Whirlwind, frenzied and gratifying coverage of "#KenshinManila"

Sometimes, it's complicated when your personal likes and professional career come together in one situation. But for a journalist like me, it's just freaking awesome most of the times. 

Take for example my whirlwind, frenzied and gratifying coverage of the "#KenshinManila" events last week. No less than the maker and cast of the live action movie of the popular manga Rurouni Kenshin came here to promote the second and third sequels, Kyoto Inferno and The Legend Ends set to open this month and the next, respectively. 

As the Samurai X himself. PHOTO COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. 

And allow me to confess that I am a fan girl of the movie and Takeru Satoh, who gave a convincing and effective portrayal of the titular character, Kenshin Himura. (Seriously, is this confession even needed, I thought everything was SO obvious already.)

This can be traced from as far as the 90s when the anime, popularly called Samurai X, was shown in the Philippines. I was an elementary student then and it was even dubbed in English. I also loved copy-drawing Kenshin and Kaoru. 

And while I don't remember the story and all the characters too well, everything came back to me when I watched the first Ruruoni Kenshin last year. 

So when Warner Bros. Entertainment officials from Japan and the Philippines announced they are bringing the cast led by Takeru-san himself, I knew by then that I must see him, and his co-stars Emi Takei (Kaoru Kamiya), Munetaka Aoki (Sanosuke Segara) and director Keishi Otomo. 

Here's how the page looks like. 

How to? I will cover as a legit press! :D Self-serving yes, but hey, I already published the story at The Manila Times. 

And fortunately, my editor and co-writer are both supportive. So it was practically very easy for me to do so unlike for others in various media outfits who had many "kaagaw"!  

There were three events for the Rurouni Kenshin guests in their two-day visit. 

First was the Red Carpet Premiere of the Kyoto Inferno held on August 6 at SM Megamall in Pasay City. 

From there, a cult following materialized from different parts of the Philippines. Organizers proved themselves it was the right thing to do when they gave in to the clamor from Filipino fans. 

Though I purposefully missed the actors and the directors in their red carpet walk, I was able to catch them at the cinema where they greeted fans before the film showing. 

There, Takeru-san said that he couldn't believe it was the first time that a Japanese film was actually premiered here. With that, he hoped that Rurouni Kenshin will pave the way for similar events and visits. 

(From left) Director Otomo Keishi and
actors Takeru Satoh, Emi Takei,
and Munetaka Aoki at the Red Carpet Premiere
of Kyoto Inferno

Munetaka, on the other hand, wore slippers with a suit! Haha! Our newspaper's photographer who was at the red carpet also described him as Mr. Cool Guy. 

Emi spoke softly like a doll (kawaii) and director Otomo-san was all smiles. 

Together, they expressed gratitude for the unexpected and big support from their Filipino fans. 

As for Kyoto Inferno, it was damn good. The fight scenes are more surreal than the first. If you want legit samurai action, this is what you watch. And the way it was ended, one is just too happy that the continuation can be watched not more than a year after but in the following month!

Day 2 of their visit included a cultural activity in the morning at Raffles Residences and a general press conference in the afternoon at the Glorietta Activity Center. Both venues are in Makati City. 

And I became a legit fan for covering the whole-day affair from 10 am to 7 pm! 

The awarding of certificate and
exchange of tokens. Takeru immediately
wore his gift from the Filipinos

In the morning, the Japanese guests were awarded "Cultural Friendship Ambassadors" by the Makati City government, the Japan Foundation, Manila and Warner Bros. Philippines. 

The two parties also exchanged gifts, traditional ikat scarves (TRIVIA: Takeru-san asked to open his gift already. Upon seeing his scarve, he said he loved the color and immediately replaced the scarf he wore with the ikat one. Aww, so thoughtful) for the Japanese and yukatas for the Filipinos. 

They loved this Samurai X jeep!

