Humble Beginnings

TIME surely does pass swiftly as this page from way back just emerged from Facebook. My man's
(Hogan) manager before in Taiwan, Papa Chien posted it up and I thought of sharing it and writing about it. It just continuously amazes me how much I'm witnessing as to how the Lord used him to be a tool in sharing their rich culture thru their renowned talent.

This was a page from the newspaper announcing Hogan being the champion of the 4th International Siva Afi Competition (2005) in Samoa. He now shares the limelight with two people that I know now personally. Harry Pupualii, whom Hogan had been friends with and Frankie Solomona, who is a brother to him are now working together with a line of talented people here in Hong Kong Disneyland. I pray that all of you would continuously be blessed of strength that you need to possess in fulfilling your dreams to serve as good examples of your own people. Keep up the good work and continue making your mamas proud.

Related posts:
1. THE DISTINCT ART OF THE SAMOAN TATTOO CALLED THE PE'A - Here's an experience to share of witnessing my husband take the first step into becoming a chief, receiving the traditional tattoo.
2. NO TEARS THIS THURSDAY, GET INSPIRED INSTEAD - A line up of talented Filipinos representing their country and their families respectively by being part of a magical day to many tourists at Hong Kong Disneyland.
3. D'TALIPAPA - If you're planning to see Boracay, don't miss visiting this seafood haven.

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...

Launching of Compass Photography soon...

One of the many first experiences...

A musical that was all about going tripping to Hong Kong.

The sights, the sounds, what makes it all special.

Featuring different mtr stations...

Airport Station, Disney MTR, Kowloon, Mong KOK, TST and Central.

It was indeed a great experience for me. It was my first time to do a full musical show. (I know, it took me awhile to immerse myself to the true cravings of my soul. Quite old but wouldn't want to give up.) Together with professional artists, we rehearsed for a month. The first two weeks felt like we were just playing but as it progressed, it made sense to me. It's totally different with what I used to do back with the Cosmogirls, my sing and dance group way back in the Philippines.

Of course like any musical, there are stressful moments along the way. People have gone sick in between rehearsals and show dates. However, that's the beauty of working with professionals. Their focus and our common purpose speaks more than anything else. Beyond work, having the time, dedication and passion for pushing myself to the limits had truly paid off. I gained a new refreshing experience, renewed bonds with workmates and made a new reputation.

To Hogan, the greatest supporter I got, I thank you for all the zestiest dinners you've prepared for me every after rehearsal at home. It's either you prepare food or wait for me to finish. I know you were patient with me and that I know you love me that's why you always stay for me. I stand tall because you see my efforts and you know who I am under stress. You love me at my best and at my worst. I truly am so greatful to be taken care by you.

To RM, I thank you for the huge break. Thanks for trusting and being patient. With all your efforts and talent, you have inspired more people to go for their passion without fear. You are the brain of this all and I would like to congratulate you for a job well done. You don't get paid doing this but you didn't mind. Keep it up!

To Kristian Lei, ate, you are my greatest believer. Thanks for teaching me and thank you for encouraging me to stand up for what I am good at. And most of all, thank you for making me understand the importance of humility and confidence. I will surely miss you if you go home to Hawaii. Everytime I would sing, I will remember you saying, "When you sing for the Lord, there's a different sound to what comes out from you." All my sincerest thanks to you. You made me sing your part. That was a huge responsibility. I belong to the bottom line of the food chain of professional singers but God is enough reason to be on top. And you've always pushed me there. You are my angel.

And to the rest that I've worked with in this great show, I thank you. My family, the genes speak! Should I say more? Ha! And to the rest of you who could read this, there's no need for drugs. Because where I am right now, just walking tall, being thankful of how God uses me is enough to feel so high....

BEST PICTURES for 2009

A lot of people have recently gone obsessed with their cameras, photoshoots and MAC editing features. Due to this, I had a critical time choosing my best photos for 2009 because it's so hard to choose already. Photos have gone thru a certain depth in terms of quality and expression. However, here it is and I hope you'll take time relating to how I view them all. Sharing to me your comment would be of a help to understand them more. Please feel free. However, if you're going to criticize it, make sure you properly spelled your words. Thank you!

"JANUARY"

In the Philippines, they celebrate and welcome the new year

by jumping as high as they could so that you'd be taller.

Now that I'm mature enough to understand, I'd say I'd jump

for more heights in career, love and health.

Thus, I chose this picture for the month of January.

I will continue to dream,

I will continue to survive,

I will not stop learning to understand how life goes.

