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  • Puddy Rock Studio, An Inclusive Play Space For Children, Is Now Open!

    Here's all you need to know about the newest play space and studio in the metro that helps young children, neurodivergent and neurotypical alike, in their development.
    by Judy Santiago Aladin . Published Nov 21, 2023
Puddy Rock Studio, An Inclusive Play Space For Children, Is Now Open!
PHOTO BY INSTAGRAM /PUDDYROCKSTUDIO, SMART PARENTING
  • There's a new play space in the metro, and it welcomes children of all abilities!

    "Puddy Rock is not just on YouTube; it's now here," Saab Magalona and Jim Bacarro told Smart Parenting on November 20, a day before they opened the doors of Puddy Rock Studio to the public.

    What started as a YouTube channel inspired by their children Pancho and Vito, the couple said that creating the physical play space is their way of addressing the gap between fun stuff and inclusivity, especially in entertainment.

    art work in puddy rock studio /> <figcaption class=
    PHOTO BY INSTAGRAM /PUDDYROCKSTUDIO

    "This was a dream of ours, I don't know, five years or ten years down the road. It just so happened that through divine intervention, we were able to meet our partners, and they made this happen," Jim said.

    Saab and Jim partnered with the owners of Heroes Headquarters, which is a play space for older kids. They also partnered with Kidstarter and Linya-Linya to create an inclusive play space that does not only build kids' gross motor skills, but also provides therapy sessions for children with special needs.  

    "So we wanted to partner up and make something for the little ones. And so it just worked out," Saab said.

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    Puddy Rock Studio Features and Amenities

    "Tameme" was the word that Jim used to describe Pancho's reaction when he first saw the play space. Both Pancho and Vito are co-creators of the Puddy Rock music and videos, and I could just imagine their joy seeing a beautiful playground with their Puddy Rock songs playing on loop.

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    Smart Parenting was able to have a sneak peek at the studio a day before their soft opening, and my 4-year-old daughter was able to try out the features. My daughter can't get enough of the 'Pizza Pizza' imaginative play station, where there are wooden toys and a brick-oven where kids can pretend to make their own pizza. It was Saab's favorite spot too, which was inspired by the Puddy Rock song of the same title.

    brick oven

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    watch now
    PHOTO BY INSTAGRAM /PUDDYROCKSTUDIO

    Watch the I Love Pizza (Pizza Song) by Puddy Rock here:

    To maximize the space, right above the Pizza Pizza spot is a reading nook with English and Tagalog children's books. A Linya-Linya quote on the wall is also a good reminder, "Mag-aral ng mabuti. Mag-aral maging mabuti."

    linya-linya quote on the wall
    PHOTO BY SMART PARENTING
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    The Puddy Rock Studio may appear like any other play space in the metro, but what makes it special is that its features were designed with neurodivergent children in mind.

    Jim's favorite spot, meanwhile, is the "centerpiece" of the studio. It's The Mountain, where kids can enter assisted or by wall climbing. "For us, it's so awesome that it's a slide that Pancho can crawl up."

    Puddy Rock Studio The Mountain slide
    PHOTO BY SMART PARENTING
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    Saab explains, "It's a good metaphor for parents, all parents, but most especially for parents of special needs children because it's really like a climb." She adds, "You just have to keep on going, and then you'll get where you want to be."

    There's a Therapy Monkey Bar which can aid small children to develop their strength, concentration, and confidence. Experts say that monkey bars are great for encouraging kids to take turns, play creatively, and solve problems together.

    Puddy Rock Studio Therapy Monkey Bar
    PHOTO BY SMART PARENTING
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    What I particularly loved is the Music and Arts section, where kids can try actual musical instruments like an electronic drum set, piano, beatbox, and guitars.

    Music Arts Section
    PHOTO BY SMART PARENTING

    There's a spacious, multi-purpose room for parties, classes, and therapy sessions for big groups.

    A Yellow Door leads to a small room that's suitable for one-on-one therapy sessions.

