Manila Bulletin Online
Nav Bar   Sun Jan 15,2006 Navigation Nav Bar
spacer
 
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer



 
spacer
A journey into winterland
spacer




How would you like to step inside a wardrobe and be transported into a magical world? A place where everyday is winter but never Christmas? A winterland cursed by a White Witch?

Powerbooks and Nestle Koko Krunch welcomed everyone into the magical world of Narnia as they transformed the Glorietta activity area into a winter landscape, depicting the setting of the well–loved book of C.S. Lewis.

"The event was held not only to promote the Koko Krunch collectible Narnian figurines, but it is the best venue to know more about Narnia because it is considered as one of the biggest gatherings of Narnian fans," mused Adrian Azaña, brand specialist of Nestle breakfast cereals.

"When you think of Narnia, the first thing that comes to mind is winter. For some people who live in a tropical country like the Philippines, winter is such a magical season. Everything turns white, cold but very enchanting. That’s why we wanted to recreate winter here, not only for people to know what it’s like in Narnia but also to experience winter," Chet Martinez, marketing manager of Powerbooks, said.

No doubt everybody who went into "Narnia–land" was awed.

"I’m amazed by the turnout of the people who went to the "Narnia–land." We recorded almost 7,000 people who have entered through that huge wardrobe on the first day. Honestly, we didn’t expect that," said Adrian.

To enter "Narnia–land," one had to enter a huge "wardrobe," the same way Peter, Susan, Ed-mund and Lucy (characters from the 2nd book of the Chronicles of Narnia) got into Narnia.

Inside "Narnia–land" was the Koko booth where children and adult have tried Nestle Koko Krunch breakfast cereal and where one could buy the Koko kit, children’s passes to games, raffles and activities.

Beside the Koko booth was the "Encounter with the White Witch." This booth featured the White Witch riding her sleigh. Children who availed of the Koko kit had the chance to have their photo taken with the White Witch.

Of course, winter wouldn’t be complete without snowball. Children got to experience what it was like to be in the snow or even had a harmless snowball fight with other children in "Narnian Snowball Dive."

Wondering who Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy are? Or Want to know who is Aslan? Will the White Witch destroy Narnia?

The curious ‘guests’ to "Narnia–land" headed to the "Tale of Narnia Storytelling Corner" to know the answers to these questions.

Those who wanted to be like Aslan, the lion, or the White Witch went straight to "Narnia Face Painter’s Alley" and had their face painted with their favorite characters.

In another corner, stood the "Narnia Creativity Nook," an arts and crafts booth where children drew their favorite scenes of Narnia.

A "statue" of the faun, Mr. Tumnus, at the "Lanter Wasteland" came to life as guests shouted "Koko!"

The booths and the whole "Narnia–land," which looked like it was indeed plucked right out of the book, was assembled by Stage Masters, a set designed company owned by Marvin Buenaventura.

Stage Masters provided everything— backdrops, props and set designs of the Narnia booths.

"Stage Master is the same company who did the Harry Potter event of Powerbooks last year," informed Adrian.

"In fact, we liked that event so much that we asked Powerbooks to team up with us for the Narnia event. We know how good Powerbooks is with this kind of event. We’re actually looking forward to another movie tie up project with them," Adrian added.

Aside from the fun booths, Powerbooks and Nestle Koko Krunch presented a short program, hosted by actor Drew Arellano and actress/ VJ Iya Villania.

"Narnia was a great event where we unleashed the kids in us!," said Drew.

Games included "Guess who’s in the Box" wherein six kids tried to guess who Narnia character is in the box of Koko Krunch; "You Think You Know Narnia" where Narnian fans outwitted each other; "Unlock the Narnia Code," "Wardrobe Reveal," "Tallest Tower," and "Identify the Narnia Images."

The Neutrons performed acrobats highlighted by the roller-coaster-ride-like stunt, while the OB Montessori Chorale serenaded guests.

There was also a 20-minute theaterical performance featuring excerpts from the play "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" by Trumpets.

The event was graced by the Philippine Order of Narnians (PON), an organization of Narnian fans. It was founded three years ago by R.E. De Leon.

"Narnia is different. It is a fantasy book, but at the same time educational," said De Leon.

Want to be a member of PON? R.E. de Leon said: "Anybody could be a member of PON. Anyone who has a passion for Narnia and a computer with access to the Internet can join us. Just log on to ww.philippine-narnian.org.ph."

Printer Friendly Version spacer Email to a friend
 

spacer
OTHER SOCIETY NEWS
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
 

spacer




HOME | SUBSCRIBE | ADVERTISE | CONTACT US | SEARCH | ARCHIVE | FEEDBACK

FEATURES: MB WAP | MB Mobile Edition | Desktop Headlines

SECTIONS: MAIN NEWS | BUSINESS | OPINION & EDITORIAL | SPORTS | YOUTH & CAMPUS | ENTERTAINMENT | AGRICULTURE | INFOTECH | HEALTH | TOURISM | SOCIETY | METRO & NATIONAL NEWS | PROVINCIAL NEWS | MOTORING SECTIONS | SCHOOLS COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES | WELL BEING | TECHNEWS | TASTE | WEDDINGS | I | BOARD PASSERS |

LINKS: PHILIPPINE PANORAMA | TEMPO | CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE | USER PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright © 2001-2005, Manila Bulletin. All Rights Reserved.

designed and developed by
Alchemy Solutions