I’m stepping into the Dodgem at Enchanted Kingdom with a group of teachers and students. There’s no line this time, just a quick shuffle through the entrance and straight to the bumper cars. It’s already night, and the sky above the park is lighting up with bursts of fireworks from the evening show, their crackle and boom echoing across the grounds. All of us look as if we’ve spent the entire day chasing after students and rides—which, in a way, we have.
We’re determined to finish strong, squeezing in one last ride before heading back to our respective buses. I would’ve preferred the Wheel of Fate, just as with last year, but it’s under renovation. And I definitely don’t have the sleep or stamina for the likes of Space Shuttle or Flying Fiesta right now. So here we are, at the Dodgem. It’s a kiddie ride, but at this point in the night, it’s exactly the level of chaos I can handle.
Once the staff opens the gate, we slip into our bumper cars. I grip the steering wheel with the resolve of someone operating on the last sliver of social and physical battery. As the ride starts up, my mind drifts back to how the day began: standing in factories surrounded by assembly lines and conveyor belts, watching products move with mechanical precision. Now we’re ending the day by deliberately crashing into each other for fun.
The contrast couldn’t be sharper. And somehow, it feels like the perfect way to close out the trip.
Precision in Motion: The Gardenia and Lucky Me! Factories
Earlier this morning, as the bus cruises SLEX going to Laguna, I am again reminded of the different role I’m playing on our school’s second senior high school field trip. I’m one of the adults again—specifically, a part of the administration team, along with my sister. Technically, I’m still a passenger in the day’s itinerary—our teachers and the tour operator again handled the logistics—but I have to keep an eye on everyone, admire the precision of the factories, and pretend I know exactly what I’m doing this time. (I still don’t.)
We arrive at the Gardenia factory early—around 7 a.m.—just in time for our scheduled slot. The Gardenia factory in Biñan is one of the country’s largest commercial bakeries, churning out loaves, buns, and pastries with near-assembly-line precision. Its tours showcase both the automated production process and the care that goes into quality control. Even if you’re not a student, it’s fascinating to see how a simple loaf of bread comes together.
But the day wastes no time reminding us that field trips have a way of testing your patience. Our bus suddenly springs an engine leak, oil dripping onto the pavement. Fortunately, it happens while we’re parked and waiting for our turn, so no one is stranded. Still, we have to wait for a replacement bus before heading to the entrance. The delay cost us almost an hour.
Once inside, though, everything snaps back into order. The tour begins with a video presentation, followed by a look at Gardenia’s surprisingly mesmerizing production line. Nearly everything is automated—loaves gliding, spinning, and sealing themselves with mechanical precision while staff oversee the process with minimal intervention. The students watch intently, while teachers ask occasional questions. Everyone perks up at the thought of free bread at the end. The system is tightly organized too: designated entrances and exits, no photos allowed, and a sense that even if the day outside unfolds chaotically, everything inside this factory runs like clockwork.
After Gardenia, we move on to the Lucky Me! Noodles factory. But we have to wait for a replacement bus coming from Quezon City. Fortunately, the tour operator secures a reserved shuttle based in nearby Sta. Rosa, which becomes our ride from Gardenia to Lucky Me!
The Lucky Me! Noodles factory in Sta. Rosa produces some of the most iconic instant noodles in the Philippines. Compared to Gardenia, the tour is noticeably livelier. There are upbeat dance segments, a cheerful mascot, interactive videos, and brightly colored walls guiding us through the experience. It has that distinctly “field trip for kids” atmosphere: fun, energetic, and a little cartoony. Still, beyond the entertainment, the factory floor remains a space of efficiency and strict control. Conveyors move with exact timing, and even through the playful façade, the precision of production never really fades into the background.
We leave Lucky Me! just half an hour before noon. As we ride toward Nuvali for lunch, the morning’s controlled precision leaves a lingering impression. The factories operate like well-oiled machines, leaving little room for unpredictability. It’s a stark contrast to the unstructured freedom we’ll soon experience at Nuvali and Enchanted Kingdom. Yet, the precision of each baked loaf and spinning noodle machine reflects how even order can be a form of excitement.
Lunch at Nuvali
Arriving at Nuvali, the change in pace is immediately noticeable. Once we step off our bus, everyone finds their own spot. Some students settle under the shade of the trees, others cluster at benches or picnic tables. My sister and I, along with a few staff members, stake out a table together.
