Circuit City Skate Park: Bridging Communities Through Concrete Waves

In a bold move to redefine urban spaces and build authentic connections with Makati’s vibrant youth culture, Ayala Land partnered with Rezonate to create Circuit City Skate Park. Through deep community engagement, collaboration with local skate brand weLegendary, and a commitment to cultural authenticity, this project transformed an overlooked space into a dynamic hub for skate culture and community life—demonstrating how brands can build bridges, not just buildings.

Expertise

Creative Direction

Design

Branding

Strategy

Events

Direction

Partners

Ayala Land weLegendary

Challenge: Redefining Urban Spaces and Community Engagement

Ayala Land, a trailblazer in reshaping urban landscapes, wanted to create something that wasn’t just another development but a heartbeat for Makati. They needed more than a standard attraction; they needed a space that would speak to the city’s pulse, a place that would bridge the gap between urban development and youth culture. But they faced a challenge: how to tap into the raw energy of a community they didn’t fully understand—the local skateboard scene, a vibrant subculture on the rise.

Goals: Crafting a Space that Resonates

The vision was clear: build something that goes beyond concrete and steel. Create a space that is more than a park—a canvas for connection, a catalyst for culture, a statement that Ayala Land is a part of this community's story. The skate park needed to redefine what urban spaces could be, turning an overlooked area into a magnetic cultural hub. It was also about embedding Ayala Land’s brand into the city's fabric as a forward-thinking developer that truly listens. And it had to do all of this while serving as a launchpad for the estate, sparking interest in the residential and commercial properties surrounding it.

Solution: A Partnership Rooted in Authenticity

Rezonate, under the direction of Nico Puertollano, took up the challenge. Nico, a skater who grew up in the rough-and-tumble streets of NYC and later reconnected with his Filipino roots, understood the delicate balance required. It wasn’t just about building a skate park; it was about creating a place that felt like home to the skateboarders who would ride its waves every day.

The key was authenticity. Nico and the team at Rezonate teamed up with weLegendary, a local skate brand deeply rooted in the community. This wasn’t just a partnership; it was a bridge, a way to tap into the collective heartbeat of the Filipino skate scene. Together, they curated a design process that involved local pros like Raymond Lorenzana and Ansey Flores, ensuring the park spoke the language of those who would use it.

Execution: Engaging the Community and Building Trust

It started with listening, not talking. Understanding the community’s needs, fears, and hopes. Rezonate went beyond the usual design approach, engaging the community from day one. Pro skaters became co-designers. Local voices shaped the conversation. The collaboration with weLegendary extended beyond design; it became a core part of the park’s daily life, managing operations and keeping the space true to its roots. This wasn’t just about building a skate park; it was about crafting a shared vision.

Outcome: A Hub for Urban Culture and Community Connection

Circuit City Skate Park quickly became a beacon, a place where the community felt seen and heard. It wasn’t just a skate park; it was a cultural touchstone, a place where urban culture and community converged. It generated buzz and foot traffic, not just for the park but for Ayala Land's broader development, sparking interest and creating a sense of place. The park also drew branding partnerships, like Pepsi, enhancing its cultural relevance.

But the goal was never just about dollars and cents. The real ROI was in the connections made, the culture fostered, and the brand loyalty built. Circuit City became more than a destination; it became part of the community's fabric.

Insights: Beyond the Financials, A Brand Investment in Culture

This wasn’t just a skate park—it was a statement. Ayala Land wasn’t looking for immediate financial returns; they were playing the long game, investing in a story that connected them to the city’s soul. The skate park became a place where commerce met culture, a point of contact where a real estate developer was redefined as a community partner. It proved that by stepping into the culture authentically, brands could find a deeper, more meaningful connection with the people they aimed to serve.

Conclusion: Building Bridges, Not Just Buildings

Circuit City Skate Park shows what happens when you go beyond the surface—when you engage with a community not as an outsider looking in, but as a participant. For brands that want to be more than a fleeting presence, the lesson is simple: Don’t just build a space. Build a bridge. Be a part of something bigger. Be a part of the story.

