The One with the Easter Eggs: What not to miss at The Friends Experience in Manila

More than two decades after its final episode aired, the TV sitcom ‘Friends’ continues to bank on nostalgia—and fans are still here for it.

Could this be any better? Well, no. It’s the ultimate throwback experience for fans.

“The Friends Experience: The One In Manila” opens today, October 8, at The Space at Solaire Resort, taking the fandom one step further for Filipino fans, with an interactive walkthrough exhibit where guests can immerse themselves in full-scale, recreated sets from the series.

*The couch in the opening sequence of Friends.*
*Photos by Blooey Singson*

Ross’ apartment building staircase and the couch he was trying to “Pivooot!”

Whether you’re a casual viewer, or one who has seen the episodes enough times to mouth the punchline along with the characters, the Friends Experience draws you in with its iconic sets, including the orange couch in front of the fountain from the opening sequence; Ross’ apartment building staircase and the couch he was trying to “Pivot!”; Chandler and Joey’s living room with the pair of La-Z Boy E-cliner 3000s acquired after the untimely demise of Rosita the BarcaLounger; Monica’s eclectic kitchen, the culinary epicenter that produced such delights as Monica’s “little drops of heaven,” Rachel’s trifle (ladyfingers, jam, custard made from scratch, raspberries, more ladyfingers, beef sautéed with peas and onions, more custard, bananas, and whipped cream) and Phoebe’s secret family cookie recipe; and of course, Central Perk, supposedly 97 steps from the boys’ apartment.

For hardcore fans, here are some more things you’ll enjoy at the Friends Experience.

1. ‘Six of One’

The pilot script reflects the show’s working title, *Six of One.* Two other episode scripts are on display, “The One Hundredth” and “The One with the Cop”

One of the items on display is a signed copy of the pilot script, with the working title “Six of One,” before it was finalized to simply Friends. Two other scripts are on display, “The One Hundredth” (aka “The One With the Triplets”), where Phoebe gives birth to her brother’s babies; and “The One With the Cop” (the episode with the “Pivot!” scene), both from season 5.

2. Costumes

*(Above and below) Friends costume designer Debra McGuire created distinct styles for each of the characters.*

On exhibit are sketches of the cast by costume designer Debra McGuire, as well as a capsule wardrobe collection showcasing each of the characters’ distinct styles: Ross’ tweed coat, checked shirt, and striped tie; Rachel’s ribbed tank top, miniskirt and tall boots; Monica’s 90’s vintage; Chandler’s bowling shirt and chinos; Joey’s head-shot worthy leather vest, ripped jeans and biker boots; and Phoebe’s boho busking garb – not like you’ll need the names to identify which character rocked which outfit!

3. The Letter

*“You fell ASLEEP?” Rachel asks Ross, who turns out to not have read the 18-page letter she wrote after they broke up.*

Ah, the infamous 18-page letter (FRONT AND BACK!) that Rachel wrote Ross, enlarged for your reading pleasure. There’s the actual writing of Rachel’s rambling (a lot of song lyrics and Deepak Chopra) — you really can’t blame Ross for falling asleep.

4. Science Boy

*Ross’ Science Boy comic, featuring a boy with a “superhuman thirst for knowledge”*

There’s also a blown-up version of the comic book Ross created when he was a young boy, stolen from him by a mugger, who he later finds out is actually Phoebe. Phoebe returns it to Ross and now you can read six pages of the comic featuring a boy with a “superhuman thirst for knowledge.”

5. Joey’s reading list

*Joey’s reading list: T*he Shining, Little Women, *and* French for Dummies

Lots of little details over at the boys’ apartment, including the oversized entertainment unit that Joey built himself, the vintage monochrome Laurel and Hardy poster, the Three Stooges statues, even Hugsy the penguin. But Joey’s book stack stands out, with three titles: Stephen King’s The Shining, Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, and French for Dummies—IYKYK!

Paws on pavement: ‘Run Fur Life’ is the happy pill you and your dog need

6. Magna Doodle boards

*The doodle boards in the boys’ kitchen apparently appeared 88 times in the show, featuring different doodles*.

There’s a magnificent display of Magna Doodle boards representing the one that hangs on the door of the boys’ kitchen, featuring various doodles from different episodes, including a note from Treeger to clean up the duck feathers in the hallway; “Have you seen our view?” left by the boys when they won the girls’ apartment; and “I’m Sorry” ad infinitum from when Chandler kissed Joey’s girlfriend Kathy.

7. Pat the Dog

*Pat the Dog, which eventually became a running gag throughout the show.*

The big, white porcelain dog was Joey’s prized possession, bought when he first landed a role on Days of Our Lives, and the only thing that got saved from repossession once he was fired from the show (thanks to Ross, who bought it back for him). The dog originally belonged to Jennifer Aniston, who loaned it to the show. Other notable props on display include the turkey (with fez and glasses) from the episode “The One With All the Thanksgivings,” and a standee of all of Chandler’s clothes, as worn by Joey in retaliation to Chandler hiding his underwear in “The One Where No One’s Ready.”

8) Monkeyshine Beer outside Central Perk

*Spot your favorite ad outside Central Perk*

*Central Perk, which Joey pronounced to be 97 steps from the apartment*

Right outside Central Perk, a busking station is set up with both Phoebe’s guitar and Ross’ keyboard, but more interesting are the ads plastered on the brick wall, including one of Monkeyshine Beer, featuring Ross’ former pet capuchin monkey Marcel, who rose to stardom after a break-in at the San Diego Zoo. Other ads feature Phoebe’s masseuse services; Burke & Son Opthalmology; restaurants Allesandro’s and Javu, Phoebe’s cat with “maternal instincts,” a hairless show cat; Estelle Leonard Talent Agency; 5 second spray tan services; the off-Broadway plays Boxing Day and Freud!; a handcrafted entertainment unit for sale; Hombre perfume; and more!

The Friends Experience: The One in Manila is the first Asian stop for the fan attraction, which also has a permanent exhibit in New York, as well as current locations in London and Las Vegas. The Friends Experience runs from October 8 to November 30 at The Space at Solaire, Solaire Resort Entertainment City, Parañaque City. Tickets are available via Ticketworld.

The One with the Easter Eggs: What not to miss at The Friends Experience in Manila