JACKSON, N.J. — Filipino mythology is taking a new place in the American entertainment landscape.
+6THR3E:, a global creative organization dedicated to increasing Filipino representation in mainstream entertainment and empowering creatives through education, economic opportunity and mentorship, has partnered with Six Flags Great Adventure in connection with the launch of BAKUNAWA, the world’s tallest and fastest spinning launch coaster, debuting in 2027 as the signature attraction of the park’s transformed Boardwalk.
Inspired by Bakunawa, the legendary sea serpent of Philippine mythology, the 382-foot attraction will reach speeds of up to 100 mph and feature a one-of-a-kind spinning, floorless coaster experience. Bakunawa will be among the five tallest roller coasters in the world and will introduce six world records when it opens.
For +6THR3E:, the attraction represents another significant cultural moment in the growing visibility of Filipino stories, culture and creativity within mainstream entertainment especially announcing during Filipino American History Month 2026.
Filipino mythology and storytelling have long existed across generations through oral tradition, literature, visual art, music and cultural practice. Today, Filipino stories are reaching increasingly broad audiences through film, television, music, gaming, fashion, live entertainment and other creative platforms. Bakunawa adds another dimension to that evolution by bringing a figure from Philippine mythology into a major American theme park experience.
“Representation doesn’t have to live in one medium,” said Lyle del Mundo, Founder of +6THR3E:. “It can be on screen, on stage, in music, in gaming, in fashion, in live entertainment, and now—on a 382-foot roller coaster. Bakunawa creates an opportunity for Filipino mythology to reach audiences in a completely new way while giving the Filipino community another moment of cultural visibility within mainstream entertainment.”
The partnership reflects +6THR3E:’s broader mission to serve as a connector between Filipino creatives and communities and the companies, platforms and experiences shaping mainstream entertainment.
“When a story or cultural reference enters a mainstream environment at this scale, the opportunity extends beyond the attraction itself,” del Mundo said. “It creates an opportunity for people to discover something they may not have encountered before and for Filipino audiences to see an element of our cultural heritage represented in a new environment. We’re excited to help connect Six Flags Great Adventure with the Filipino community as Bakunawa prepares to welcome its first riders.”
A RECORD-BREAKING NEW ATTRACTION
Bakunawa will anchor the continued transformation of The Boardwalk at Six Flags Great Adventure.
Standing 382 feet tall and reaching a top speed of 100 mph, Bakunawa will feature free-spinning, floorless coaster trains that rotate naturally throughout the ride, creating a different experience for riders each time.
The 2-minute, 17-second journey will feature three linear synchronous motor launches. Riders will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph, followed by a second launch from 60 to 80 mph while inverted—the world’s first upside-down launch—before a final launch reaches 100 mph.
At the top of the tower, the train will spiral into a dramatic 180-degree bank before beginning its descent.
The attraction will feature two 20-passenger trains traveling across a 3,163-foot course. The minimum rider height is 48 inches.
Bakunawa is set to establish six world records:
- World’s fastest spinning coaster — 100 mph
- World’s tallest spinning coaster — 382 feet
- World’s fastest inversion — 80 mph
- World’s longest stall inversion
- World’s first floorless spinning coaster
- World’s first upside-down launch
“One of the things that makes great storytelling so powerful is its ability to connect people across cultures and generations,” said Ryan Eldredge, Director of Sales & Marketing at Six Flags Great Adventure. “Bakunawa allows us to bring a legendary piece of Filipino mythology to life in an immersive and unforgettable way. We’re honored to work alongside community leaders and advocates who are helping us celebrate the inspiration behind this extraordinary attraction.”
CONNECTING CULTURE AND MAINSTREAM ENTERTAINMENT
For +6THR3E:, BAKUNAWA is part of a larger conversation about how Filipino culture can participate in—and contribute to—the evolving entertainment landscape.
The Bakunawa is a legendary figure associated with Philippine mythology, with variations of the story existing across different Philippine traditions. Its presence as the inspiration for a major new attraction creates an opportunity for guests from all backgrounds to encounter a piece of Filipino mythology through an immersive entertainment experience.
“Our goal has always been to connect the dots,” said del Mundo. “We want to see Filipino creativity represented wherever culture and entertainment intersect. In theaters. On television. In music. In gaming. In fashion. In live entertainment. And now—on a 382-foot roller coaster.”
Through its work across entertainment, community engagement and creative industries, +6THR3E: seeks to create opportunities that connect Filipino creatives and audiences with the broader entertainment ecosystem.
Bakunawa represents another one of those connections—bringing together innovation, entertainment and a story rooted in Philippine mythology for audiences at one of the Northeast’s major theme park destinations.
