"Find Your Light"

Filipinos are naturally warm, friendly and hospitable. When foreigners ask what Philippines is like, I am very proud to describe the places, the food and most of all how our culture had evolved and that how we all have become survivors. In addition, the Filipinos are undeniably amiable, talented and genuinely concerned towards others. Despite the hardships that we face, we find light in any circumstance. Probably religion is one of the reasons how we do it and why we remain so. Also, Filipinos are happy people. They may have struggles but those don't stop us from celebrating life. With that being said, one of the greatest asset of a Filipino is his smile.

Hong Kong Disneyland agrees and it encourages Filipinos to come and visit its resorts and theme parks where you could unleash the light in you . The campaign to bring out the Disney in you in the Philippines had started with this video.

Right now, there are over 200 Filipino workers who make magic everyday in Hong Kong Disneyland. Experience the world class entertainment and guest service they give. Visit us in the park today!

Related posts:

1. NO TEARS THIS THURSDAY, GET INSPIRED INSTEAD - a post about an array of talented Pinoys I have met here in Hong Kong as I worked in the happiest place on Earth. It is more than just a privilege.

2. OWWA - What Philippine Overseas Contract Workers need to know about OWWA

3. AARON JAN MERCADO - an uprising Filipino talent that graced London for its theatre broadway show called, "Here Lies Love".

HOLIDAY SEASON 2014 IN HONG KONG

It's that most wonderful time of the year once again when a cool breeze blows as the carollers sing. As the holidays bring forth longer nights and lit streets to life, let's not forget the exciting parties where families gather together, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's to name a few. And so, the happiest place on earth, have prepared a lot of events and attractions in welcoming the approaching new year. I hope that this would help you in planning your weekends with friends to create the fondest memory of your 2014 Christmas Season.

First on the list is the newest parade featured in Hong Kong Disneyland last September 11, 2014. The Disney Paint the Night Parade where you'd be seeing Disney in a whole new light. Watch this:

Guests are invited to participate via the "Mickey Magic Paintbrush" that is LED empowered as well as the entire parade with 740,000 different lights that will surely mesmerise each and everyone.

It begins with a playful intro to the music of the whole parade. Tinkerbell and the rest of her fairy friends come out to share pixie dust to all the guests. As they welcome everybody to gather up, the magic unfolds. The fairy lights will surely tickle your eyes with its colours changing on cue with the music of Disney Paint the Night Parade.

Next in line would be the Monsters Inc. Unit. Sulley, together with his best pal, Mike, makes an appearance toggling the doors as their gateway to gathering that much "screams" from the kids. Wave hi and shout to help them fill the "SCREAM METER"!

The Cars Unit unveils a highlight in the form of the huge truck loader, Mack, with its gallant presentation of spectacular lights with Lightning McQueen. What makes it also a hit would be the human racing cars up ahead flaunting their hip hop choreographed to showcase the light effects of their costume.

The Little Mermaid float is not a disappointment as well. Be captured with King Triton's huge shellfish float where Ariel sings along to encourage kids to enjoy in painting the night. She flips her fins sensationally as the light flickers around her hair while she brushes it with the fork she discovered from the sea.

Belle stands tall on the other hand as enchanted candle floats and waltz dancers follow. Romantic candle lights will surely put you in awe. This huge long float is beautiful from start to finish. The symphony and harmony swoons you to a l'amour vibe.

Beauty and the Beast way back in 1991 landed a special place in my heart that nothing else would ever replace. The movie never fails to enchant me every time I see it (God knows how many times I saw this movie, a little over a thousand, I suppose) that this unit captures the romantic in me all over again.

As the parade moves on, cowgirls do an impressive choreography with poi-like props presenting the Toy Story favourites. This is another amazing float as Slink's spirals are lighted like no other and Woody and Buzz shout out to the kids and to those young at heart to enjoy painting with their brushes!

Finally, Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy share a spectacular appearance altogether sitting each on a ball of light as Mickey (dressed as the one in Fantasia) stands atop a magical whirlpool of lightbulbs changing into different mystical colours. Spectacular as it is, your eyes would surely pop with this amazing parade. It's like no other so come down with your family and friends because no matter how I describe how fantastic it is, it's still better when you see it in person!

