Lifestyle
Aklan has a glimpse of a ‘Universal Studio’ in its Christmas celebration
NEW WASHINGTON, Aklan- Aklanons were recently treated with a different Christmas tree lighting spectacle for what it is considered a magical place in the province of Aklan this year,
This is because the Maria Mercedes(MM) Resort and Convention at Barangay Malogo, New Washington Aklan is slowly but surely adapting itself into a ‘Universal Studio’ tourist attraction in the province.
Unknown to many, Bryan Yu, the owner of the sprawling MM Resort. He worked as a team leader in creating the lighting effect of the famous Volcano Bay attraction of Universal Studio in its Orlando Resort in Florida
“I created and implemented the lighting effect seven years ago (2017). I hope I am now planning to visualize a concept for MM Resort as soon as I can,:/” he told this writer in an interview in March of this year.
The MM Resort is considered the widest inland resort in Aklan. It spans 4.4 hectares at Barangay Malogo, New Washington, Aklan. Its owner, Ruffy Yu, 71 was a fisherman in Barangay Tambak, New Washington Aklan when he was a child.
He earned his fortune working in the healthcare industry in California, USA.
Ernan Rapiz, the Resorts Operations Manager said that this year’s theme Winter Wonderland was conceptualized by Bryan to compliment the gold and silver theme of the Christmas tree of the New Washington LGU.
The wonderland concept is a tall Christmas tree with a bubble effect to create an impression of a Winterland.
“Everything we did was in coordination with the local government to harmonize ourselves with the LGU,” Rapiz told the Manila Standard in an interview.
For her part, New Washington Mayor Jessica Panambo said the golden and silver theme of the LGU is dedicated to the residents who worked hard this year to make this town economically productive.