"FEBRUARY"

A photo by Chuen Yuen Chueng.

I always admire his works for this one

was really taken right on time.

Hogan Toomalatai, a fire-knife dancer,

has very fast moves that the only one with

the good eye could capture his amazing stunts.

Chuen also captures the moment using the raw light of the fire.

"MARCH"

Winter here in Hong Kong leaves all the people thirsty for the rays of the sun.

That's why, once it's out, (usually it starts every March), people

couldn't wait to go on boat trips such as this. This was taken by

Kitz Kwok, a budding artist/photographer who loves colors,

variety, passionate subjects and their fluidity.

"APRIL"

Gil owns a magic in mixing up technology with his shots.

He is able to make his works crisp and alive.

He took this when he went to Malaysia and I chose this because of

the irony that plays between the structured towers, and the softness

of the clouds. This could be expressed as the balance that we all need

in our lives. And the tiny bridge... I see it as the very thin line of our ability

to struggle and ability to sustain this balance.

"MAY"

Aaah!!!! The kids... always my favorite subject.

I call this picture "Go for it!"

RUGBY, a famous sport amongst Polynesian people.

This Samoan kid strives to go for the goal and don't we all want

to be as focused, determined and inspired as him.

Competition is everywhere. You've got to be able to win it everytime.

"JUNE"

This is the month of weddings.

Men - always expected to be the provider.

Women - is expected to respect and support her husband.

This is what the picture tells me.

My good friends Ria and Denny. Their bodies are magically relaxed,

intertwined and speaks of a language only them understands

but is universal all at the same time.

"JULY"
Nico Pires from France had a picture with
Filipino kids during his visit to the islands last year.

Kids' laughter is just the most genuine feedback you could ever get.
They're pure, innocent and TRUE.

This picture for me is priceless.

"AUGUST"
This is a work by Gil once again.
It's alive. It talks about somebody who is waiting,
or maybe thinking or is in despair.

He saw a very nice effect in his subject and
it could mean a lot because of the unfinished butt.
It just makes me curious of the mystery

behind it...

"SEPTEMBER"
Ms. Julie Alagde Carretas conveying her dedication
to her art and talent by gracing us with her muscles, all tight and formed.

Now performing in Cirque de Soleil, I feel lucky to have known her
and that anybody could achieve great heights once you're really
doing it for a greater purpose.

She always keeps me inspired.

"OCTOBER"
Gargoyles. An interpretation of the sculptor's needs.
If it is for security, to guard what he knows he possesses greatly
or if it is something that he can't release... another persona,
maybe something that he craved to be for a long time.
There are a lot of meanings that could go with it.

However, Edmond took a great picture of it and I'd say
it's a very interesting subject to consider because he made it
clear and concise though naturally, it is so morbid to look at
since it's the only element you see in the photo.

No effects were done, no editing, just as is.

"NOVEMBER"
This yoga guru, Wendell Frando who has a vast imagination
for art, appreciation and practice shares something for us to remember.
I want to feature this photo that speaks of his ability to
breathe despite the complexities of these poses.
Let's find our inner peace and we can also do it as easy as he does it.
"Learn to let go and appreciate the flow from your mind to your body
and you will get renewed."
I will miss you teacher. Love you.

"DECEMBER"
POKER chips and dice...
This photo, in the name of gambling was nicely done
for the reflection it creates.
"What you do in life echoes thru eternity."
Makes you realize that when you do gamble, most of the time,
you just get back what you've bet. It just is a matter of time
for it to happen....
or to lose 'em all! It's your choice.

8th International SIVA AFI Competition Champion, Hogan Toomalatai

Congratulations Hogan!!!!!

Hogan worked hard for this and he earned the title rightfully.

On his way to this competition, Andrew Stephen Dino (Filipino),

Evi Saua and Hogan Toomalatai (Samoans),

all who constituted the Team Asia Warriors of Fire,

flew with him to Apia, Samoa to compete in the

8th International Siva Afi Competition, SAMOA.

Being aware of the Samoan culture when it comes to Siva Afi (siva=dance, afi=fire),

I learned that you have to know and understand what it's main purpose is.

According to Hogan Toomalatai,

the Senior Champion this 2009, who started dancing with the fire knife since he was 8 years old

(started competing when he was 9 -like the little girl with Hogan, she's so amazing in handling the fire-knife, a very young competitior),

it was his people's way of defending from

tyrants who were interested to conquer their land

or basically, a defensive weapon against anybody who meant harm against themselves and their families. He also repeatedly reminded me that it's not for fun, it's not something to treat as a means to get something for selfish intentions and desires and it's not something to be put in the head to think of being atop all else.

