The Happiest Place on Earth... at Home!

 

The Happiest Place on Earth... at Home!
by Noellah Jeannica R. Macam, Bayambang National High School

“Why travel for miles to Disneyland when we can bring the happiest place on earth here in Bayambang?”

Such inquiry sparked the new twist in the Municipal Tourism Office’s annual Christmas project – the iconic Paskuhan sa Bayambang – which has captivated thousands of tourists from the entire North-Central Luzon since 2016. This year’s theme, Paskong Disneyland, blossomed from the idea of diminishing the barriers of distance and expenses between the famous theme park and eager citizenry.

“Instead of going to Hongkong, go to Bayambang and enjoy the Disneyland fever here,” exclaimed Mr. Rafael Saygo, the municipal tourism head, as he elaborates the premises of such a surprising venture.

Paskuhan’s centerpiece, an awe-inspiring animated Christmas display, leads the array of attractions sprinkled around the heart of the town. The grandest one among the only three throughout the country, it is a life-sized display draped in colorful ornaments and characterized by familiar faces – no other than Disney characters themselves.

The show’s fable-like storyline follows the quest of Mickey Mouse – who dreams to be a king – across kingdoms and fairylands, where he seeks advice from fellow Disney personalities, as to how he could embody a good leader. He embarks on his journey from Arendelle with Frozen’s Elsa and Anna, to Pride Rock where Simba, the lion king, and his clan resides. He soon meets with the beautiful Belle together with her Beast prince, before voyaging into the sea to consult Moana, and flying on the magic carpet with Aladdin and Jasmine.

While at first glance, the animated display paints a picture of lavish kingdoms and brilliant facades, the 23-minute presentation soon centers on leadership, love, and hope and never fails to emphasize golden morals with every second of its duration. By the end of Mickey Mouse’s journey, the reasons for his ambition shifts from external pleasures – a big castle, loyal servants, and abundance of food – to the real essence of being king. Along the path, he realizes that the latter lies not in tangible glory but in the acquisition of virtues such as helpfulness, humility, and doing good deeds for the sake of many.

Showing from November 15, 2019 to January 10, 2020, the Christmas animated display – with its aesthetics and substance – never fails to stir a stream of joy among children and adults alike. If just listening to Disney music and witnessing its themes are thrilling enough, what more if the world-class marvel is seen as it is? There’s truly no wonder for the general excitement upon the clock striking 6:00 in the evening until the show’s final hour at 10:00.

Looking at the bigger picture, the price of extravagance is nothing compared to the smile etched on every Bayambangueño’s lips, as they beam with pride and happiness upon experiencing Disneyland exclusively – free of charge.

Whereas then, the happiest place on earth seemed too far from home, it no longer is now. …For Disneyland’s timeless enchantment has reached home with the help of the local government unit’s trustworthy hands, led by the day’s real, flesh-and-blood superhero, Dr. Cezar T. Quiambao.