Disneyland in the Philippines??

Solon Invites Disneyland To Clark

By MARK ANTHONY N. MANUEL

April 18, 2012, 5:59pm

     CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga – First District Rep. Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin has written Robert Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company based in Burbank, California, USA, to ask him to consider Clark for their next Walt Disney park, saying that Clark’s 4,400 hectare main zone and 27,600-hectare subzone will be the best place for a new Disneyland.

    “Aside from the huge space it provides, the Clark Freeport Zone can be an attractive destination for Disneyland theme park because of the tax-free privileges given to locators,” said Lazatin in his letter dated April 11.

     Lazatin also cited Clark International Airport, world-class airport which is expected to serve at least P1.6-million passengers this year.

     “The airport will be making it easier for tourists to enjoy the amenities and entertainment Disneyland is famous for without the hassles of long travels,” he said.

     Lazatin also told Iger that hotel accommodations will not be a problem as Clark has the best hotels in its roster where visitors can enjoy the hospitality Filipinos are known for.

     The lawmaker said the Philippines is a favorite tourist destination in Southeast Asia, with an average arrival of four million foreign visitors a year and for 2012, the government is eyeing to hit the 5-million mark.

“Together with our population of more than 90 million Filipinos, a Disneyland theme park in the Philippines could be a major income generating site for your company,” he said.

Disneyland theme parks are the highest-earning theme parks in the world.

In 2009, the company's theme parks hosted approximately 119.1 million guests, making Disney Parks the world's most visited theme park company, ahead of the second most visited, British rival Merlin Entertainments.

In Asia, Disneyland theme parks are located in Hong Kong, Tokyo (Japan), and Shanghai (China).

---taken from the Manila Bulletin Newspaper
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            Disneyland. The only place in the whole wide world where you can actually feel like a kid again. Why? Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Pluto- all these ever so loved Disney characters and more are present in this famous theme park. You could meet and greet all the Disney Princesses, all the Disney Movies cast, and all the Disney cartoon characters. Not only that, you could also be in one of your favorite Disney movie/ series scenes, play wonderful interactive games, ride thrilling amusement rides, and watch Disney musicals from your favorite shows right in front of your eyes!

           Now, imagine all this, right here in the Philippines! At first, you might not think that's possible but, from reading the news article above, you're gonna think otherwise. Why not? Philippines, as most people know, may be a little underdeveloped, but what's the connection? It has the land, the labor, and the capital-all factors needed to construct this project. All it needs is the okay sign from Mr. Robert Iger since Rep. Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin has already taken the initiative. Thanks to her by the way.

           I know this is a big step for the country and especially for Mr. Robert Iger but when I assessed the costs and benefits of this action, both parties can actually take more benefits from it. First of all, through the implementation of this project, thousands of Filipinos will land jobs, thus decrease the unemployment rate of the country. Second, income will increase not just for them but also for the suppliers. Third, tourism in the country will sky rocket! Asians, most especially, will prefer going to Philippines' Disneyland than Hong Kong's, Tokyo's or Shanghai's because the value of money here is less; thus they can buy more goods here compared to the other Asian countries. Plus, the people here are very hospitable and friendly. Locals will be very much pleased to accommodate the tourists. However, foreigners will not be the only ones coming to Clark but also locals from all over the country. Instead of going abroad for their vacation, they can come to Clark and experience the same magic. In this way, they can save more by having cheaper airline tickets since it's a domestic and not an international flight. Fourth, other firms indirectly related to this project can prosper. Airline Companies will have more passengers. Pasalubong stores in Clark will flourish as tourists come and go constantly. Resorts, restaurants, and hotels will be packed! Lastly, Mr. Iger will not worry of the theme park having no customers because it will be filled just by the number of Filipino guests only. Culturally, Filipinos are fun-loving, curious and adventurous people. As a Filipino, I myself would like to go visit this one of a kind theme park if conditions permit me. If this was here in the

Philippines, I will surely go because a passport and visa is not needed so hassle document papers won't be in the way. Also, I can understand the language spoken by locals there so, communication won't pose a problem in case I get lost. Moreover, I can have more fun here where I am more comfortable compared to when I go abroad.

           Of course, every decision has its costs. A huge size of land must be given up. Great amounts of utilities like water and electricity will be used. Pollution, specifically in noise, may occur. Large expenditure may be seen in households as they purchase the expensive products found in the park. The park manager cannot even be assured that all products and services can be in the best shape and quality as in the main park. Still, the benefits outweigh these costs. Problems always arise but in every problem, there is always at least one solution. So we must not be afraid of them. Time is on our side.Through this project, our country, the Philippines, may once again have the chance to be taken note of the world.