Smile: Inflight Magazine of Cebu Pacific Air » MAKING MAGIC IN DISNEYLAND

MAKING MAGIC IN DISNEYLAND

AGNES PRIETO MEETS SIX FILIPINOS WHO ARE SPINNING DREAMS FOR YOUNG AND OLD IN HONG KONG DISNEYLAND

Standing at the gates of Hong Kong Disneyland gives you that Christmas morning feeling. “Zip ah dee do dah , zip ah di dey, my oh my what a wonderful day!” The music plays from an unseen orchestra; it’s your soundtrack as you enter the park. Mickey Mouse balances atop fountains that dance in time with the melody; toddlers and grannies sway along. On a magic carpet ride to the Never Never land of childhood, Cinderella, Snow White, Mickey, Minnie and other well-loved characters become real at the wave of a wand. No doubt the Disney magic works, no matter how old you are.

The Magic Kingdom is the face of Walt Disney’s beloved world. His first, Disneyland Park, was built in Anaheim, California in 1955 to redefine fun for the young and the young at heart – a combination theme park with a carnival, parade, games, concerts, stage shows, side shows, breathtaking rides, and of course, popcorn and cotton candy. In 1983, Tokyo Disneyland opened in Chiba, Japan, making it the first Magic Kingdom outside of the US. Hong Kong Disneyland, which opened in 2005, is the latest to bring the Disney dream to life.

Though smaller than the other parks, it’s the closest to the Philippines, and has adopted all the franchise’s most popular elements. Main Street USA, a throwback to the 1800s of Disney’s own childhood is one such classic and here, at any time, a musical parade may burst forth. Fantasyland revolves around Sleeping Beauty’s castle. Jungleland drums beckon adventure, and the Lion King Festival and Tomorrowland take you into the Space Age with themed rides and games.

Putting it all together is a cast of five thousand, each helping to weave the magical spell. And many of them are Filipino. With talent, professionalism, and that uniquely Pinoy gift of a warm and infectious smile, they help spin Disney joy for the guests who come to the Hong Kong park. These Filipino talents have been with the park since its inception as dancers, musicians, actors and stage directors. Together they create the atmosphere in which spells are wrought and fairy tales do come true. What’s more, they all agree that happiness is their end product. “Happy me, happy guest” is their work motto. Their secret? It’s not work at all.

Saturnino Tiamson Jr, leader of the Disney HK Band

You can’t miss Saturnino’s bright smile, sparkling eyes and the snappy way he marches, drumming his way through Main Street. A graduate of the University of the Philippines School of Music in 2005, “Saturn” is a trained percussionist, but as bandleader, he is also its choreographer and music arranger. He was formerly with the Philharmonic Orchestra in Manila and hails from the artists’ town of Angono, Rizal. Highly creative, Saturn transforms his band with the seasons, making changes in the costumes, the music and the dance steps.

A day in the life of Saturn begins at “rope drop” or the ceremonial daily park

JING’S HK MUST-VISIT TIP!

■ Ladies’ Market It’s a famous spot on Boundary Street in Mongkok that comes alive at night. There are clothes, bags, shoes and trinkets at rock-bottom prices, not just for women but for men and children too. Haggling is a must!

Jing Fegi, Nala in Lion King

Jing Fegi hails from Cebu. Everyday she wows the audience at the Festival of the Lion King, singing and acting in the lead role of Nala. Jing studied Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of San Carlos in Cebu, but music is in her blood. Both her parents are also talented singers. Her first job as lead singer for a local band was her stepping-stone towards this role.

Before Hong Kong, she had never been away from home. “I cried for a week,” Jing recalls. Phone calls and email helped her through and gradually she made friends, especially among her fellow Pinoys. “We love to celebrate small things, gathering at the mall in Tung Chung (the main town on Lantau where Disneyland is based) for fun and food. June 5 is our Disney anniversary, and it’s a big event for us.” Recently Jing got married, and her husband now lives and works in Hong Kong too.

“I am passionate about work,” she says. “If you love what you do, it will shine through, and your audience will feel it. When I see just one smile, I know I have touched someone, and that makes me feel good.” With a smile, Jing continues. “I enjoy my life and it’s an honor to be part of Hong Kong Disneyland.”

JING’S HK MUST-VISIT TIP!

Neil De Luna Cambay, dancer

Though Neil Cambay classifies himself as “retired”, he is anything but. An active freelance dancer, stage manager, director and consultant for Ballet Philippines since the 80s, he sees Disney and his job as one of the mainstay dancers on the parade team as a new beginning. “I’ve danced all the roles in the parade, from the ‘Join the Magic’ lead, to all the floats. But my favorite role is that of a green soldier in the Toy Story float.”

A demanding work schedule requires all the performers to keep fit and Neil does this by teaching modern ballet at the Chip ‘n’ Dale dance studio within the Disney compound. Here, various professionals draw from and share their own dance experience. “Everyone is family here. It’s my opportunity to learn from others.”

“Disneyland awakens the child within who sees magic all around.” Neil’s magic moments happen when he sees people enjoying themselves. He is always on his feet, not just entertaining but also teaching. On his days off, he “makes like a tourist”, taking in the sights and sounds of Disney. Like the others, Disney is more than just a job.

“I missed the family a lot at first: my wife Ping, a banker, and my children Jermie, Josh, Kurt and baby Noreen.” But things worked out for Neil, and now, they all live in Hong Kong, and the kids are starting school.

NEIL’S HK MUST-VISIT TIP!

■ The Tung Chung outlet shops offer bargain hunting as major clothing, shoe and cosmetic brands are at factory prices. You don’t get the crowds that you get at Mongkok, and product quality is assured.

EAR-RESISTIBLE MICKEY

Mickey’s ears have taken on an iconic quality; today they represent the giant entertainment world of Disney. The“Micktorian” architecture at Disneyland and Hollywood Hotel has a decided touch of whimsy. And the Mickey shape is in lighting fixtures, the carpets, the train, the food – pretty much all over the place!

Fresh Lau, Disney character and parade team member

Fresh has lived in Hong Kong for almost 20 years and is married to a Chinese man with whom she has a grown-up son. She is part of the “character and parade team”, the ones who wear the costumes, greet the guests and pose for photos. It’s the most interactive job in the park and Fresh loves playing many interesting characters and connecting with the guests. As a frontliner, she ensures that all the guests feel the Disney joy.

“You’ve got to be excited about your job so the guests feel it,” explains Fresh. It’s a moment-to-moment, person-to-person encounter. While growing up in Isabela province in Negros, Fresh says she had no idea she would be doing this. Trained in finance, she originally worked at a Hong Kong bank. Yet not only was she voted “cast member of

the month” in May 2006, she’s also been part of promotions, performing on the Disney Channel. Clearly, she found her true calling.

FRESH’S HK MUST-VISIT TIP!

■ The Peak affords a panoramic view of the whole of Hong Kong metro

Jaime Del Prado, stage manager

For Jaime del Prado, this job at Hong Kong Disneyland has made two of his dreams come true.

“I always wanted to dance and to live abroad!”

Before this, Jaime was a choreographer for Repertory Philippines, a Manila-based theatre company. At first, he was lead dancer in the Lion King Festival. Over the next two years, he moved into his current position of stage manager with the Atmosphere Team.

“You need magic to handle about a hundred creative people,” says Jaime. “I arrange schedules, take care of their needs and pray everything goes without a hitch – I’m always trying to find solutions, to maintain harmony.”