03/04/2025
FYI Mga Ka-CABK
It's confirmed!
Universal Studios Resort Subic Bay to open on 2029
Universal Studios to Open $4.1 Billion Theme Park in Subic Bay, Zambales Philippines on 2029! 🎢✨
SUBIC BAY, ZAMBALES
- Universal Studios announced on Monday that it had sealed an agreement to open a $4.1 billion theme park in Subic, Philippines, marking a major milestone in expanding its presence in Southeast Asia’s growing entertainment market.
U.S. theme park operators are racing to establish themselves in the Philippines, where the demand for world-class attractions has been rising as Filipinos and international tourists increase their spending on entertainment and travel.
The Universal Studios Subic theme park, to be developed in partnership with the state-owned Philippine Tourism Authority, will feature Filipino-themed attractions alongside globally recognized franchises such as Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Minions.
Jerry Williams, CEO of Universal Parks and Resorts, said in a press conference that the park aims to attract visitors not only from the Philippines but also from across Asia. Hollywood director Steven Spielberg also confirmed via video message that he will play a role in designing some of the attractions.
“There is Disneyland in Hong Kong, but the Philippines has yet to have a theme park of this scale and quality. This could be a game-changer for tourism in the country,” said James Roy, associate principal of Southeast Asia Market Research Group.
Competing Theme Parks
The Universal Studios Subic project will compete with other major players in the region, including Walt Disney Co., which is constructing a $4.4 billion theme park in Shanghai, and DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc., which is developing a $3.1 billion entertainment complex in China.
While Universal Studios has not confirmed an official opening date, local reports suggest the park is set to open by 2029.
Universal Studios, a subsidiary of NBCUniversal under Comcast Corp., currently operates theme parks in Los Angeles, Orlando, Osaka, and Singapore. The company’s theme park division reported $1 billion in total revenue in 2023.
Universal and the Philippine Tourism Authority will form two joint-venture companies to construct and manage the park. The Philippine Tourism Authority will hold a 70% stake in the construction, while Universal will control 70% of park operations.
The Subic location was chosen due to its accessibility, strong tourism industry, and potential for economic growth. Once completed, the park is expected to boost local employment, increase tourism revenue, and solidify the Philippines as a top entertainment destination in Asia and of course, Happy April Fools’!
This may just be a prank for now, but who knows? Maybe one day, the Philippines will have its very own Universal Studios!
Together, Let’s Dream big!
Highlights