Laboon, Going Merry from ‘One Piece’ come to life at BGC
The elements from the second season of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of “One Piece: Into the Grand Line” docked at Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater last Friday, transforming the open space into a vibrant blend of fiction and reality.
The STAR, cosplayers and fans were welcomed aboard the set, greeted by the sight of the colossal yet friendly whale Laboon, the beloved ship Going Merry and barrels tucked around on site.
Guests had the opportunity to take photos and videos and mingle with fellow attendees before the exhibit opened to the public later that afternoon. The event is free to enter and will run until today, March 15.
Kapuso artist Allen Ansay arrived as Monkey D. Luffy while Myrtle Sarrosa appeared as Tony Tony Chopper. Cosplayer Prince de Guzman also joined the crowd as Captain Smoker alongside other attendees who came dressed as their favorite characters from the show.
Myrtle and Prince shared with The STAR their experience at the event and talked about their favorite characters from the series.
Myrtle, who was recently named Best Dressed at the red carpet premiere of “One Piece” in Tokyo, Japan, felt grateful to be part of the occasion. “So it’s been such a dream come true, as an otaku (part of the fanbase), and as a huge ‘One Piece’ fan, to not only attend the red carpet, meet the cast and interview them, but at the same time come here to the Philippines and see so much energy and love from the ‘One Piece’ community.
“Sobrang ganda and very iconic. So to see Laboon right over here and seeing how cute he is, cute na malaki and at the same time, I also saw Going Merry and the Jolly Roger flag, I’m so happy because it feels like you teleport into the live action.”
Myrtle’s favorite spot at the venue was Laboon because it reminded her of the scene from Season 2. (Spoiler alert!) “Nakakaiyak yung scene ni Iñaki (Monkey D. Luffy), when he was singing, ‘Yo ho ho ho,’ the Binks Sake (song) to Laboon. Sorry, spoilers, but when he started tearing up, super na-touch talaga ako so to see Laboon in person here, I’m so happy.”
She added that while she enjoys all the characters in the live-action adaptation, her personal pick from the anime series is Trafalgar D. Water Law.
Prince, on the other hand, was thrilled that Netflix brought his beloved anime to life in a live-action adaptation. “I’m really grateful to be here at this fan event,” he told this paper. His top pick from the anime series is Franky, though the character has yet to appear in the live-action series. He also cited Laboon as his standout spot at the venue. “Laboon is amazing, especially up close and especially if you’ve seen Season 2. The setup is incredible.”
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