Cast of Queens

Bianca Del Rio

Bianca Del Rio is an American drag queen, comedian, and actor. She is best known for winning the sixth season of the reality competition show "RuPaul's Drag Race" in 2014. Bianca Del Rio's sharp wit, sarcastic humor, and impeccable comedic timing endeared her to fans and made her a standout contestant on the show.

Laganja Estranja

Laganja Estranja is an American drag queen, choreographer, and cannabis activist. She rose to fame on "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 6. Her distinctive style of movement and over-the-top personality made her a memorable and polarizing figure on the show.

Sasha Velour

Sasha Velour is an American drag queen, artist, and activist. Best known for winning the ninth season of "RuPaul's Drag Race" in 2017. Sasha Velour gained recognition for her avant-garde and thought-provoking drag performances. She is known for incorporating elements of visual art, storytelling, and conceptual themes into her acts.

Jinkx Monsoon

Jinkx Monsoon is an American drag queen, singer, and actor. Best known for winning the fifth season of "RuPaul's Drag Race" in 2013. Jinkx Monsoon gained popularity for her impressive vocal abilities, comedic timing, and theatrical performances. She often incorporates live singing into her drag acts, showcasing her talent as a singer and performer.

Trixie Mattel

Trixie Mattel is an American drag queen, singer-songwriter, and television personality. Best known for her appearance on the seventh season of "RuPaul's Drag Race" in 2015 and winning the fourth season of "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" in 2018. Trixie is characterized by her exaggerated makeup, signature Barbie-like aesthetic, and witty sense of humor. Her style blends camp, humor, and a touch of nostalgia.

Katya

Katya is an American drag queen, comedian, and television personality. Best known for her appearance on the seventh season of "RuPaul's Drag Race" in 2015 and the second season of "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" in 2016. She quickly became a fan favorite on due to her quick wit, memorable catchphrases, and unfiltered personality.

Marina Summers

Marina Summers is a Filipino drag queen and singer-songwriter. Best known for her appearance on the first season of "Drag Race Philippines" in 2022. She is a fierce queen known for her tropical aesthetic, exceptional wit, and all-around performances.

Xilhouete

Xilhouete is a Filipino drag queen, creative director, and entrepreneur. Best known for her appearance on the first season of "Drag Race Philippines' as a fierce contender and drag mother of Marina Summers. She advocates for the legacy of drag queens who have paved the way with her dominantly black and avant-garde aesthetic
We utilized the fighting game genre as a metaphor for the LGBTQIA+ community's ongoing battle for rights, equality, and acceptance, drawing on the common themes of struggle, resilience, and victory. In fighting games, players confront various adversaries and challenges, ultimately overcoming them with skill, strategy, and determination. Similarly, the LGBTQIA+ community faces numerous societal obstacles and prejudices in their pursuit of rights, equality, and acceptance.​

This metaphor underscores the tenacity and bravery displayed by both game characters and the LGBTQIA+ community. It highlights the significance of resisting adversity and persisting, regardless of the hurdles faced. By establishing connections between these two realms, the metaphor serves as a potent reminder of the strength and resolve needed to attain progress and transformation in the enduring fight for LGBTQIA+ rights, equality, and acceptance.
Incorporating the Reading Challenge from RuPaul's Drag Race, our team carefully selected lines that made sense when pitted against each other and had the speaking lines delivered by iconic rivals from the show. We chose to include the Reading Challenge in our animation because it not only pays homage to the popular drag competition but also adds an element of wit and humor that resonates with the drag community and fans alike.

Our character animations were inspired by the way video games depict character interactions during the selection process. By animating our drag queen characters with over-the-top reactions, we created a perfect blend of Street Fighter and drag culture. Using quick and snappy emotions, the animation maintains its comedic effect, staying true to the essence of the Reading Challenge.

Additionally, understanding each drag queen's shape language helped our team maintain consistency with the design inspiration and model reference. This attention to detail allowed us to capture the unique personalities and styles of each character, further enhancing the immersive experience of the animation and its connection to the world of drag.
Supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, especially the drag performers, is crucial in celebrating their art and ensuring their passion thrives. By providing financial assistance through donations and sponsorships, we can help them express themselves freely and continue to make a positive impact. Advocating for the welfare and human rights of the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide remains a relevant and essential cause, as it highlights the power of creative expression in promoting acceptance and understanding.