Play Innovations Inc., a subsidiary of ABS-CBN Corp. said it will shut down the operations of KidZania Manila, an indoor play city for kids by August 31 due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. 

ABS-CBN said Play Innovations decided to cease the operations of KidZania Manila effective August 31 after five years. 

 “With the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing community quarantine, we have complied and suspended operations to prevent the further spread of the virus, which resulted to a massive impact on our revenues,” ABS-CBN said.  

Kidzania generated P524 million in revenues with a total of 339,000 visitors in 2017. 

“Even if we are allowed to operate in the future, the “new normal” will prohibit mass gathering and require children to remain at home. These conditions have left us with no choice but to close the play city’s doors permanently,” it added. 

ABS-CBN said Play Innovations will pay out severeness benefits as mandated by law and providing job placement programs for its employees.

“We appreciate all their hard work.  We are also grateful to our industry partners and the schools and families who have trusted us over the years,” the company said. 

Kidzania is an interactive city made for children that combines inspiration, fun and learning through realistic role-play, making it one of the fastest growing global learning and entertainment brands in the world. 

Kids can independently explore a scaled indoor city of over 8,000 square meters with more than 100 exciting careers that they can try. It is present in 26 locations in 19 countries, with ABS-CBN spearheading in the Philippines.