Nuvali is a sprawling eco-resort town designed for recreation, biking, and lakeside relaxation. I’ve been here a couple of times before (one in 2022 and another in last year’s field trip, among other times), wandering the lake paths and snapping photos. It’s still the same calm, green escape tucked away in Sta. Rosa. Today, though, I barely notice the trails or the open spaces. The students are scattered around the tables and under the trees, the koi swim lazily in the pond, and all I can do is let the tranquility contrast with the organized structure of the morning factories.
Lunch is a relaxed affair. I have spaghetti, bought by my sister while we waited for our delayed bus, and some students dig into packed meals. I check in on the koi pond and see fewer fish than usual, maybe because fewer visitors are feeding them today. The overall atmosphere is serene and unassuming—the exact opposite of the high-energy chaos of Enchanted Kingdom later.
We spend about 30 to 40 minutes eating, chatting, and soaking in the tranquility, letting the calm of Nuvali reset our energy before heading to the final destination.
Enchanted Kingdom: Where Magic—And Chaos—Comes to Life
In the early afternoon, the bus rolls through Enchanted Kingdom’s parking lot. The air immediately buzzes with excitement, particularly from the students. For many of them, who are in Grade 11, this is their first time at the park. The moment they catch sight of the rooftops of the entrance gate, cheers erupt.
It’s a more subdued excitement for me this time, though. This is my third visit in two years (the first was during a family day with the financial team I was involved in in April last year; the second was last year’s field trip). The novelty has faded somewhat. Yet, there’s still that pull that, even if I’m no longer chasing the adrenaline of every ride, I find myself wanting to be there just to stroll around and soak in the park’s energy. Age, perhaps, teaches you to enjoy it differently: less about the rides, more about the experience.
Once inside, it’s very much every person for themselves. The students scatter across the park, some heading straight for thrill rides, others finding shaded benches or picnic tables to rest and chat. Grade 11 students are already on the verge of adulthood, so we don’t leash them. Nonetheless, our bus’ tour guide has given the usual reminders: be back at the bus by 7 p.m., remember where we parked, stick to the safety rules, and if you have existing conditions, skip the intense rides.
As for me, I planned to sit at a gazebo and maybe sneak in a nap. But the energy of the admin team pulls me in. First, we ride the Rialto together. It’s a non-intense way to ease into the park’s attractions. Then we try Agila, which surprisingly is my first time after multiple visits to EK. The ride is immersive and thematically rich, highlighting the Philippines’ biodiversity in a way that’s almost like a living advertisement for the country. The experience is more intense and cohesive than the Rialto, and I find myself appreciating both the ride and its message.
After that, it’s mostly walking and soaking in the atmosphere. I skip the other rides as my head feels heavy from lack of sleep, and I’ve seen a hyperventilating student rushed to the first aid station to remind me of my limits. It’s enough to watch others scream and laugh, while I enjoy the park at a more measured pace.
The sky has turned black and the theme park’s lights already lit up when we make our way to the buses in the parking lot. It’s time to head back to Valenzuela City. The morning had been precise and methodical, with loaves rolling off conveyor belts, and packets of instant noodles stacking into perfect rows. Students, despite the occasional teen-induced cynicism, still marveled at the order of it all. Nuvali was a calm reprieve for lunch and walking around and taking TikTok/My Day pictures and videos. And Enchanted Kingdom unleashed a whirlwind of screams, spinning rides, and gleeful chaos that left us all exhausted but exhilarated—again.
We’ve heard countless times how learning takes place even outside the classroom. And watching the students navigate each environment, this idea is much more reflected in the arc of this trip. Structure is important, sure, because it teaches focus, patience, and respect for effort. But it has to be balanced with spontaneity, curiosity, and joy. The teachers and staff are the true stewards of that balance, guiding students safely from precision to play. And as a co-administrator, I get a humbling glimpse of the effort it takes to make it all flow seamlessly, while still allowing moments of wonder and discovery.
This trip has shown us the meticulous and the messy, the predictable and the unexpected. Somewhere in between these contrasts, there’s room for students—and adults—to grow. There’s nothing to be guilty about screaming with joy on a roller coaster or taking a selfie in front of a koi pond. So here I am, a year older from last year, but still just feeling really grateful for this experience for the second-straight year.
Laguna Field Trip Basics
Timing
- Gardenia and Lucky Me! (Monde Nissin) tours must be booked in advance, so your visit time depends on your assigned schedule. Factories tend to start early, so expect morning slots.
