Pink seems to be the color of the season as the new Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling hits cinemas this week. The ‘Barbiecore’ pink aesthetic has become the latest craze, not just in fashion, but for food, and novelty experiences as well.
Since Barbie’s Malibu DreamHouse in California, which was recently opened on Airbnb, may be too far for Filipino travelers to visit, we thought we’d list down some places and novelty experiences that look straight of Barbieland in and around Metro Manila as alternatives.
Where would Barbie stay and where would she go if she were to visit the Philippines?
Villa Escudero, a plantation in Tiaong in the province of Quezon a few hours drive from Manila, boasts of two iconic pink ancestral residences that puts a Pinoy twist on the classic Barbie dreamhouse. Both pink mansions contain a diverse collection of artifacts and antique pieces that are yet to be displayed in public, as recently shared by the resort’s social media accounts.
Casa Consuelo was built in the late 19th century in Angeles, Pampanga and was moved piece by piece to the estate at Villa Escudero. It remains fully furnished with original antique furniture of the era. The villa contains a carosa, Doña Rosario’s silver spoon collection from her world travels, and a turn of the century doll collection curated by Patis Tesoro.
Meanwhile the Escudero Ancestral Farmhouse, as featured in the Villa Escudero logo, was built in 1929 and served as the Escudero’s primary residence after their San Pablo house was destroyed during World War II. While you can admire the villa from the outside, the house remains closed off to the public and functions as a time capsule for the family’s history, according to the estate.
Not in the mood for a road trip? Right in Manila, you can find hotel rooms that look like upscale versions of Barbie’s beautifully artificial bedroom in the movie
Okada Manila‘s luxurious rooms are decked out in a dreamy shade of pink with accents of white, marble, and gold for a classy touch. The spacious living area contains luxe furniture reminiscent of the 50s and 60s when the iconic Barbie doll was first introduced, while floor-length mirrors and windows make the space feel even more opulent.
Aside from their signature rooms, Okada’s Cove Manila recently transformed their indoor club space into a Barbie-themed wonderland, with the indoor swimming pool filled with pink Flamingo floaters, pink slides, a photo booth area and walk-in Barbie closet, and luxury cabanas, to celebrate the movie. The 5-star amenities and special activity area, which Barbie fans can visit on daycations, is only available for a limited time until July 23.
Meanwhile, SM is giving mallgoers a chance to live their Barbie dream at the SM Mall of Asia with their 2-storey Barbie Dream House, a music room that features songs from the official Barbie the Album soundtrack released by Warner Music Philippines, a vanity room and, a pool. The pinktastic Barbie Land installation, which will run until July 21, features a fashion display of Barbie’s outfits.
Those based in the North can also live out Barbie and Ken’s adventures at Ayala Malls in U.P. Town Center with a pop-up “Real World” rollerskating experience inspired by the iconic doll. Get 30 minutes of free skate rentals at Squad Skates from July 19 to August 2 for every Barbie movie ticket. Mallgoers can also step into the boardwalk and Barbie Box photo booth for those picture-perfect snaps.
Aside from pop-up events, there are other hot pink indoor spots to visit. The Dessert Museum, known for its candy-colored hues and fun food themed displays, has launched a Barbie-inspired Pink Self-Shoot Studio for as low as P600 good for 2 pax.
BakeBe, a DIY baking studio known for their pastel pink kitchen and interiors that look straight out of Barbieland, could also be a great setting for your post-movie hangouts with family this rainy season.