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    A room for one on one therapy session
    PHOTO BY SMART PARENTING

    The Foam Pit and the soft play area right behind the Mountain will surely be a hit among the kids who want to rest for a bit.

    Puddy Rock Studio Foam Pit
    PHOTO BY SMART PARENTING
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    This feature will definitely make you bring your kids soon: there will be a Kape-Kape by Linya-Linya coffee shop right outside the play space, where parents can enjoy their hot cups of coffee. The coffee shop will start serving good coffee in December 2023.

    Kape-Kape by Linya-Linya coffee shop
    PHOTO BY SMART PARENTING
    tables and chairs in the coffee shop
    PHOTO BY SMART PARENTING
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    Puddy Rock Studio Playground Rates

    As a mom who has tried taking my child to different play spaces in and around the metro, and after exploring the Puddy Rock Studio, I was happy to know that their rates are affordable given its features and accessibility.

    A 90-minute playtime for one child costs Php 350, with one guardian free of charge.

    A 3-hour playtime, meanwhile, costs only Php 400! If you want to bring in an additional guardian, they will only charge you Php 100.

    There's no age or height restrictions, children of all ages are welcome, but they will prioritize the little ones. Some areas may not be suitable for big kids though, like the climbing wall.

    The studio is protected by Medklinn Air and Surface sterilizers, which uses Cerafusion Technology that is capable of eliminating bacteria and virus in both air and surfaces. They also made sure to sanitize the area regularly. They make sure to have professional cleaners to do a thorough sanitation regularly.

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    Puddy Rock Studio rules
    PHOTO BY SMART PARENTING

    Birthday Packages at Puddy Rock Studio

    For parents who want a more intimate but fun birthday party for your kids, Puddy Rock Studio's got you!

    A private party for 40 pax would cost Php 20,000, and for 60 pax, it would cost you Php 30,000. The studio will charge you Php 500 for an additional person.

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    Their All Rockin' Party Packages include:

    • Three (3) hours of exclusive playtime
    • Puddy Rock party invitations
    • Name tags for every little rockstar
    • Adult cocktail tables
    • Kiddie tables
    • Use of cozy, air-conditioned room
    • Basic sound system and mic for shout-outs and song requests
    • Use of cake stand and cake table
    • Designated gift table

    You can let the Puddy Patrollers take over your party so you can sit back and relax as you celebrate your child's special day. However, they can also craft a custom party package just for you.

    Puddy Rock Jam Sessions

    Puddy Rock Studio will also hold interactive, dynamic, and playful classes designed using the Kidstarter Curious curriculum. Classes will be available in January 2024.

    You can choose between two classes: Music and Movement classes or Art Classes.

    Music and Movement classes are for the little ones to learn how to sing, dance, and play musical instruments. Their goal is to help kids demonstrate self-awareness and become increasingly independent.

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    Art Classes aim to give a "nurturing creative experience" for our budding artists. Their goal is to help children develop their fine motor skills, social skills, language, and their ability to experiment while having fun.

    The classes are tailored for age groups: 2-3 year olds, 4-5 year olds, and a vertical class for 3-5 year olds.

    A one-hour class costs Php 1,500; 4 sessions can be prepaid at Php 5,000; and 12 sessions cost Php 12,000.

    For exclusive classes, a 2-hour session would cost Php 12,000 for 10 kids, and Php 20,000 for 20 kids.

    Jim and Saab have a tip for parents who wish to visit the studio soon, "You can have your kids warm up by checking out Puddy Rock on YouTube. Listen to all the songs so when they get here, complete 'yung experience."

    My 4-year-old daughter Elsa gave Puddy Rock "twenty hundred stars!" because "the place was fun and there's a kind Ate."
    PHOTO BY SMART PARENTING
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    Puddy Rock Studio is located at 5/F East Wing of Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City. It's open from 11 AM to 9 PM. Follow Puddy Rock Studio on Instagram, X, and Facebook. For inquiries, you can email wesharelove@puddyrock.com

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