I noticed he earned a lot of scars as much as he earned success from it. It could simply tell it requires a lot of sacrifices and a lot of hardships as you train hard. Later on, it had become a sport and is now worldly known. This is one special skill that originated from Samoa and were adopted by nearby Polynesian islands.

The World Fire Knife Competition had given Hogan the 2nd place back in May, 2005 in Hawaii. He met up with competitors from Tong'a, Hawaii and Samoa.

It's an honor to have known of this kind of Sport and that we were

together when he once again stepped into becoming the reigning Champion in Samoa.

I am looking forward for him to compete worldly again but according to him,

it would require a lot of concentration, training and focus.

Apparently, that means work for me too in terms of patience and perseverance

for him to depend on upon entering the 1st week of the competition.

I believe it would be pressuring as it sounds like. Fire and knife... do I need to say more?

A lot of people want to own this talent not understanding its power and limitations.

But it's more than strength and skill.

It's a gift from God that shouldn't satisfy anything against His will.

Otherwise, it would undermine its very purpose.

This year, Hogan had unexpected moves and it seemed like a break dance attack

for me with a touch of Capoiera. He had some slips on the stage for it was drizzling on the first night but he blew off the judges with a powerful routine.

The culture is there, very good to look at with the warrior style.

A very well deserved title! Hail to the champion!

Related posts:

1. THE BUZZ - His brother joining the World Fire Knife Competition 2014

2. Samoan newspaper - featuring him winning.

3. BEST PICTURES OF 2009 - click to know why

Happy Birthday Hogan!

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!

Smile after smile!

day-off

There's nothing that could top having days off together. It's always a time for us to bond together. Most of the time, we end up exploring Tin Shui Wai.... everything about it. Well, besides the pool tables and the dart boards by the lobby, we get to enjoy Harbour Plaza Resort City's swimming pool. It's a fun location to relax. It's got peaceful and safe ambiance. You can even stay there for the entire day, hooked onto your iPod. Who knows that you're getting some snooze with your shades on? The water is a bit chilly though. But, that's all that you need during the Summer season, right?


A lot of times we catch ourselves with nothing to do so, besides getting a lot of sleep, we come up with extraordinary stuff to do. There was one time when we decided to cut off some of his hair for a change. That was my 1st time. It turned out good enough. Not bad for a start.

We also take a lot of walks in the park. Tin Shui Wai parks I can say are fine. They have different recreational facilities. We always opt for a place to throw some spikes. We just couldn't get Volleyball out of our system. A lot of fountains and garden beds surround the park. It's homey, spacious and peaceful. It's not allowed for people to smoke within the park so, it's really good for walking if you're after catching fresh air.

We also tried Hot Pot.

So much so, I still don't know when we'll be having the same days off... I guess there's one thing left for me to do.... reminisce, remember and hope. Hahaha!!!!

My Baby's Day!!!!

It was a joint party with Ate Verna. One came up with ice skating and bowling. Too bad we weren't able to book the rink at Elements, Kowloon... So, we headed right away to Superfun Bowl, Olympic to have a head-on start with the surprise party. Happy Birthday Bee and Ate Verna!!!!

Shen Zhen, China

My vacation from work (February 23-29) was given justice because of this escape to Shen Zhen. Hogan and I just came up with the idea out of the blue. Nothing tops shopping so to speak in putting up your self-esteem. From Tin Shui Wai, it took us around 20 minutes to go there. By bus, then train. Walah! The border welcomed us. Got our visas in a matter of minutes then we're off. We've got a lot of stuff for a cheap price, that's what's important. But quality's good. Even if products from China are now considered controversial, we ignored the whole crap and just indulged with different offers. The very lesson that we learned today, is to go around and really go for the lowest bid. I speak of Hogan's experience. Don't just let go of your money right then and there folks. It helps when you would let them know of your price. If they don't agree, go out and let them run after you. Shen Zhen is the place where Mongkok merchants get their stuff. So, imagine how low prices could go. So, if you have plans of going there, be wise! Don't leave the place as well without getting a load of the foot spa (package: Manicure + Pedicure + Foot Massage) for just HK$55!!!!

Christmas Prom Ball

Disney's Christmas Cabaret 2007

The Christmas Cabaret is held in Disney's premises

annually to celebrate a showcase of talents amongst its cast members.

After a month of rehearsals, we finally did it. It was all good.

Hogan To'omalatai (SAMOA) Senior Division 2006 World Fireknife Champion