The highlight came when a photo opportunity was held outside the hotel. Takeru-san, Emi, Munetaka and Otomo-san posed in front of a Samurai-X jeepney. 

Story was, as told to me by a source, they saw the jeep along the road. So amused were the four that they actually called upon it for a photo!

But that was not MY highlight! The story behind this famous (famous talaga, pwede "Liked" lang) photo was that I just finished talking with JFM officials thinking that Takeru went back in his hotel room already. But when I turned around, lo and behold, he was behind me!

Our very reliable photographer took the photo, even without me telling her to do so!
Thanks Melyn Acosta!

I was trying to gesture a handshake, because I know that's the best and closest I could get from him--touch is way more better than a selfie. But instead of a hand, he handed me a small token. A cute keychain memorabilia of the film. AWWW. 

The BEST fan girl moment of my life! Success! I don't know who else were given the same token because I think I lost it for a few minutes. 

The next thing I knew was that he was going back for good in the hotel. My instinct kicked in, and again gestured that I wanted to take a photo of him. I think, he didn't understand at first, but when he did, he gave me the nicest smile. 

My Takeru-exclusive smile. *melts*

After that, I graciously waited for five hours, more I guess, before the actual press conference took place. 

Unfortunately, Ms. Emi was not present there anymore, but the three guys were enough to liven up the yet another big, big crowd!

In my The Manila Times story, I summarized: 

"Satoh, Aoki and Otomo graciously answered a variety of questions from the press, starting off with how they feel about visiting the Philippines.

Satoh replied, “It’s really fun. It’s really beyond my imagination that all of you [the fans] are here. It is very surprising, shocking.”

For his part, Aoki thanked everyone for the great opportunity to present Kyoto Inferno. He promised adoring fans that he will use his “big power” to bring The Legend Ends in September.

Director Otomo, meanwhile, promised to bring his amazing experience in the Philippines back to Japan and share it with his fellowmen.

The three gentlemen further talked about their experience in filming Kyoto Inferno. The director touched on how he and manga creator Nobuhiro Watsuki had “collaborative meetings” before filming. On the other hand, Aoki revealed that fight scenes were so extreme he even lost a tooth.

Takeru said he is honored to be able to portray such a major role, which is now part of his life. “If I’m not sure of my decision making, I would ask, ‘If it was Kenshin, what would he do?’ He’s like a mentor to me, someone I respect and look up to.”

When it was time to bid farewells, the Ruruoni Kenshin said to his admirers, “Thank you very much. It’s my first time to come  here [and] I’m glad I came. I’m now in love with the Philippines.” "

They know how to make their fans happy

We definitely love you back, and we would love it even more to see you again Takeru-san!

Special shout out to my colleagues in the industry, Kat Llemit of Daily Tribute, and Carla Mortel of Manila Standard Today, who were avid fans like me! 

With fangirl buddies Kat and Carla!

Sugoi!

***
Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno and Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends will open in nationwide cinemas on August 20 and September 24, respectively.

ALL PHOTOS, OTHERWISE CITED, ARE BY ME. 

HONG KONG DISNEYLAND 101: A big girl’s first time in a little child’s theme park

(Sharing to more readers my latest travel story published for The Manila Times. All photos are mine.)

No one is ever too old to enjoy Disneyland.

This is what I realized when I joined the Philippine press contingent invited to experience Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s holiday offerings from November 18 to 20.

A proud 23-year-old first-timer, I still had the energy to go on the fun and thrilling rides, as well as the unadulterated excitement of meeting the eternally happy characters of generations of Disney. Indeed, the magic of the wonderful Walt Disney preserves the child in all of us.

Nevertheless, going to Disneyland also has its challenges no matter how old you are, and especially if it is your first time to visit the magical kingdom. Specifically in Hong Kong Disney, the challenge is how to maximize your theme park experience for a day or two with seven themed areas to enjoy, endless shows to see, and countless meet-and-greet opportunities with Mickey and friends.