With that being said, the Disney Paint the Night Parade lets you experience magic that will surely be a reason to come back again during Christmas as it combines with the Frozen Experience.

Arendelle's Snow Queen Elsa and her sister, Princess Anna, will be joining the line up of princesses at Hong Kong Disneyland this Holiday Season! The highest grossing movie had attracted millions of spectators and as promised, the winter season will never be felt the same way again.

Capture a moment with them at Hong Kong Disneyland!!!

In addition to this delight, carolers grace guests at the park with favourite Christmas classics sung acapella, characters are dressed in their Christmas costumes and the whole park is decorated with abundant Christmas lights with a huge Christmas tree that is a must-see or would look nice for a selfie!

For the theatre lovers, the Bluebird of Happiness had been ringing a bell as it welcomes Christmas with its show days, December 19, 20 and 21.

The Bluebird of Happiness is a musical adaptation of a play written by Belgian playwright and Nobel Prize Winner Moerice Mataerlinck. It is about a brother and a sister who go on a quest for the magical bluebird, which leads them to exciting adventures and enchanting characters that help them learn a heart-warming and valuable lesson. This production, book and lyric by Jaime Del Mundo and original music by Rony Fortich, has received numerous acclamations, and rave reviews for its captivating story, music and talented cast, and magical production design.

This Christmas, the Bluebird of Happiness takes flight, for the first time in Hong Kong under MQ  Musical Theatre, a musical theatre that has been producing fun family entertainment to HK audiences, young and old, since 2002.

This is going to be the best Christmas gift you could give your family. Go on and check it out!

Musical (Performed in English with Chinese subtitles)

Running Time: approx. 2 hours (with interval)

Programme Enquiry: 3407 4208

What's so special about this production? FRIENDS are in it and I'm proud of them. Break a leg guys!

Exciting Hong Kong Disneyland, October 2012

The Mickey Water Works Parade hold a great place in my heart.

You will naturally love it if you get to watch it,

and to my account, the more you'd enjoy it if you're the actual performer.

That's what I shared to the new batch that came in this 2012.

Being first timers, I thought of welcoming them by telling them

the story of how I loved it in the first place.

It was the first parade that I learned when I first started working here in HK Disney.

From 2007, every Summer, it was presented to a lot of guests

combined with different other shows. Namely, the Stitch Summer Dance Bash,

the High School Musical Live Show,

the Cars Show,

and the satellite shows where in each land,

you get to do a meet and greet with different characters such as

the Junior Space Rangers, Minnie doing the hula hoops or blowing

bubbles with Donald and getting a feel of the Polynesian fire knife performances

in Adventureland. Overall, it was the most enjoyable season for me to visit the park.

This year, 2012, it ran again after skipping a year (2011) to give way to

Hong Kong Disneyland's 5th year anniversary.

To celebrate that, the Flights of Fantasy was unleashed to

bring the guests' imagination to greater heights for one whole year.

We did two parades everyday, both FOF and Mickey Waterworks,

for 2 and a half months and I never realized how much I missed

all the summer fun 'til I get to do it again.

Now, we have started Halloween Parade and in addition to

the 2 roles I got, I would be doing the Zombie Waltz.

It's something that I find challenging that I had to ask

the veterans and the original cast for this when it started

about how they did it and what do they think about to give

justice to the role.

Watch out also for the extra shows happening in

Tomorrowland as the Trons and the hiphoppers get it

alive and pumping! The park has a new horror house
called Graves Academy and I believe it was disturbingly worth it to see.
The vampires and the werewolves also will prove to you
what they got as they come to a battle.
You've got to choose your side fast!

Don't miss on the spectacular shows HK Disney got for you this
Halloween season!
See you there!

Fire Dance - Festival of the Lion King @ Hong Kong Disneyland [HD 1080p]

Thank you to Arnold Lee for having this performance

by Bobby King and Hogan Toomalatai

documented as they share to a thousand audience

the talent that God had bestowed them.

