Why I’m proud of Bobby Garcia

Bobby Garcia is first and foremost a wonderful friend. Second, Bobby, is a no-none sense professional. Third or perhaps, first, he is a devoted child to his parents and to his God.

Bobby was the first director on Private Conversations. It was never work for me and Bobby. No matter how serious or flippant the conversations were, Bob and I would always have a good hearty laugh as we worked hard on the next conversation. We always looked forward to the next one, richer with the accidental shining moments, the embarrassing verbal mishaps, the mispronounced words (all mine), and the joy that conversations bring about.

Bobby at that time just came from schooling in New York where he also dabbled in directing. He would inject new ideas that made the show even more interesting. Bobby made a couple of commercials and a number of stage plays. Unforgettable were the plays Rent, Proof, Dreamgirls, Jesus Christ Superstar, Baby, Urinetown among others.

I was proud when he left for Hong Kong to be part of Hong Kong Disneyland as show director. I thought, Bobby would surely make his artistry and brilliance felt in Disneyland. He loves the entertainment business. And he loves Walt Disney.

"I have always loved and admired the work of the Walt Disney Company. Be it their animated films, their theme parks or their Broadway musicals. I grew up with Disney. The first film I ever saw was Peter Pan at the Rizal Theater when I was 3 years old. I think I saw it at least 50 times. And seeing Julie Taymor’s production of the Lion King on Broadway was one of the most stunning theatrical moments for me. So, to be asked to join the company that inspired me so much was a real thrill," says Bobby.

He has no regrets about his decision to go to Hong Kong despite the fact that such move would mean his directing career in the country will be on hold. He reasons, "The ability to work in the live entertainment every single day of the year is really a remarkable opportunity. And to be able to do it with Disney makes it all the more exciting and memorable."

Bobby’s first trip to Disneyland in Anaheim, California was in 1977 with his family. It was he says one of the most memorable trips he had in his entire life.

Today, as Hong Kong Disneyland show director, he is responsible for the quality of all live entertainment in the park – from stage shows, to the parades, as well as the street performers. As the park is open 365 days a year, rain or shine, it leaves very little time for Bobby to rest.

Although he is now based in Hong Kong, Bobby makes frequent trips to Manila to visit his family and friends. He also keeps himself abreast with the current happening in the local entertainment scene. Bobby’s own outfit, Atlantis Productions will stage Broadway’s most awarded play titled Doubt. It is written by John Patrick Shanley. It will star Cherie Gil in the lead role and is directed by Chari Arespacochaga.

Bobby compares living in Hong Kong with living in New York. "Hong Kong is very much like New York City. There are so many things to do here and so many things to see. When I lived in New York, I spent my weekends exploring the many diverse neighborhoods of the city and the small shops and restaurants. It’s same here in Hong Kong."

For 15 years, Bobby shuttled between New York, Vancouver and Los Angeles. He moved back to the Philippines in 1999 where he directed some of the best and most successful theatrical presentations, as well as television specials for both GMA 7 and ABS-CBN.

When asked what his favorite Disney animated film is, Bobby says, "It would be a toss between Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan. I can watch those films a hundred times!" he says in jest.

Bobby remembers that as a child, his imagination was sparked by Disney’s magical stories and characters. Now all grown-up but still a child at heart, Bobby is a vital part in creating the Disney magic.

Yes turns six

I got an invitation from Yes Magazine to join their sixth anniversary celebration which will be held at the Crownie Plaza Hotel tomorrow. Yes Magazine is one of the most colorful, celebrated and credible showbiz magazines. Its photographs are riveting, and its stories are solid and always fascinating. It is one magazine celebrities trust. Yes Magazine is part of the Summit Group. To Liza Gokongwei, Joan Maglipon, Anna Pingol and the Yes Magazine staff, congratulations! Yes, you deserve a hundred more years.