The FRIENDS Experience, an Immersive Exhibit, Is Coming to Manila

The New York apartments of Monica, Rachel, Joey, Chandler, Ross, and Phoebe (and who bunked with whom) have become a weekly sight behind the screen for people who watched Friends, a popular American sitcom that ran from 1994 to 2004 (or, maybe, streamed the whole thing in recent years). And now, The FRIENDS Experience—an immersive exhibit featuring costumes, props, and sets from the show—is coming to Manila, which also happens to be the first stop of its Asian tour. It opens on October 8 at The Space at Solaire.

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The FRIENDS Experience began as a pop-up in New York City and eventually became a permanent exhibit on the corner of Lexington Avenue and 23rd Street in the Big Apple. Other flagship locations are in London and Las Vegas. It was later replicated as a touring exhibit that has been in over 30 locations around the globe: The One in Toronto, The One in Paris, The One in Brussels, The One in Melbourne, etc.—a reference, of course, to episode titles that begin with "The One..."

The FRIENDS Experience: The One in Manila will be brought to our shores through a partnership by Original X Productions (OGX), Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, Warner Bros. Television Group, and GMG Productions. The last bit is probably familiar, as they're currently staging the Manila leg of the UK touring production of Dear Evan Hansen.

"We’re excited to introduce The FRIENDS Experience to Asia with its Manila debut, and we can’t wait to welcome fans to the famous orange sofa," said Stacy Moscatelli, Chief Executive Officer of Original X Productions. "The Experience invites guests to step into the world of the iconic series, relive favorite moments, and celebrate it like never before."

Carlos Candal, CEO of GMG Productions, shared, "Bringing The FRIENDS Experience to Manila is an incredible opportunity to celebrate one of television’s most beloved series with fans in the Philippines. FRIENDS has created generations of laughter and connection, and we’re thrilled to offer an experience that allows fans to experience the show in a whole new way."

Replicated sets include Monica's kitchen, the iconic FRIENDS fountain, the purple door, Chandler and Joey's recliners, and even that infamous sofa pivot of Ross. Through the interactive exhibit, FRIENDS fans can take photos (and maybe recreate favorite scenes) with their friends. Central Perk, of course, also has a full set. If the selfies and groufies aren't enough mementos, there's The FRIENDS Experience Retail Store for a selection of exclusive merchandise.

The FRIENDS Experience: The One in Manila Tickets

Tickets are timed in 15-minute increments, with each timed entry having limited capacity. Tickets will be on sale at the venue when not sold out on event days only. Peak days are weekends and weeknights.

Standard Tickets

• Adult - P1,000
• Child (4-10 years old) - P500
• Barkada (Admits five) - P5,000
• VIP Adult - P2,800
• Senior, PWD - P680

Peak Tickets

• Adult - P1,500
• Child (4-10 years old) - P500
• Barkada (Admits five) - P7,500
• VIP Adult - P3,500
• Senior, PWD - P816

Ultimate VIP Friends Bundle

• Standard - P4,000
• Peak - P4,500

VIP Tickets are inclusive of a general admission ticket, a tote bag, priority lane at arrival and three photo points, and 10 percent discount on second visit.

Ultimate VIP Friends Bundle includes open entry anytime, exclusive gift box (tote bag, lanyard, enamel pin bearing the words "The One with the VIP"), priority lane at arrival and three photo points, and 10 percent discount on second visit.

The FRIENDS Experience: The One in Manila runs from October 8 to November 30 at The Space at Solaire, Solaire Resort Entertainment City, in Paranaque. It is open from Wednesday to Thursday, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and from Friday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Tickets go on sale on September 9 exclusively through Ticketworld. UnionBank cardholders get an exclusive ticket discount for purchases from September 9 to October 7.