THE SPRAWLING 44-hectare Okada Manila integrated casino-resort has launched a space specifically made for the little ones in a bid to make the property more family friendly.

Simply named PLAY — meaning “Purposeful Learning and Activities for the Young” — the 1,200 square meter space located at the property’s Coral Wing houses eight “purpose-built play areas” suitable for children up to 16 years old, according to a company press release.

“Allowing children to play, explore and interact with other children, either in a free or structured manner, rewards them with a lot more beyond just a few moment of fun,” Vikki Aquino, director of spa, fitness, and recreation at Okada Manila, was quoted as saying in the press release.

“More than just a playspace, PLAY was built to incorporate learning components so children can learn while playing,” she told BusinessWorld during its launch on Feb. 3.

She added that the property employs SPED-certified (special education) instructors so children with special needs would likewise enjoy the space.

“What we’ve noticed is that children with special needs, even if they want to play with their peers, find it harder to insert themselves into activities, so we had all of the facilitators be SPED-certified so children — regardless of their needs — would be able to play,” she said.

The play areas within space are: Wizard’s den, an interactive video game space; Mini Steps & Mini Me, a dedicated play and learning space for children up to three years old; Little Town, a space which allows children to play in banking, postal, school, grocery and home environments; Little Park, a two-level playground and maze; Sports Zone, an active zone with an artificial grass court; Janguru (Japanese pronunciation of “jungle”), a multi-level playground and maze for children over 110 centimeters tall; The Stage, for performance arts; and My Party Place, an event and gaming space for birthday parties and other occasions.

Ms. Aquino stressed that during the construction of PLAY, they took all necessary measures — and more — to ensure the safety of the children. The floors at the main play area, for instance, are anti-bacterial.

Other features include child-friendly comfort rooms, an emergency response team, a snack bar, a kiddie gift shop, and over 30 closed-circuit television cameras.

Aside from the spaces, PLAY will also conduct learning programs “designed to address the developmental needs of children,” including Colors and Creation, an arts and crafts program; Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, a program aimed at enhancing the child’s development; Music and Movement for performing arts, music, and dance; and Life Skills, classes focusing on “practical matters such as social graces, good housekeeping, etc.”

Ticket prices for PLAY at Okada Manila start at P750 for children which includes five hours of play time, and P300 for the child’s guardian. Discounted rates are offered for rewards members, preferred/junket members, and those celebrating their birthdays.

PLAY also offers a multi-entry pass which starts at P10,183 for six months (Moon pass) and includes one child and one guardian. This can go up as high as P35,437 for the Star Family tier for three children.

For more information, e-mail play@okadamanila.com or call 888-0777. — Zsarlene B. Chua

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