Maribago Bluewater: Trick or Treat

What is “Trick or Treat” in a Philippine setting? Do we pattern it with how the west does it or do we do it with our own style? Like everyone else, “Trick or Treat” is usually done with the usual western flavor. Kids dressed in Halloween costumes with adults serving them treats or with what’s “in” these days-a whole night of partying. Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort came up with their own Filipino branded “Trick or Treat” event last October 31, 2011. Instead of the usual, they formulated one that is truly a family affair: It was an event that we can call “Filipino”.

The weather was nice. The sun was up and out for most of the day and it drizzled a little from time to time throughout the day in what seems to be nature’s contribution to the event. It wasn’t hot but at the same time, it wasn’t wet. It was perfect! After a sumptuous lunch buffet which was graced by the appearance of "Dolpo" the dolphin-one of the 7 dolphins that symbolizes Maribago, there were a lot of activities lined up for the afternoon for the whole family. What made this unique is that it was an event for everyone. From the kids, to the yayas, to the relatives, and parents - it was a day filled with fun, imagination, and teamwork! Throughout the day, we were guided and entertained by none other than one of Cebu’s finest and most recognizable voices and faces, Jude Bacalso.

Dolpo The Dolphin

Jude Bacalso

A photo booth was set-up to snap and print photos of the kids in their costumes. Up first was the scary mask making contest. Using water-color and dried and green leaves, kids were challenged to come up with the scariest looking mask. While the kids and their respective “teams” were busy making their scary mask, magician-mimes entertained the crowd with their amazing tricks and funny antics. Right after was the scary cupcake design contest. After the kids were shown how to make one, they were provided with a “blank” cupcake and assorted toppings (choco chips, gummy worms, crushed oreo pieces, desiccated coconut, almond slivers, and 3 different colored icings (white, red and brown) which are to be used to create the scariest looking but mouthwatering cupcakes ever!

Magician / Mimes

Raddi with his Scary Mask (won 3rd place)

Raddi making his Scary Cupcake

“Bubble-making” dancing entertainers enchanted the kids with their nifty dance moves while creating a fantasy world filled with bubbles and, by giving them a chance to be inside a bubble, gave the kids an experience that is one for the memories. After the bubbly show, the face painting contest was up next. From scary monsters to a patriotic design, everyone had fun transforming the little kids to amazing (and amusing) ones. The kids then did a catwalk to model their scary and not so scary looks to the delight of the crowd.

Bubble makers

Kids amazed with the bubbles

Face painted kids

To cap the event, Maribago Bluewater allowed the participants to take part in recreating an “almost lost” art - the art of Kite Making. It was a huge challenge! Everyone was given a manual and their own set of materials to work with-pieces of bamboo, strings, Japanese paper, adhesive and scissor. This was truly for the young at heart. As we tried to reminisce the times when we made or marveled at this flying art form, the kids in us slowly took over. To qualify, the kite must fly for a minute and the one that stays up the longest, wins. While the daddy’s and the mommy’s were busy finishing up their kites, the kids were accompanied around the resort to do their trick or treating and knocked on guests’ rooms that participated. As we attempted to put our kites up on the air, the day was already coming to an end and the breeze that we hoped would propel our flying art into flight already called it a day. We still managed to put ours into flight though… for 18 seconds due a good mix of good craftsmanship (according to us of course) and a healthy dash-enough to win it!

Kite Making

While the participants were taking home Gift Certificates and other prizes, it was the experience that made it a blast. It was a truly meaningful family affair that exudes warmth, imagination, and teamwork. Maribago Bluewater, we are looking forward to the next one!