And to the rest of the people who always share their time to watch

and support us, taking our photos and uploading it at the very same day

they took it, we offer you our BEST every time

we would go out on that stage.

HK Disneyland~"Adventureland Oasis Party" Wild Rhythms Summer'10 Last Sh...

Last SUMMER, WILD RHYTHMS of Hong Kong Disneyland had made it's toll
in becoming one of the guests' favorite show. It had gathered a number of
spectators with its theme, "we'll take you to the islands!"
How did they do that? Polynesian fire-knife dancers had emceed
an instructional show. They've introduced some relative responses such as
"Pati"- which means clap, "Lua pati" - 2 claps and "mili" - rubbing of the hands together.
They've performed the slap dance as well and did a fire-knife routine to end it.

Only a few people are aware that there's such fire-eaters.
What they don't know is that these fire-eaters are warriors during the ancient times.
Before it had become a form of entertainment and before it had become
a sport in its own right to take place in the competitive world,
it had saved the Polynesian islands in so many ways from selfish intruders.
Oh how grande Hong Kong's idea was last year...

Of course springing from a very good summer last year,
CARS 2, the movie is yet to be in Hong Kong theatres so Lightning McQueen
had released another new show in Hong Kong Disneyland as he stops by
for his World Grand Prix Tour. As it had set foot in HK Disney,
two celebrities had conjoined to welcome Lightning McQueen for its
first appearance for the guests....

Here's a glimpse...

Year of the Rabbit and Happy Valentine's Day!

If you want to read further of this article, click on the title of this blog...

January 2011

A great sense of fulfillment enwrapped me at the very start of 2011. The 5th year of HK Disneyland was launched together with the Flights of Fantasy Parade where Tinkerbell had transformed the park into a twinkling place of happiness and magic. Everybody had worked so hard for the guests to have an unforgettable experience this 2011. I was always a Disney baby and I never imagined that I would be working for it. And now, being a part of the most beautiful parade... that was way too much! But then again, as the intro of our parade goes, "Let your imagination soar!" This is a thought that I share with my partner in crime here. And that's why Hogan and I love our jobs and we cherish every opportunity that brings us close to the guests. This year, Tinkerbell is in the Pixie Hollow and Tangled's Rapunzel stand beside the castle ready to meet all of you who wanted to visit the park.

The media day which happened last January 21st, had brought a lot of reporters from all over the world including Philippines' Jessica Soho and Corina Sanchez... and they had covered a very good story about the Filipinos who have been working here for 5 years.

Indeed, this energizes all of us here who represents our country. A lot of us aim to be at our best just to be able to earn a living but the underlying strength is from our PASSION AS PERFORMERS. Personally speaking, I love how I see the kids so happy. It's my favorite to see when I perform. I can't thank the Lord enough for this capacity to offer them this kind of entertainment. I'm so lucky that they even go out of their way to see us in the park. Just to see us dance.

And of course, I would like to congratulate our choreographer, Jennifer Lawrence and with Randy's help, she had been promoted to show director. She was patient to all of us. Our shortcomings never stopped her from bringing out the best in us. She believed in our passion and she had molded each and everyone of us in this specific period of time into somebody better. We thank you Jen for everything...

Stitch Summer Dance Bash!!!!

Watch out this Summer '09!
A cool party will be held
in Hong Kong Disneyland's
Main Street, starred by your favorite
Disney characters, namely:
Princess Ariel,
Mr. Incredible,
Goofy, Genie
and
STITCH!!!!!

Check out the website...
http://park.hongkongdisneyland.com/hkdl/html/Summer/en_US/index.html
and local HK magazines!!!!!

What's up as of the moment.....

Work by: Pro Gelladuga
Such a magnificent talent.
Now this is what I call a live picture right there...

A friend of mine asked me to model for his
students taking up a course in lighting for
professional photoshoots. I had fun.
20 people taking simultaneous shots!
What an experience!

My colleague in the Bible Study and at work,
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate
Ms. Ela Lisondra for making a difference in Euro-Disney...
You go girl! Take it! It's yours!

Engr. Patrick Mabanta, choreographer, photographer,
a graphic/web designer and a good friend visited us with
his mom and brother.
And so did Shei, her sister and with their
loved ones.


