The Fantasy World was envisioned as the “Disneyland of the Philippines,” featuring a medieval fantasy theme with castle structures and recreational features to rival international destinations. It aimed to create a world-class resort on 30 hectares.
THE RISE AND HALT OF FANTASY WORLD
The construction of Fantasy World began in the late 1990s and took a halt after having a mounting challenges from escalating construction costs amid the Philippines’ post-Asian financial crisis recovery, high material prices, and reduced investments. The combination of personal, financial, and economic challenges left the site unfinished, with no operational rides of full facilities.
Aside from all the rides this castle inspired is built, it also planned accommodations including a hotel consisting of 504 rooms as a luxury base for the visitors, a grand ballroom for events and gatherings, clubhouse, fitness gym, billiard hall, and bowling alleys promoting recreational leisure place in a resort like setting.
Yet the Fantasy World bloomed, it had numerious media appearances as a prominent filming location for several television series such Wansapanataym and Majika starring Angel Locsin and Dennis Trillo, and the MMFF 2028 entry of Vice Ganda, the “Fantastica”. The abandoned state not only got known locally but also abroad. It had been covered in documentaries and news features.
MORE THAN AN ABANDONED DREAM
Despite its weathered walls and structure frozen in time, Fantasy World remains a symbol of imagination and ambition. It makes us nostalgic, it creates curiosity and wonder of what could have been.
Although permanently closed, this place continues to draw attention whether it is viewed up close or admired from afar, the castle still captures the hearts of every tourst. Today, the place became the most popular backdrop for photo opportunities when visiting the municipality of Lemery.
More than an abandoned structure, Fantasy World is a testament to big dreams, and that dreams do not entirely stops and ends, they simply waits for the right time to begin again.
