Dawn of the Space Age preems at Nido Science Discovery Center

MANILA, Philippines - The Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center recently launched The Dawn of the Space Age in a gala premiere at the Digistar Planetarium at the SM Mall of Asia.

The event, which was just in time for the 53rd anniversary of Sputnik the first man-made satellite launched in space, gave kids and kids-at-heart an extraordinary journey through time in outer space. It also marked the Philippines’ participation in the celebration of World Space Week along with 55 countries all over the world.

The Dawn of the Space Age gives spectators a 360-degree view of space exploration, giving the new generation a glimpse of the 20th century space race between the USSR and the United States. It takes one on a journey back in time — to the space flight of the USSR’s Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space, to the Apollo missions launched by NASA to bring man to the moon. Breathtaking views of outer space captivated the audience, making Dawn of the Space Age a visual feast.

Dmitry V. Larionov of the Embassy of the Russian Federation graced the event and shared his country’s goals on space exploration and the innovations that enabled them to send man into space before others did. He also emphasized Russia’s current efforts to push forward with space research, as well as their participation in the global collaboration of the International Space Station. After Larinov’s speech, a replica of Sputnik 1 was unveiled.

Apart from knowing more about the world we live in, there will be even more fun ahead for those who will be viewing The Dawn of the Space Age, as well as three other current Planetarium films — The Pharaohs, narrated by John Rys-Davies of the popular Sci-fi TV series Sliders; Seven Wonders, narrated by Sean Bean, who played Boromir in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy; and Cosmic Collisions, narrated by Robert Redford, will get a chance to take part in newest Passport to Discovery promotion.

A purchase of a walk-in ticket to the Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center worth P330 includes one Planetarium Show which entitles one to a Passport to Discovery Stub. To complete the said stub, the guest should purchase another P150 worth of planetarium ticket. In doing so, one is already qualified to join the raffle and get a chance to win a trip for two to Hong Kong or Singapore. Itinerary for Hong Kong will include tours in Hong Kong Science Museum and Hong Kong Space Museum, while itinerary for Singapore will include tours of the Night Safari, Singapore Zoo, and the Singapore Science Center.  Promo period is until March 15, 2011. The raffle draw for Hong Kong Trip (midterm prize) is on Jan. 15, 2011 while the raffle draw for Singapore trip (grand prize) is on March 15, 2011.