--00--

Kuya Vincent, my brother from another mother, spent his birthday...

I just had to mention him because he had been a very
good brother to me.
Dude! I salute you! Happy birthday man!

The "Rock" graced Hong Kong Disneyland's Disney on Parade
of his presence 2 weeks ago. It was a surprise for all of us.
I wish I have known of that but since it was top secret... or should I
say top surprise, only the ones who worked that day witnessed everything.

Full-moon gatherings in Pui O are just but exciting,
most especially when I saw Hogan do amazing doubles for the first time.
You could smell the sweat. Hahahaha!!!! Real live action.
He's really a raging talent! He just has amazing hands,
a full God-given talent, which is not to be put to waste...
And what's so wonderful about it is that I get to play the drums.
I just love the music, the setting.... incomparable...


It was fun after several months of hibernation from parties,
Hogan and I had fun at Gil and Rowell's party segue to
bar hopping at Cathy's friend's bar and Solas. Yey!

Mickey Waterworks Opening, March 31, 2008

Yehey! My favorite parade.....

Just do it!

Celebrating the 19th anniversary of Discovery Bay's annual Dragon Boat Race, Team Mushu (composed of Disney cast members) banged the cheering competition.
They gave a tough time to all the team with the last race after that.
Needless to say, they really did a good job because
who else can do both of that on the same day?
Whew! Breathtaking alright!

Year of the Rat....

I have to start this blog with people who are about to give birth this year.

2008 babies' number shall I say is the most outstanding (among people that I know). While I was giving it a thought, I landed into figuring out what are the factors that paved way to it. Cold season perhaps? I don't know. More likely, maybe it's because 2008 is considered a lucky year. Anyways, still, the real strong reason is that LOVE is in the air. All these products of LOVE, the best of 2 people.... are about to come to our world. And there's no mystery behind it, no magic comparable to it, even Mickey Mouse couldn't top. Wait! You know why I said the best of 2 people? Well.... at this very material, fast-paced and competitive world, it's amazing how 2 people get to share a wonderful experience in terms of expressing desire, intimacy, love.... In letting go of your soul with somebody, that's sharing your best, yours alone... and if you get lucky in getting it in return, then the products gets sculpted.... the BABY... To all the moms who are about to give birth, I salute y'all!!!!!

Talking about balance though,
let's not forget about the earthquake that happened recently here in China.
In the picture that you see here, Chinese airborne troop soldiers help earthquake refugees dig for belongings in the debris while a young survivor covers his ears in Jinhua village of Shifang, China's southwest Sichuan province, Friday, June 6, 2008. The May 12 quake killed 69,127 people, with 17,918 still missing, according to the latest government figures.
Even though Disney came up with more than a million Hong Kong dollars
to help these people, I don't think money can ever ease them of the pain
they felt. So, spend time with your loved ones because you'll never know
when is the last time you'll be with them.
You might get surprised,
you can't even remember the last conversation
you ever had with them.

Also, landslide happened due to a 2-week long rainstorm
here in Hong Kong. Disney cast members had a hard time going to
work due to blocked roads and bridges.
Depressing as how nature strikes back,
we really have to put in mind the effects of global warming.
I encourage everybody to come up with little solutions of their own.
I admire TASTE Supermarket for coming up with a 50 cent reward for every plastic bag
saved to hold their groceries if they use their own bag instead.

Next in line that really highlighted my year....
In Hong Kong, employees are entitled with health insurances. Companies make sure that health services, when needed, are available to their workers. They give them enough time to go for check-ups by approving sick leaves as much as possible. That's a good thing. But I'm just so disappointed with the health care providers themselves. It's just so unacceptable for health care givers to neglect sanitation. Imagine, Chinese care givers' nails are polished. What's wrong with that? Well.... there'd be a direct contact with medicine that will be administered to you.... does it ring a bell? Nail polish may contain toxic materials with its mixture.... or, it could have bad reactions if it will have a direct contact with any medicine. Forgive me, but that's what I learned in my school. Manicures are a no-no amongst care givers in the Philippines. Yeah! One hell of a sacrifice alright for women. Because, besides the nail polish itself having toxic materials, if we get wounded with too much of the cuticle removal that happened, we are also exposing ourselves to risks. Check this picture out! This is a picture of a care giver here in Hong Kong. DAYNG!!!