- Nuvali is best enjoyed in the early morning or late afternoon if you want cooler weather. It’s ideal for lakeside walks, cycling, paddleboarding, or just stretching out after a long bus ride.
- Enchanted Kingdom is most magical from late afternoon into evening, when the park lights come on and queues thin out. Expect elevated energy levels from students on field trips.
Access
- If you’re doing these stops on your own, here’s how to reach each one. School field trips usually have buses that take everyone between these sites, so logistics are already handled. (Argh, logistics!)
- By car or private transportation:
- Gardenia: From Metro Manila, take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and exit at Mamplasan (Southbound). Follow directions to Laguna International Industrial Park (LIIP).
- Lucky Me!: Found within the Sta. Rosa Industrial Complex. By car, take SLEX and exit at Sta. Rosa, then follow signs to the industrial estates.
- Nuvali: Take SLEX and exit at Nuvali / Sta. Rosa Exit. Follow signs to the Nuvali central area / lake. Parking is generally available near the lake, restaurants, and activity hubs.
- Enchanted Kingdom: Also accessible via SLEX. Take the Sta. Rosa / Balibago Exit. From the exit, follow road signs to EK (or navigate via Paseo de Sta. Rosa). Parking is available on-site; plan for extra space if you’re visiting on weekends or holidays.
- By public transportation:
- For Gardenia, take a bus to Balibago or Biñan (PHP 90 – 130) and then a jeep/tricycle going into LIIP.
- For Lucky Me!, ride any bus to Balibago/Sta. Rosa, get off at the Sta. Rosa junction or Balibago, then take a tricycle into the industrial area. The factory is also 500 meters east of Waltermart Sta. Rosa.
- For Nuvali, you can take a P2P bus in One Ayala near MRT Ayala Station. One-way fare costs PHP 200.
- For Enchanted Kingdom, look for buses bound for Balibago at the One Ayala terminal. Tell the conductor to drop you off at Waltermart (one-way fare costs between PHP 90 – 130). Once you arrive at Waltermart, you’ll find a tricycle terminal with rides going directly to Enchanted Kingdom (around PHP 40-60 one way for a “special trip”).
- Going between Nuvali and EK (and vice versa), there’s no frequent direct shuttle. Instead, you can piece together the trip via tricycle + jeep: from Nuvali, take a jeepney to Waltermart in Balibago, then ride a tricycle that goes to EK. Tricycle fare for this “special trip” varies, and jeepney fare is modest.
- Alternatively, a Grab or taxi is probably the easiest: it takes around 10 minutes and costs around PHP 170–220, based on recent estimates.
Admission
- Gardenia: Tours are free but strictly by appointment, and must be booked through their official website. Schools provide participant numbers and preferred dates.
- Lucky Me! / Monde Nissin: Also requires advance booking via website or customer service (inquiry@mondenissin.com). Schools typically submit a formal request letter. Slots depend on factory operations.
- Nuvali: No entrance fee. But the cafes and restaurants won’t serve you food for free.
- Enchanted Kingdom (as of 2025):
- Regular Day Pass: around PHP 1,400 (purchased online)
- Junior Day Pass (36–47″): around PHP 950
- EKspress Pass: PHP 2,400 — gives you skip-the-line for major rides
- Senior / PWD rates and junior PWD rate available, but check EK’s site for the latest.
- Note: Some “gated” attractions like 7D Theater or Alcatraz cost extra.
Food
- Gardenia has a cafe for visitors as well as a shop selling their products. In Lucky Me! there are no dining spots, but you’ll usually get some edible freebies.
- There are plenty of options in Nuvali, ranging from fast food options to sit-down restaurants. Among the favorites are The Morning After for all-day breakfast, Amare La Cucina for wood-fired pizza and pasta, and Manam for classic Filipino comfort food.
- Numerous food stalls in EK serve (sometimes pricey) snacks and meals. If you prefer a more substantial meal before or after the park, there’s a Jollibee at the Caltex station on the corner just before the street leading to EK. For even more options, head to Balibago, where restaurants and cafes abound.
For the latest info, check out the official websites of Gardenia, Monde Nissin, Nuvali and Enchanted Kingdom. Schools and groups planning trips can consult a field trip operator or coordinator to help with logistics, transportation, and scheduling.
The Tourist Gaze 