Attractions Experts Q&A: Mario Mamon
After attending the University of the Philippines, Mario Mamon envisioned and developed Enchanted Kingdom (the Philippines’ first theme park) with his wife, Dr. Cynthia Mamon. Together, they’ve operated the theme park for 31 years with their four children, seven grandchildren, and hundreds of cast members who they refer to as their “adopted children.”
By Kendall Wolf
What theme park souvenir might we be surprised to find on your shelf? What’s the story behind it?
You may be surprised to find a number of local or native arts and crafts produced from different parts of The Philippines because we endorse and support small and medium-scale producers from all over. We have the “pugad” or “nest” shop for these items at Agila: the EKsperience, our flying theater that brings you around The Philippines simulated on the back of The Philippine eagle (our national bird).
What theme park have you always wanted to visit but have never been to?
I have been flying to both sides of the United States all my life but somehow missed the middle region. I have always wanted to visit Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Perhaps, soon.
Was there a theme park or attraction that made you want to be in this industry? How did it inspire you?
Obviously, it was Disneyland as the theme park that inspired us to go into the business and into an industry that can transcend generations, building a legacy wherever we were. We were pioneering in our part of the world.
What was your favorite ride or attraction as a child, and why?
Having a fascination for cars, my favorite ride was Autopia at the original Disneyland Park in Anaheim, which I first visited in 1968.
Was there a ride, attraction, or character that frightened you as a child?
I am never fond of horror attractions, so anything in that genre I avoid. As far as rides, I used to be frightened by the octopus and tilt-a-whirl rides at county fairs.
What is your oddest or coolest job in a (or your) theme park?
As our park’s founder and CEO, the coolest job was cutting the ribbon to our Grand Opening on Oct. 19, 1995, and every other new ride or attraction since then – and still going!
What ride or attraction do you think everyone needs to experience and why?
In general, it would be, not in priority, the carousel (the symbol and industry standard), the Ferris wheel (which gives you a birds-eye view), and the roller coaster (the ultimate thrill ride).
As far as the Enchanted Kingdom, it is our 105-seat Simex/Iwerks flying theater, “Agila: The EKsperience,” that simulates the flight of the Philippine eagle across some of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, from the Banaue Rice Terraces to the underground river in Puerto Princesa. It’s a multi-sensory adventure where you can feel the splash of seawater and smell the fragrance of flowers.
We wanted the attraction to be both entertaining and educational. It serves as a tribute to the Philippine eagle, and through this attraction, our park hopes to encourage people to conserve the environment and show their pride and love for the country.
If you were tasked with creating a new theme park food, what would it be?
Since a lot of park goers are more conscious about their health and well-being, I would create a line of healthy food options that are more “edible” than the usual ones, with the accompanying attractive presentation upon purchase.
You’re a walk-around character for a day; who do you choose?
I would choose our signature park mascot – Eldar the Wizard – because he is the most popular and is our symbol of wisdom. Since it will be in a mascot suit, I will also be completely incognito.
What types of attractions would you like to see more of and why?
Rather than just pure amusement and thrills, I would like to see more rides and attractions that are not only experiential but also educational. They would be educational not only for the younger generations but also the older ones, as well as being tourist attractions for inbound foreigners on travel.
Do you have any interesting theme park pandemic stories?
My interesting theme park pandemic story can be summed up in one word: “survival!” Kidding aside, we can add the resourcefulness, resiliency, and compassion of our employees. The pandemic gave us an opportunity to look at ourselves, our work, and the way we do things. We were able to develop systems and procedures internally we could never have done had we just continued with the normal grind of work. The pandemic gave us a lull, so to speak, to do “other” things that are really contributing to how we are performing post-pandemic.
Can you talk about what you are working on these days?
We have resumed planning for our future development in converting our park from a stand-alone themed amusement park into an “integrated attractions destination” for a multi-day stay for our guests.
You are going to your favorite theme park; which industry people (dead or alive) are you taking with you?
For inspiration, I would take Walt Disney, Buzz Price, Marty Sklar, Chuck Cancilier, and Terry Van Gorder. For reality and experience, it would be Gary Goddard, Bob Dennis, Anthony Esparza, and Joel Manby.
Writer Kendall Wolf is a long-time consultant in the themed entertainment industry. She has worked with designers, producers, and fabricators to help developers create unique and successful projects around the world. In 2017, she introduced Merlin Entertainments to a development group in Sichuan province for the first Legoland park in China. Kendall continues to consult for the developer to open more themed resorts in China.
