Genta Ogami practises what he’s preaching - DIRECT LINE by Boy abunda

If only martial arts cum entrepreneur Genta Ogami ran for a post in the recently held election, he would have had a landslide victory over his opponents because he puts helping others above everything else in his life. The best thing is he does what he preaches.

Through his private organization, G.O. Group, he aims to help in controlling the balance between the two wheels of economy and culture. Under his umbrella organization are several companies including G. Cosmos Philippines, a company which helps people improve their lives by offering them business opportunities. He also formulated several philosophies which give a comprehensive, unified view about the world and human life and how it can be improved. He believes it is possible to live and let live, achieve satisfaction through accomplishments, and to encourage and assert oneself on the right recognition of general rationales.

"My heart bleeds for those who are victims of an unjust society," says Mr. Ogami. "That is why I am doing my best to somehow make a difference in this world by promoting a new outlook in life, based on my philosophies."

With his success, he could have simply chosen just to relax and reap the rewards of his hard work. But not Mr. Ogami. In fact, he is continually striving to find ways and means to help other people. He has even ventured into film production just to create a visual illustration of what his philosophies are all about and how it can improve the lives of Filipinos.

In the movie The Lords of Creation, he shares stellar billing with Filipino actress Joyce Jimenez plus a host of local and foreign actors. He plays the role of a Japanese martial arts expert tasked by a voice from above to fight against evil and save Asia. His journey takes him to the Philippines where he meets Maria (Jimenez), forlorn daughter of Señor Alonso, who has sold everything he has, including his daughter to the obnoxious Big Bill.

Shot entirely in the Philippines, the movie boasts of an impressive line-up of production people under noted director Toto Natividad. It is scheduled for release within the year.

"My dream for the Filipinos is very simple. I just wish that they could enjoy their lives while helping others. With this movie, I hope to reach out to people from all walks of life to encourage them to make a difference and make this world a better place to live in. Enough of those injustices and oppressions! Enough of those hand-to-mouth existence! You can do more than that. You are gifted with a beautiful country and a rich culture. Make good use of them," ends Mr. Ogami.

Enchanted evening

The rain kept falling on the Enchanted Kingdom where the 6th Annual Fireworks Competition was about to be held. It would stop and then it would drizzle. But I was told that no rain was going to stop the fireworks competition. Judges were stationed in an elevated stage and beside it, a buffet of barbecue and other delicacies were served. Kuya Germs, Mama Rene Salud, newly-appointed Finance Secretary Jose Camacho, gifted child CJ da Silva, Richard Riley of the Shangri-La Hotel, James Cooper, Joey Luna, Mari Kaimo were among the judges.

At about 7:30 p.m., the drizzle stopped. Up in the sky, the moon reluctantly appeared veiled by a thick layer of clouds – but it did try to smile.

The event was hosted by affable Yani (Enchanted Kingdom’s resident host) who has two of the most enchanting eyes you’ll ever see and Patty, a vocalist of Enchanted Kingdom’s in-house band, Empower.

The Enchanted Kingdom Dancers kicked, jumped, swayed, rolled and tumbled, mindless of the bad weather. That was all right. You could see bravado written all over their faces, bodies and muscles.

Then the magic began to the theme song of the Enchanted Kingdom. All six competitors would display their fireworks to the rhythm and beat of the song. The competition was spellbinding that even the rain was embarrassed to fall again.

This was my third year to judge the competition. And I want to judge it for as long as I can. I somehow managed to fix my tight, ferocious schedule for this one. I don’t know, I become a child the moment I start to see the fireworks. This year, the moon joined us. I am reminded that true beauty can only be appreciated through the eyes and heart of a child. And I become a child once a year at the Enchanted Kingdom. It becomes truly an enchanting moment for someone like me who wakes up an adult and ends up senile with the end of each day.

Generally, the fireworks display was better than the one I saw at Disneyland in Anaheim, California and this is no bull, really.

In between contestants, the host would conduct Bring Me games. Yani would also ask contestants questions like, "How many dwarves did Cinderella have?" "Seven!" quipped a girl contestant. "Wala!" shouted the crowd. A male contestant was confused. The girl heard the audience and shouted, "Wala!" She won a complimentary ticket for Enchanted Kingdom.

"Who wanted to eat the three little pigs?" asked the host to another set of contestants. "The big bad Wolf," shouted the crowd. A male contestant won complimentary tickets.

Fireworks display contestant number four won the grand prize. His display was simply magical that at the end of it, I expected Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, Princess Jasmine would take a bow in the skies.

When you get that feeling that the fireworks go on forever, you must be having fun. And I was. This is one experience I always look forward to.

Thank you Babic Flores Faustino, AVP for Entertainment of the Enchanted Kingdom for always inviting me to this event!