On the 4th level of the Ayala Malls TriNoma in Quezon, a sprawling 1,400 sqm-studio city is now open to welcome fans and guests who want to experience being a Pinoy Big Brother housemate, audition for The Voice, or try the Fast Talk questions in Tonight With Boy Abunda.
Last Thursday, ABS-CBN let members of the entertainment press have a first glimpse of the immersive studio city before its grand launch on Sunday, Sept. 16. Scribes had the chance to experience what it is like to be in the network’s favorite TV programs.
According to ABS-CBN Themed Experiences Inc. head Cookie Bartolome, the new Studio XP is divided into three parts—Reality, Fantasy, and Retail Studios—with 15 attractions and full scale set reconstructions crafted to present a jam-packed ABS-CBN experience in a one-stop site.
“We took inspiration from Kapamilya fans who are curious and eager to feel what it’s like to be inside the network’s studios. The vision was really to bring ABS-CBN closer to the people,” Bartolome shared.
Inside the Reality Studio, visitors get to be a participant in various Kapamilya shows such as a housemate doing tasks in “Pinoy Big Brother Breakout” under Kuya’s guidance, and a contestant beating the time at “Minute To Win It: The Experience” to become the “Last Man Standing.”
More delight awaits visitors at the “The Voice Open Mic” where they can find out who among the virtual coaches—Bamboo, Lea Salonga, Sarah Geronimo, and Sharon Cuneta—will turn as blind auditionees sing their hearts out.
“Star Lab” visitors take the spotlight as they dabble in singing duets and perform dramatic scenes with Kapamilya artists, throw punchlines with the cast of Goin’ Bulilit, and take the hot seat in Tonight With Boy Abunda’s Fast Talk.
Others can try behind-the-scenes Studio XP challenges, such as the role of a TV crew member in “It’s Showtime Director’s Booth” where they get to orchestrate a variety show, with all the excitement, tension, and drama of live production.
Guests can also enjoy the intimate 80-seater Kapamilya Theater where they get to watch 4D movies, live shows, and other events, or compete in a multiplayer game with “Misyon: Ang Probinsyano” (a patintero-based game) or the “Ang Propesiya: La Luna Sangre” (an agawan base game). They can also watch the country’s first and only 4D production—“ASAP 4D”— an exclusive offering of the Kapamilya Theater.
During random times, Kapamilyas may also receive a surprise, live video call from an ABS-CBN star through the “Celebrity Calling” booth.
The Fantasy Studio, meanwhile, provides more thrilling attractions for the adventure-seeker, such as the Action Academy, an obstacle course offering stunt trainees a chance to compete in speed and strength ala Cardo Dalisay or Darna.
The ARX—an augmented reality game—allows group of participants to beat out virtual monsters together in an exciting match, while guests 12 years old and below will enjoy the expansive Superheroes Playground, along with other select Studio XP attractions.
Visitors are all welcomed at the Walk of Fame leading to the Heritage Hall where they get to see vintage memorabilia and broadcasting equipment, including the Millennium Transmitter, one of the network’s most recognized symbol.
Keepsakes are abundant inside as aside from the #Starsnaps photo booth, where guests can have pictures with their favorite celebs, and the Star Catcher, a claw machine containing autographed items from Kapamilya stars, they can also avail of unique finds at the Retail Studio featuring the hottest ABS-CBN Store merchandise.
To cap the whole Kapamilya experience, visitors should gobble on the new Heroes Burger offerings. The organic burger joint has Pinoy Komiks-themed food products, featuring the well-loved characters of Darna, Captain Barbell, and Lastikman.
Guests can enjoy Studio XP at affordable rates, with XPass Prime tickets priced at P375 for first-timers and at P350 for returning guests with access to all attractions except #Starsnaps and Star Catcher. There is also the XPass Lite option at P300 for first-timers and at P275 for returning visitors which excludes access to the Kapamilya Theater, #Starsnaps and Star Catcher. Be prepared to spend about two and a half hours in a shift to take full advantage of the fun inside.
Visit studioexperience.abs-cbn.com to check the shift schedule and avail tickets online.