Thankfully, I had my wits about me despite the wide-eyed fascination plastered on my face from beginning to end, and guarantee any first time visitor like me the most memorable experience at Hong Kong Disneyland with this special 101 guide.

Get to know the theme park
Hong Kong Disneyland (HKDL) is one of only five locations in the world that is home to a Disney-themed park. Opened in 2005, it offers immersive and unique Disney experiences for all families, generations and ages to enjoy.

To date, the park has received over 38 million guests from all over the globe, with a large number coming from the Philippines. It is also notable that besides delivering a strong tourist force to HKDL, Filipinos also provide the park with many cast members featured in the daily schedule of shows and parades. 

The ‘Flights of Fantasy Parade’ features Disney characters aboard beautiful floats

Over the last three years, HKDL has gone through expansions with three modern and unique themed attractions to provide guests with new experiences. These are the Toy Story Land (2011), Grizzly Gulch (2012) and Mystic Point (2013), all of which are original concepts created solely for HKDL. This trio of expansion adds the park’s already popular attractions like the Tomorrowland, Fantasyland and Adventureland.

The park opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m. or 9 p.m., so it’s best to come early and leave only at closing time!

Enjoy ‘A Sparkling Christmas’
Since Christmas is the merriest time of the year even at Disneyland, the worldwide network of Disney parks is currently running a promotion dubbed “A Sparkling Christmas,” which runs until January 5, 2014. Indeed, the magical kingdom becomes even more enchanting with touches of Christmas everywhere.

The Main Street-USA for example has been transformed into Christmas Town with all storefronts dressed with festive garlands, lights and ornaments. Walking further up, one will also see the brand new Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy sculptures at the Sleeping Beauty Castle hub. 

 90,000 LED lights brings to life
the park's Christmas tree ever night

Yuletide cheer extends to the three new themed areas that showcase “Puppets in the Park.” Though performed in Chinese for the majority of mainland Chinese tourists, the puppet shows are entertaining as can be for everyone. These are “Let’s Tell A Toy Story” adventure at Toy Story Land; a hand puppet show titled “The Winter Wish Happens” at Grizzly Gulch; a shadow puppet show called “Adventures with Lord Henry” at Mystic Point. 

Now for tropical country folks like us, “Christmas Illumination” at Town Square and Main Street must not be missed if you want to finally experience snow! A nightly lighting of the park’s giant Christmas tree of 90,000 LED lights, the event also features songs from Christmas carolers, and the special appearance of Santa Goofy, Mickey and Minnie on their silver sleigh.

While there will certainly be more visitors at HKDL during Christmastime, a weekday outing will be your best bet for a relatively lesser influx of guests.

Experience the newest attractions
Prioritized in our HKDL itinerary is the familiarization of the three newest themed areas, Toy Story Land, Grizzly Gulch and Mystic Point, which allows guests to discover other Disney stories and characters besides the more famous ones.

As a fan of the Toy Story movie series, I was ecstatic to go to Toy Story Land, which happens to be an area exclusive to Asia. The experience brings the movie to life as the idea is for guests to be shrunk to the size of Andy’s toys, and go on the Slinky Dog Spin, the Toy Soldier Parachute Drop, and finally, the thrilling RC Racer ride. Other activities in this area include the Barrel of Fun, the Toy Soldier Boot Camp, and playtime with Cubot. For hungry toys, Jessie’s Snack Roundup is also just around the corner. 

Riding the Toy Soldier Parachute Drop gives one a full view of the Toy Story Land

Over at Grizzly Gulch—the most spacious among the three—the sole ride called the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars goes all over the place. Forward, backward and sideways! A prosperous community, the gulch also has its Assay Office, the Old Jail, the Geyser Gulch for photo opportunities, and the Lucky Nugget Saloon for dining. 

Lastly, there is the Mystic Point, which not only serves as the newest attraction at HKDL, but also its most advanced and unique. It is tells the original story of the journeys of Lord Henry Mystic, a renowned traveler and explorer and his companion Albert the Monkey.

