‘What made the night truly Filipino were the dance-offs among fans and host actors to the music of SB19, BINI and It’s Showtime’s Babydolls, turning the celebration into a showcase of Filipino energy and fandom.’
AICELLE Santos with daughter Zandrine at the Yule Ball Manila.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF AICELLE SANTOS/IG
THE Goblet of Fire.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAULINE SONGCO FOR DAILY TRIBUNE
CRESTS of Beauxbatons, Hogwarts and Durmstrang.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAULINE SONGCO FOR DAILY TRIBUNE
HEADS of the Hogwarts houses welcome guests at the Great Hall.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAULINE SONGCO FOR DAILY TRIBUNE
A PORTRAIT of the three champions. (From left) Viktor Krum, Fleur Delacour and Cedric Diggory.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAULINE SONGCO FOR DAILY TRIBUNE
'THE Locket of Slytherin.'
PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAULINE SONGCO FOR DAILY TRIBUNE
MAGICAL cookies.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAULINE SONGCO FOR DAILY TRIBUNE
WINGED serpent.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAULINE SONGCO FOR DAILY TRIBUNE
SILVER Christmas Tree.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAULINE SONGCO FOR DAILY TRIBUNE
One of Hogwarts’ most iconic traditions has left the pages and screen behind.
Harry Potter: A Yule Ball Celebration finally arrived in Manila, bringing an immersive celebration that recreates the magic of the Wizarding World for Filipino fans.
Presented by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment and Fever, in partnership with GMG Productions, the immersive event invites Potterheads to step into an evening inspired by one of the most memorable traditions in the Harry Potter universe.
The Yule Ball first appeared in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, held during the Triwizard Tournament, a historical, highly dangerous magical competition established in 1294 between Europe’s three major wizarding schools — Hogwarts, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. The formal celebration brings together young witches and wizards for an evening of music, dancing and camaraderie.
A fictional magical event, the Yule Ball offered a rare glimpse into the social traditions of wizards, with students dressed in formal robes at the Great Hall of Hogwarts, which was transformed into a winter wonderland.
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Harry Potter, portrayed by Daniel Radcliffe, attended with Parvati Patil while Ron Weasley, played by Rupert Grint, went with Padma Patil, leaving Hermione Granger, depicted by Emma Watson, to arrive with Durmstrang's Viktor Krum. The evening featured the champions’ grand entrance, traditional dances and a memorable performance by the wizarding band The Weird Sisters, before tensions among the students surfaced and the night ended with the trio navigating friendships, rivalries and the challenges of growing up.
From the elaborate decorations and orchestral music to the famous grand entrance and ballroom scenes, the Yule Ball has remained one of the franchise’s most celebrated moments — now recreated as an immersive experience where fans can step into the world they have long admired.
Manila touch
After stops in cities including Milan, Montreal, Sydney and Mexico City, the touring attraction finally landed in Manila. Beginning 3 September, The Space at Solaire transformed into a magical ballroom where Filipino Potterheads can experience the spirit of the Yule Ball firsthand.
The evening opened with a ceremonial welcome before guests were invited to mingle, enjoy light bites and explore themed photo installations. There were a lot of photo-worthy corners and merchandise available for purchase.
The Manila leg really showcased how Filipinos loved to party. Early in the evening, attendees participated in the Champions' Waltz, so make sure to bring your extroverted self.
Friendly dance competitions, a fashion show, scavenger hunt and a dueling club brought out the innate competitiveness of Filipino Potterheads.
Beyond the main festivities, fans can sample exclusive event-inspired beverages such as The Sword of Gryffindor, Merpeople’s Song, The Locket of Slytherin, The Diadem of Ravenclaw and The Hufflepuff Cup, which you can order either as a cocktail or mocktail. Indulge in Smoked Salmon Sandwich, Roast Beef & Mustard Sandwich, Ham & Cheese Sandwich, Pigs in a Blanket and Potato Crisps if all that dancing made you famished.
But what made the night truly Filipino were the dance-offs among fans and host actors to the music of SB19, BINI and It’s Showtime’s Babydolls, turning the celebration into a showcase of Filipino energy and fandom.
Harry Potter: The Yule Ball Celebration has been extended until 13 December.
Is it worth visiting? Absolutely. For fans looking for a magical night filled with music, costumes and Filipino flair, the answer is a resounding yes.
