VisitPinas.com

Before we proceed, let’s be clear on two things. First, what is written here is my opinion and I might be wrong, very dead wrong. Don’t hate me for it. Second, if you’ve been to Disneyland or, locally at Enchanted Kingdom, and you’re interested in sights other than in Snow World, you may not want to proceed reading.

Take some time to think.

Are you sure?

The first time I stepped in Metro Manila years back, I was so excited when my uncle said he’s taking me to Star City. Holy smokes! Star City! I was so happy with the roller coaster, bumper cars, Wild River and the other rides. It was fairground heaven. I was very young and I totally enjoyed the place. I must say that the feeling is not the same when one gets older (and with the opening of Enchanted Kingdom). I became less interested in theme parks and even if I go to show guests around, I prefer places with lesser people. I hate waiting in line to pay for the ticket. I hate the long lines waiting for a particular ride. I’m not a fan of crowded places.

But when my son said he wants to visit the Snow World, which happens to be in Star City, I had no choice. Star City is in the CCP Complex, which means it’s easy to locate. Still wondering where that is? Let me mention some places. Try to see if you recognize any: SM Mall of Asia,  Manila Ocean Park, Rizal Park, Manila Bay, US Embassy. Bamboo Palace, Westin and World Trade Center. Star City is just a few minutes from those landmarks. There, you have the directions on how to get there.

Oh, I almost forgot: the Snow World. It was ok, but it took us more than 30 minutes to get our tickets to enter Star City, then, once inside, almost an hour lining up for Snow World. We hurried and looked for the Snow World entrance, which is not an easy feat because so many people are jampacked in the place, only to be told that the end of the line is all the way back (the reason why we chose not to check out the Dino Island Museum). We had to retrace where we came from, following the line that snakes around the place, past the burger stands and other games. Then finally, we saw someone carrying a “Snow Word” sign, which is, well, a sign that it’s the end of the line.

My son didn’t seem to mind the long wait. His smile was ear to ear. Once inside, I could feel the cold sting my fat-riddled body. So I asked my son if he’s not feeling cold and he said he’s ok. While I could feel he’s trembling, he was far from unhappy. He was shouting and laughing all the way down the ice slide. It was the closest to a white Christmas that we Pinoys could get in this tropical country of ours.

How much money to spend? Basic entrance fee to Star City is P60 per person (P300 for ride-all-you-can). If you intend to visit the Snow World, you’ll have to add P160. That’s per head.

Here are some things that you may want to note if you decide to go there. Bring your own jackets or sweaters (while they lend you jackets for free, you have to remember that these jackets have been used not only by one other person). Unless you have an extra-thick jacket with you, use the jacket that they hand out on your way in (or, just bring your own thick jacket). There’s a ice slide inside. No picture-taking allowed inside (the area near the exit is cold, so many are waiting near the exit and a few official  photographers. What do you get? No photos).

It’s cold, alright (I sleep without a shirt beside the aircon, while others are covering themselves in blanket, so trust me when I say it’s cold in there). I survived without a hood or a mitten, just the jacket, but I must say it was cold, especially near the exit. I get the feeling that they deliberately made the exit part very, very, very cold so people won’t stay long. Good thing I decided to accept the “public” jacket (otherwise, I’ll just be wearing tshirt inside, and I’m sure I’d freeze to death). So, do you want to know how hypothermia or frost bite feels like? Try going to Snow World without proper clothing. Just kidding, of course (they make  you sign a waiver before going in).