The Guy Beside Me Ran from Ayala Ave. to Megamall to catch the Gala Premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Did that catch your attention? Well, I had to come up with a 'Wait-What?!' title, given that the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Gala Premiere was already a few weeks ago, December 15, at the IMAX in Megamall, to be exact. This post comes in really late, since I got caught up in the holidays, and of course The Force Awakens itself. I was also (still am) actually, sick and took a few weeks of writing. This is the first post I'm writing, after said short break.  

As the year draws to a close, I can easily tell you that attending the gala premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens is easily one of the highlights of my 2015. It is indeed one of the most anticipated premieres in recent memory and I am very fortuante (and grateful) to have been on of the chosen few to have been in attendance. 

Our own Gala Premiere might not have had the big name Hollywood actors and actresses who star in the movie but we have the Pinoy 501st and Fight Saber Philippines to add a little spice to the screening. 

As I entered the mall, I could hear the entire Star Wars soundtrack playing over the mall speakers. Yup. It wasn't Christmas songs but it was the whole (freaking) soundtrack playing! Honestly, I cried a bit as I head the familiar John Williams score playing. Little did I know it was just the first few tears I would shed that night. (Force Awakens Review here)

    

Despite the heavy rain and traffic which surrounded the Metro that night, faithful fans braved the inevitable challenge of travelling to SM Megamall in Ortigas. 

I left two hours earlier in anticipation of the traffic. The guy seated beside me in the theater (and I kid you not), ran, yes, ran from Ayala Ave. all the way to Megamall! Traffic was so bad and he couldn't get a ride through Uber that he did the unthinkable. As he was telling me his story, he was placing his wet clothes (he got drenched in the rain) in a bag. He had to purchase new clothes when he got to the mall. I overheard him telling his friends that 'It was the Force compelling him to run' -Hey! A great story he can tell his kids someday right? 

Before the premiere, guests were treated to an awesome light saber duel from Fight Saber Philippines, who have been busy, weeks and days leading up to the premiere (and even after, with all the blocked screenings) performing at events for fans. Of course the Pinoy 501st also went trooping and had photos taken with fans. I did an interview with my cousin of sorts, Luis who is a part of the Pinoy 501st, you can read it here.  When I did the interview, back in 2012, the 501st were still an Outpost, they have since then become a Garrison the upgrade due to an increase in number of members. 

From their Facebook page, The Philippine Garrison 'The 501st Legion is a non-profit organization that uses its time and effort doing charity and volunteer work'. 

Hosts and Big Star Wars fans themselves: Chico and Gino.
 I've been a fan, so it was a thrill to see them host. :) 

Another thing, I will never forget about the premiere was getting to watch the movie, with fellow fans who 'Ohhhhh' and 'Ahhhhhhh' d at all the right queues and moments. A light saber salute at the end of movie, just made things even more memorable. 

I've already seen The Force Awakens two times, and I'm looking forward to my third time :) 

What a great memory I plan on holding on too :) 

Can't wait  to see what Episode XIII has in store for all of us! 

Micheal V. poses with members of the Fight Saber Philippines after the premiere. 

(c) All photos are from the official Star Wars PH Facebook page.

Thank you Disney for the invite :)

Something Old, Something New; 'The Force Awakens' is the SequelYou'reLooking For- and More!

It's easy to say that a movie made you laugh and made you cry and that you were at the edge of your seat for every action sequence but there are very few movies that tether your heart to memories and and make you sentimental, (they remind you of your parents or of a younger you, 'a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away) and one of those (or probably the only films) is the Star Wars movies. 

I was one of the lucky few who got to attend the Philippine Gala Premiere last Tuesday, December 15 at the IMAX at SM Megamall. At least two days before it's local release and watching it in a movie filled with genuine fans, grown men and women in Jedi robes and Stormtrooper armour is one of the most surreal experiences I've ever had. Until now, it all feels like a dream.

Before I continue on, this would be my spoiler-free review, as it is still a few hours before the local release and I want to keep my blog, newsfeed and social media sites spoiler free. Will probably post a spoiler filled discussion, in a few weeks. 

No Lens Flare in 'The Force Awakens' but we have amazing sequences like this! 

So without further adieu-

A long time ago, in a galaxy, far, far away... 

We all know that familiar opening sequence and Director JJ Abrams and Star Wars veteran co-writer Lawrence Kasdan (who worked on the original Episode V and Episode VI scripts) certainly kept what fans loved about the original movies rich and present in Episode VII: The Force Awakens in some ways, it felt like a re-telling of Episode IV: A New Hope but still provided new characters, themes and conflicts that you wouldn't feel like you were watching a reboot.

Something Old 

My father was a big fan of Star Wars, so I feel like I grew up with all of the original characters. Just like the audience, I felt like crying every time I saw a well loved character (in a sense, an oldie but a goodie walk to the screen). Seeing them on screen again and reprising their role was like catching up with old friends. Even the familiar opening sequence alone was already enough to make me (and even grown men) tear up, 

Every time something remotely familiar came up on screen, the people howled and cheered. It was great to see the movie, with some of the biggest Star Wars fans, we were all oohhhing and ahhhhing at the right moments.  

Needles to say, JJ Abrams, did a great job, he has high respect and regard for the original trilogy and you can see this throughout the movie, in fact you can feel it. It is Star Wars. It is the sequel that fans have been waiting for, and more. 

Fans already know that Harrison Ford, Carrie Fischer and Mark Hamill are reprising their iconic roles, to what extent is something left to be seen. 

Fan Favorites: BB-8 and Rey share some screen time. 

The Stormtroopers in the film, get more than just new armor, they get personality and better aim.  

The Force Awakens is not just a trip on memory lane, it injects fresh new characters, themes and conflicts that it takes a life of it's own. It brings back the humor and comedy that was dryly lacking in the horrid prequels. There were so many (well placed, mind you) jokes that I still crack up when I think about them. Of course, just as The Force needs balance so to does humor and drama which the film keeps in check. 

The Stormtroopers (who lately, seem to be on every possible merchandise) who are probbably the rare fan favorite baddies are elevated in the new film, giving them more personality and character, shining a light on them, thus new comer John Boyega's very interesting and fresh character, Finn. A reluctant Stormtrooper who finds himself doubting his current occupation. It should be taken into account that the film even improved the aim of the Troopers!