The tour of the Mystic Manor is where the mysterious journey begins by riding the Mystic Magneto-Electric Carriage, which will show Lord Henry’s antiquities and oddities. Suddenly, Albert will open a newly acquired, magical music box, which will unleash endless surprises.

Besides the manor, there the area also features the Garden of Wonders, Explorer’s Club Restaurant, the Archive Shop and the Mystic Point Freight Depot.

Meet and greet Disney characters
At 23, I never thought meeting Disney characters would still count as a magical experience for me. But to see, touch and play with Mickey Mouse is simply that no matter how old you are. 

Minnie, Mickey and me!

Now, one of the best places to meet Mickey up close is at the Chef Mickey’s at the Disney Hollywood Hotel. Here, Chef Mickey greets guests while they eat their power breakfast. Over at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Mickey also shows up at Enchanted Garden Restaurant, but with the his fabulous gang of four, Minnie, Donald, Pluto and Goofy too!

Back at the park, Mickey and Minnie are always waiting for guests at the Town Square Pavilion, dressed in their festive best this time of year.

For more photo opportunities for other larger than life characters, head on over to Tomorrowland where Buzzlightyear is busy saving the universe; to Fantasyland where Sleeping Beauty is wide awake; or to Toy Story Land where Woody and Jessie never cease to play.

And always keep your eyes open as you’ll never know when Stitch, Chip and Dale, Duffy the Bear, Tinkerbell, Snow White and all the other beloved Disney characters will suddenly walk on by.

Stay at a Disney hotel
In my 2012 interview with former HKDL vice president for operations Noble Coker, he recommended guests “not to cheap themselves out” and “find time to complete the whole Disney experience.” What he meant by this is not just to visit the park, but to also stay in one of the two Disney hotels. These are the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and the Disney’s Hollywood Hotel. 

The art deco-themed Disney’s Hollywood Hotel

And while a little bit more expensive, you will see that in the long run, you’ll actually get a better deal. For starters, the room can accommodate up to four people for big groups or families travelling together. Secondly, you’ll save money on transportation because travelling to and from the park is free of charge with round-the-clock shuttle service. And finally, convenience is at the utmost for parents with children who need a midday nap, or those who constantly forget things, since the park is just 10-minutes away from either hotel.

Ride, watch and eat all you can
If you do stay at the hotel for three days and two nights, then you can have ample to time to experience as much rides and shows you can.

The Flights of Fantasy Parade that goes around Main Street USA begins at 3:30 p.m. It features characters from different Disney shows aboard beautiful floats. Besides the Fab Five, you’re sure to see Lilo and Stitch, Dumbo, Winnie the Pooh, Lion King and the Disney Princesses.

At 8 p.m. at the castle forecourt, the Disney in the Stars fireworks show lights up the entire park and signals the end of the day. Reminisce your childhood as the fireworks display dances to the music of timeless Disney theme songs.

For snack, grab a Mickey waffle, hot, fresh and delicious

For the thrill seeker, do not miss the Space Mountain, which is ranked as one of the Top 5 attractions by Filipino guests. It is an exhilarating voyage through the dark universe on an indoor rollercoaster!

Other favorites include the Jungle River Cruise at Adventureland, and Mickey’s Philharmagic at Fantasyland.

Lastly, a must-see is the “Golden Mickeys,” a Broadway-style musical where many Filipino cast members performs. By the way, take note that the music director of the entire resort is a Filipino by the name of Rony Fortich.

For energy, countless food and beverage outlets are all over the park, with my personal favorite, the Corner Café on Main Street. For “A Sparkling Christmas,” it serves a special menu this year in partnership with Coca-Cola. 

Try to avail of the Fastpass available at participating attractions to save you time from lining up. This wise tip may just earn you extra time to board the Hong Kong Disneyland train and go around the entire park.

