NEWSFLASH 

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A REPORT ON THE GRAND LAUNCH FOR DISNEY CHANNEL ASIA
(from Manila Bulletin Celebrity World by Crispina Martinez Belen)

Quezon City, March 19, 2000 - A night that will forever be remembered as a magical, memorable event happened last March 5. On that night, 1,500 people experienced the magic of Disney first-hand in one of the biggest and grandest channel launches ever to be staged in the Philippines- the Disney Channel Asia launch.

Before the gates even opened, the reception area was already full of activity. Kids ever to get in were kept busy by jugglers and mime artists. By 6:30 p.m. the crowd was welcomed into Mickey’s Toontown and almost immediately, the magic of Disney unfolded before their eyes. Members of the Disney family, like Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, Winnie the Pooh, and of course, Mickey and Minnie were there to greet the kids for a chance to have a free photo with them. “My kids was so ecstatic to have her picture taken with the Disney characters that she almost didn’t want to leave their side. Good thing she had souvenir photos taken home. She will never forget this night!” gushed one mother who brought along her daughter for the event. It turns out, however, that Mickey’s Toontown was just a preview of things to come.

The main show at the Plenary Hall revealed itself to be the highlight of the event. As soon as Ryan Cayabyab tapped his baton to lead the 50-piece orchestra (the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra), the entire audience was enveloped with the magic of Disney. The music swelled to a full sweep of Disney classics. It was a spell-binding opener that gave audiences goosebumps especially when Sorcerer Mickey appeared before the crowd. Children’s face lit up and collective gasps filled the hall. The excitement was electric and the cheers were genuine. Almost every musical was made special by the surprise appearance of members of the DisneyFamily like Timone, Rafiki and Simba from “Lion King,” Ariel and Sebastian from the “Little Mermaid,” Belle from “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pocahontas,” Princess Jasmine and Aladdin. Audie Gemora, Tricia Jimenez, Kaya and The CompanY were among the local artists who gave astonishing performances. Even the warm exchange between the guest of honor, former Pres. Corazon Aquino and Mickey Mouse was well-received. As a symbol of Philippine hospitality, Cory handed a custom-made lei made of sampaguita while Mickey received the gesture by giving stuffed dolls to her grandchildren. The audience could not help but sigh as Cory’s grandchildren accepted the gifts.

The finale, however, was by far, the most dramatic part of the show. One could not help but get that occasional chill down the spine when all the performers sang “When You Wish Upon a Star” as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto, all resplendent in white, rushed to the stage as the Fab Five. All the other members of the Disney family joined them to form an impressive roster. By the climax of the show, the audience was blanketed by a confetti and balloons, lending that trademark finale that Disney is known for. With that hair-raising ending, the Disney Channel-Asia launch puts itself firmly in place as the most elaborate, the grandest and the biggest channel launch ever staged in the Philippines.

But as the applause fades and the house lights turn to bright, the magic of Disney still lingers. Smiles are painted on children’s faces, parents’ tired looks are wiped away by satisfied grins and beautiful memories are created. That’s the true magic of Disney.

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