Gloria’s Fantasyland: Mindanao’s New Theme Park

I was a less adventurous type of boy. I never had a fond memory of a carnival rides though there was always a carnival during the annual patron fiesta in our town in Surigao del Sur. The carnival were always housed at the vacant space near our public market which is adjacent to our rented apartment then.

I never knew how it feels to ride on the Ferris Wheel and until now I am still afraid to hop on that machine. I was afraid also to try the horror train which was always the main attraction of the carnival. The only ride I took was the Octopus Ride where I ended up vomiting in the middle of the ride. The Octopus Ride gave me the trauma not to try carnival rides. I only went there to play other stuff.

But things had changed when I was able to visit Gloria’s Fantasyland. It is a theme park located in Dapitan City which is believed to be a gift of convicted-rapist-pardoned by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo-Congressman Romeo Jalosjos to his daughter. Story has it that Representative Jalosjos constructed it so her daughter will have her own Disneyland. The name, however, was linked by critics to the President. They assailed that it is the Congressman’s token of appreciation for the pardon he received.

Anyways, the theme park in Dapitan City offers visitors and tourist another reason to stay in Dipolog City and Dapitan City. Aside from the comfort of Dakak Beach Resort, guests can now explore Dapitan City at night and visit this new attraction. The park also provides kids around the region a new place to visit and enjoy with less expense on the part of their parents. I have heard school children doing field trips after the park opened.

I stayed in Dipolog City but was able to catch the last trip to Dapitan on a mini-bus. I reached Gloria Fantasyland at around 7:00PM. Purchased my ticket at the entrance. The ticket is worth P200.00 (hope I get the price correctly. I lost my ticket) with free 18 rides on it. You have to get another ticket for the Horror House.

There were only less than ten people or tourists when I entered the park. I thought I have to wait for other guests before I can try the rides but I was surprised that they allow even one passenger per ride. In short, I had every ride for myself. I realized, however, that some rides require more people to make it more enjoyable.

Below are some of the rides:

OLD WESTERN TRAIN

An I8-seater mini train powered by a two-seater diesel locomotive prime mover that pulls the train in an existing mini forest area of Fantasyland.

MIDI FLUME RIDE

A wild water ride locsted inside the mini forest of the park. The mini flume was placed under old tress of the park so as to create a river wild/forest ride atmosphere.

MINI COASTER RIDE

A fast, fun roller coaster that even younger kids can enjoy. It is also located near the Mini Flume Ride

FLYING BALLS WHEEL RIDE

A kiddie ride that functions like a Ferris wheel. It has six attractive ball-designed gondolas.

TEA CUPS RIDE / CHOCO CUPS

Another exciting ride for for kids. The ride is composed of six giant tea cups/ choco cups rotating simultaneously with its huge circular 9-meter metal base.

WONDER FLIGHT

Made up of 8 fiberglass gondolas designed like the air balloon ride. It has a circular base of 8 meters.

TELECOMBAT RIDE

A 24seater / 12-gondola ride, a modem version of the famous octopus ride. It has a circular base of 12 meters.

BUMPER CAR RIDE

Ten (10) exciting electric bumper cars, housed inside a 12 meter x 18 meter covered area with turbo Lightings.

GIANT ROLLER COASTER

A huge 20 meters x 47 meters based ride with a maximum speed of 40 miles per hour. This ride can accommodate 26 passengers at a time. An Italian made Pinfari ride named Zyclone.

APOLLO RIDE

Unlike in Houston, this has no problem because it stays on the ground. It however gives the riders an illusion of being in the Spaceship while inside this ride.

SWINGER RIDE

A 32-seater circular ride with exciting light decoration. This ride has a 14 meter rotating base area covered by a fiberglass canopy.

PIRATE SHIP

A 32- seater exciting ride with an imposing 30 meter high A-Frame.

HAPPY JOURNEY RIDE

An interactive ride. This is the first of its kind in the Philippines. The six electric powered cars are equipped with 2 laser guns for each car. There are 8 fiberglass animal figures made for targets.

FIGHT SHARK RIDE

Likewise a first in the country, another interactive ride with 12 boats equipped with 2 water guns per boat This ride can accommodate 24 shooters at a time.

HORROR HOUSE

A place for suspense and thrill seekers. This house is designed by the group of Tony Tuviera of TAPE and APT Productions. APT Productions is the producer of the successful first Filipino animated movie URDUJA.

GO KART RACE CIRCUIT

10 Go Kart racing units in an exciting and challenging course.

Kids will also enjoy the parade of different Disney Characters at the park. They also have shows for kids, whose characters were played by mascots, at the Centerstage.

I didn’t try all the rides for I knew I would just vomit in the end. But I enjoyed it much. You can take a van at the park back to Dipolog City. They have a two-hour interval schedule. You can also opt for RTMI Bus but you have to take a tricycle ride to Dapitan City junction. If you are in a hurry, you can take a habal-habal for P100.00.

Kaya kayong mga hindi na bata at feeling bata o hindi na-enjoy ito nong kabataan nyo pa,  it’s not yet too late. The park is not for kids to enjoy only. The time I was there, a bunch on Local Government Units’ secretaries in their forties and fifties were there. They had turned the atmosphere of the park into a joyous and lively as early as 8PM. They were attending a seminar in Dipolog City had decided to visit the park after their session.