Reyes, they decided to open the theme park daily due to the clamor especially from non-Cebuano residents who want to enjoy the park rides whichever day that they come for a visit to Cebu. He added that this is also timely because of the Yuletide season. “We are feeling the Christmas season better.”
Anjo World also inaugurated its additional attractions at the FUNtastic ARENA, which aims to offer rides for toddlers and preschoolers.
The FUNtastic ARENA features rides that can accommodate guests of all ages, including kids, said Mr. Lim.
“There will be an arcade for kids and another for adults. There will be two major rides, one interactive ball games and an interactive educational component. Including the arcade games, the arena will have additional 15 brand new equipment. All in all, we will have above 20 new attractions.”
The additional attractions located at the second floor of the Colosseo are in response to clamor of guests who requested a wider choice of entertainment at the theme park. The new attractions are located at a 500-square meter area at the second floor.
“Based on our feedback from our guests, they want more attractions for little kids. That’s why we conceptualized the FUNtastic ARENA, we made sure this was geared towards the kids and the family. It has an arcade type video gaming setting (for children and adults), unlimited rides for kids and educational attractions that will spark the senses of small children,” said Cedric Reyes, Anjo World head of sales, marketing and press relations. He added that theme parks will never be complete without the arcade.
Anjo World projects to complete all attractions at FUNtastic ARENA by the middle of December, Mr. Lim said.
Despite the additional attractions, theme park guests can enjoy these without any increase in ticket prices.
“We would like to maintain that for the same amount of money that they pay, they will enjoy more out of the entrance fee they pay. For now, as an introduction, we will maintain the ticket price. It’s good for Cebuanos and non-Cebuanos to enjoy more amenities at the same price,” he said.
Located at the Belmont One Commercial Complex, South Road in Barangay Calajoan, Minglanilla, Cebu, the outdoor rides include Anjo Eye, Boomerang, London Taxi, The Pharaoh, Golden Carousel, Hip Hop, Viking, Space Shuttle, Mr. Cup, Mr. Toad, Bumper Boats and Tower Drop.
Anjo World Theme Park sponsors for its anniversary celebration include Maya Business, MetroDeal, MyBus, Rakuten Viber, Klook, IPI, Bioderm, Casino Ethyl Alcohol and TwinBee.
