For two years, the island’s Capitol Grounds has hosted the magic of the holiday season by creating a mesmerizing spectacle that captivates the hearts of locals and visitors alike. And this time, it hits differently.

The enchanting world of Disney came to life as Biliran Province opened its much-awaited “Once Upon a Time: A Disney-Themed Christmas” at the Capital Grounds.

Children of all ages donned their favorite Disney costumes, transforming into beloved characters from the magical realm.

They eagerly awaited the opportunity to immerse themselves in the magic and wonder of Disney as they took selfies with their favorite Disney characters.

Aside from exploring the hidden gems of Biliran, this event is also a perfect way to revisit childhood innocence and get swept up in nostalgia.

In today’s modernized world, who wouldn’t want that?

The Opening Salvo

The festivities began with an exciting countdown, signaling the moment the giant Christmas Tree in the plaza lit up with dazzling lights.

Though a slight drizzle entered the mix, everyone was super excited, and you could feel the buzz.

People of all ages gathered around the plaza, eagerly awaiting the spectacle. It was pretty crowded, especially with kids.

The decorations were there but were challenging to spot because most areas were dimly lit. I like to call them in dark mode, and nobody expected something that would make their jaw drop.

So when the countdown hit zero, the whole place transformed into a magical scene, revealing the beautiful Christmas lights that adorned every corner. Even the entrance was a sight to behold.

When everyone believed the opening act had concluded, the night sky burst into a beautiful display of colors, with fireworks lighting up the heavens.

The crowd collectively gasped and marveled at the enchanting sight that unfolded, leaving them simultaneously processing the magic on both land and sky!

Parade of Characters

Amidst the frenzy of capturing photo-worthy moments at the newly discovered scenes, an unexpected delight awaited the crowd.

Suddenly, Disney characters from beloved movies like Moana, Encanto, Frozen, Aladdin, Coco, and Cinderella burst onto the scene, coming to life before the amazed onlookers.

Their impromptu parade around the Capitol Grounds immediately seized the audience’s attention, sparking a rush of eager parents wanting to capture the perfect photo with their kids.

This wasn’t your typical cosplay – it was a magical reimagining of iconic characters, and the joy it brought was evident. 

The characters were fashionably late to the stage because of the countless stops they had to make to accommodate everyone clamoring for selfies. 

Bundles of Joy

The enchanting parade reached its pinnacle as it gracefully made its way to the grand stage. 

What set this moment apart was the inclusion of not just the iconic characters but also a delightful addition – kids embodying the true spirit of joy. I really think that this event was celebrated for the little ones, and they pulled it off perfectly well.

As the characters gathered on stage, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Our Disney heroes started giving bundles of joy to the children, which made everyone overjoyed.

The stage was fully packed, and as if the parade wasn’t enough, the parents took another photo opportunity with the Disney heroes and their Disney kids.

Everyone was happy as they received their candies and treats in their bundle of joy, creating a moment that would be cherished by everyone fortunate enough to witness it.

Cascade of Events

The past few months had our province busy with events, some are even world-class! I’m talking about the La Routa Adventure Race where foreign participants made their way to our island paradise.

This time, it’s the kids’ time to experience a magical evening with their favorite Disney characters coming to life right before their eyes.

Next evenings will showcase the opening of the Christmas Park in the Municipal Grounds as well as the much-awaited opening of Banchetto Naval (Christmas Edition)!

See you there!