* * *

There is no time but now to experience the magic of Hong Kong Disneyland. Just a two-hour flight from Manila, a mere 15-minute from the airport, Filipinos should take advantage of the no-Visa entry to Hong Kong—while it lasts.

* * *

For more information, visit www.hongkongdisneyland.com.

'OTJ': Worth it

I do not watch mainstream, Filipino films in big screen. 

The last time I did was back in college when my best friend and I saw Chito Roño's Sukob starring Kris Aquino. I remember I did so, ONLY because it was my best friend's treat. Take note also that I hate horror movies and do not like Kris' acting, but that's a whole different story--lest I digress. 

My point here is, I do not spend a peso from my own pocket to watch crappy local films MOST especially those romantic comedies (I cringe at the thought) and Metro Manila Film Festival entries. 

The only Filipino films I truly appreciate are independent ones which I annually follow via the Cinemalaya film festival. However, I am sorrowful and guilty for missing this year's edition. And that's also another story so let me go back to why I am writing this in the first place:

I watched 'On the Job' by Erik Matti on Sunday at the Glorietta 3 Cinema! 

Let me begin by sharing that my curiosity was aroused when I first read a The Manila Times article (by our Entertainment editor) in which I found out that the film got standing ovation after it's world premiere/screening AT the 2013 Cannes! 

My interest further shot up after our film columnist wrote a positive review, and as prominent people continue to post good things about it on social networking sites. Giving in, I took Mama to the mall to see it. And as I was buying the tickets, I thought to myself: "This better not disappoint." 

Lucky me for my good instinct, it did not! Phew!

And it was one hell of a film actually--in a very good way. Let me share some random thoughts--hopefully without spoiling--on why you should NOT miss On the Job. 

• The story is gripping. I had watched various indie films tackle the different "cancers" of our society, but OTJ's is far more intricate. Beginning with the note: "This film is based on true events"; the film presented the corruption of those in power, specifically the police, who hire inmates to carry out a "job". Released for a day, the prisoners actually become hitmen and kill various targets. I'm more than sure so much research had gotten into this film. So for translating this "terrible" of a story into the big screen, bravo!  
• The cinematography is beautifully ugly. Throughout the entire film, everything was a clear picture, from the slums, to San Juan's Basaan Festival, to the government offices. For me, the most unforgettable was how OTJ vividly painted the bilibid! I have been hearing for so long how deprived the situation of the inmates in this country's prisons are. But I didn't realize it was like THAT! OMG, ang layo sa itsura ng Prison Break.
• The script is convincing. There were few long conversations and plenty of bad words (the t*ng-inas and p*tas!). But it was fine. There were few quotable quotes to remember either after. I tried to think of one now. Nothing came to thought. But, nevertheless, straightforward and believable dialogues from every character did justice. These were real people who talked of reality. Kudos to scritwriter Michiko Yamamoto (Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, 2005).
• The actors are superb. Yes, all of them even Piolo Pascual and Gerald Anderson. Let me note, however, that even though OTJ was headlined by the two younger actors of this generation (probably for marketing purposes so I wouldn't complain if it will actually make MORE Filipinos watch it); I still believe that Joel Torre was the main actor of the film. The story really revolved and evolved around his character, Mario Maghari . Known to many as "Tatang", Maghari was the veteran, hired hitman who was currently training his back-up Daniel (Gerald). All I can say is Torre's performance is deserving of major acting awards. Another notable performance was that of Joey Marquez who played the incorruptible police, who thankfully, added humor to the dark thriller; and Leo Martinez, the hateful, powerful, former police general. Of course, much credit of this also goes to Matti's skill. 

All this said, I can truthfully say that my P180 spent for On the Job is totally worth every penny. But more importantly, I feel that my belief for the commercial films is partially renewed, thanks to Direk Erik Matti's creation. This film will be remembered. 

Finally, I hope more of this kind of films will hit the local scene, and along with it, more Filipinos (the common masa) appreciating it. So that I can wholeheartedly declare: Mabuhay and pelikulang Filipino!