Saturday, April 08, 2017
By Ver F. Pacete

MAGIC Island is in Silay. This will be an island within an island (Negros Island Region). This will add flavor to our province, “land of sweet surprises… and more magic.” People living in the island will be magical (not magicians). There will be magic for tourism, investments, trade, commerce and industry. Welcome to Magic Island!

The groundbreaking rites of Magic Island in Silay last April 2 was like a homecoming for the ringleaders of Negros Island. In attendance were top “hacenderos,” political kingpins, business magnates, high-ranking government officials, friends from the media, representatives from the academe, and curious by-standers. I was invited by Bea Loyao of Aton Land and Leisure Inc.

For me, it was also like a magical reunion for my “barkada” in the tourism ring…Tintin Mansinares, Raymond Alunan, Butch Gerasmo, and Chona Gosiaoco. Speeches were listened to and hometown delicacies from the best Silaynon producers were served… empanada, lumpia ubod, dulce gatas, piaya, señorita, pili squares, among others. Tourism is always like that… people, food, good news, and brand new cars.

The groundbreakers were Toby Jison, Mayor Mark Golez, Cong. Albee Benitez, Reynaldo Bantug, Cesar Mario Mamon, and Vice Governor Bong Lacson. Silay City played like a perfect host. Tourist policemen were in strategic places. Traffic enforcers were managing a smooth traffic flow.

Protocol ladies and gentlemen from Tourism Office, Mayor’s Office, and Sangguniang Panlungsod Office were stationed in the reception line and food tables. Guests were properly accommodated as Silay Rondalla Ensemble blared folk music.

This Magic Island (theme park) is a P600-million investment that will soon rise in an area near Guinhalaran village proper. The project located on a 3.75-hectare lot is about 12 kilometers away from the City of Smiles (Bacolod). This is a part of a 28-hectare property where the remaining 24.25 hectares will be developed in joint venture with the Jison family into a planned residential and commercial area.

The master plan was shown to us and the features refreshed my memory of the Universal Studios in Japan and the Enchanted Kingdom in Laguna, but this time artistic consultant Peque Gallaga (my “maestro”) is bringing Silay heritage and architecture into the scene to make Magic Island a symbol of Filipino heritage that would remind the visitors of our culture. There will be spaces for rides and entertainment, education and cultural events, Negros food and beverage, merchandise, and lifestyle hubs.

Congressman Albee said that it is really a go, go, go thing. “The 15 rides have been paid already and they will be delivered before the year ends.” The rides are Ferris wheel (the tallest in the Visayas), roller coasters, carousels, kiddie and family rides, thrill rides, and go-karts, a haunted house (Peque is good at this being a master of horror in Philippine movie.), and arcade games.

At the awards night of Cine Kahirup-Silay, I was on the same table with Direk Peque. He told me, “Ver, we will bring more magic in Magic Island. We will be telling stories about our legends and Negrense folklore. The setting could be in Silay.” True to his words, Direk Peque came up with four folk heroes that would remind the children (then) of his movie “Magic Kingdom.”

His four children are Boy Bakunawa, Kit Canlaon, Manang Marapara, and Pit Patag. They are the chosen guardians who will fight against the evil villain hiding the jewel at the Magic Island. We love fantasy. Direk Peque is giving us what we want to fantasize. This is good for our tourism. This will add another gem for Silay. To date, Silay is the seat of arts and culture in Western Visayas.

Mayor Mark Golez said that this theme park will boost the economy and socio-culture of the Negrosanons, especially the Silaynons. This is in line with his program “Asenso sang Silay, Asenso sang Panimalay.” It will contribute to the investments in infrastructure, tax revenues, tourism revenues, and community support.

Congressman Albee Benitez said that this is an answer to the challenge that Negros has to diversify. We have to be sugar and more. The Aton Land and Leisure Inc. is showing to the Negros “hacendados” and “hacenderos” that the “a fuera” attitude for other investments will no longer work now. Silay is making a floodgate for opportunities. Our sugar may not be sweet all the time.

The mayor of Silay has opened his heart and arms to welcome investors. Magic Island is just the beginning. I would like to say also, “Determine your future now by taking hold of every opportunity.”