Of course, parties are never negligible. Work hard, party harder!
You'll get crazy if you'd be depriving yourself of social events. So, I'm thankful for the people to whom I matter. Yeah!

Still looking forward to a lot of things for the other half of the year!

Life is really finger-lickin' good!

stand by

Our most favorite thing to do to make time pass is to get hold of as much memories as we can by taking a lot of photos. And that means.... "A LOT!!!!!"

The most visited is the Philharmagic. I think I've described what you can expect from it. It just feels so relaxing whenever we enter this. And endorphins just keep on flowing while you enjoy watching it.

What I noticed after working here in almost a year now is that the 3d glasses that you use in witnessing the show is not that good anymore. They are so much used up already. You know how kids could get so unruly sometimes.

The next best thing I consider are the treats per season. There are just houses decorated differently as time passes.

HALLOWEEN
This is what Disney calls "The Main Street Hotel".
Theme: Ghost House

HOLIDAY SEASON
Santa's Workshop was famous among kids
but it doesn't stop us from going back to being kids again.



HOUSE OF MICKEY
This year, Hong Kong Disneyland honored the year of the mouse
by making the Disney guests experience Mickey's own house.
Portraits were everywhere, you could try out Mickey's shoes, and you could
see his office too. Neat!

Fantasy Garden also hits the charts!
A lot of Disney characters welcome you here to experience a face-to-face meet and greet.
Lately, I've been so fascinated with how cute Chip and Dale are.
They are effortlessly cute.

I also love indulging myself into my fellow cast members' shows. I think every cast member sees to it that if they have free time, they would want to have a walk in the park and witness presentations, parades and shows as much as they can. For all we know, we are all contractual and the only moments you can hold onto, are "where you at, at the present."

In walking down the park from 604, you would see the Golden Mickeys Storybook Theatre.
It's seldom though that I get to watch this no matter how near it is to 604 because of the
schedule of the shows. It is either minutes before or after my show.
Or hassle to my bus schedule in going home.

Next to it is the "It's A Small World Ride", the newest attraction Disney gave way for Spring.
What really is so fascinating about this is the ice cream treat
available in Strawberry, Chocolate, Vanilla and.... wait! I forgot the green flavor.
Anyhow, now that Summer is almost here, it's just good for them to
make an ice cream counter stand right by the exit.

As you walk further, you'll find yourself checking out a pathway that leads
to Tomorrowland. And the Stitch Encounter (available in Cantonese
and English version) is the first attraction you'll see.
I recently experienced how it goes and it's ultimately funny.
It's important to check out the schedule if you'd go for it.

There's AUTOPIA as well, where you get your own license to drive the little sports cars Disney has for young boys to get fond of. Buzz light year is there for those who want to have a close meet and greet with him. Did I mention, in Tomorrowland, you can also witness the talking trash can? It's just a place to get hold of everything hi-tech. Jammitors keep the people entertained with their music. And ASTROBLAST is just a fun game. I am an L-3 by the way.

The Dapper Dans singers... I love watching and hearing them sing. They just give the smoothest show ever. I warmly welcome the new ones and for the previous 4 that were here, friends for keeps people!!!!!

As you walk down Main Street, past Princess Aurora's castle and the pathway to Adventureland, you'll see numerous shops.

Jewelry shops, bakery, shops for souvenirs, photo gallery where you could check out extraordinary shots made by Disney's professional photographers, you can see them all down there. Just take the path where the parade goes and you'll understand what I mean.

Not to mention, you can also see this Indian too. Oftentimes, people would just pass by him so I decided to give him honor and took a shot of it.


Last but not the least, it's always nice to look at a place as a whole. So, I suggest you check out the nearest Disneyland Railroad station, and get a glimpse of the whole Hong Kong Disneyland.

This is what we do on stand by... get hold of that much as we can....