Daniel Padilla is booked and busy
Never mind the online noise. Fresh from his trending birthday party last weekend, we got a hold of Daniel Padilla at the same venue where he had his big birthday bash in Tanauan, Batangas.
It turns out that the actor has been spending pretty much of his time in the town, not just for solitude but because he is hands-on with one of his latest business ventures, the immersive theme park J Castles, which he co-owns.
We got to the venue on its soft opening day. There were a few kinks to be fixed but were expected since it was not yet in full operation. Besides that, the theme park is impressive.
Let’s start off with the distance going there. The ride from Mandaluyong, where our jump-off point was, did not take two hours to get there and we did not even use SLEX. But it was a holiday, so manage your expectations.
The signs going there were huge once you reached Tanauan proper and the roads were built well. There was even a downhill drive where you would see the ocean and the town that make for an interesting Instagram shot.
Once we arrived, the parking was massive and could fit an ample amount of guests. There were traffic guides and security ready to guide you. The theme park music greeted us and the castle was beautiful.
There were lamp posts and flowers that reminded one of Disneyland, albeit a mini-version. They even had immersive areas reminiscent of the Team Labs in Japan.
Daniel told us that it’s just the beginning because they are planning to add a 150-plus-room hotel and rides such as the roller-coaster. In charge of the artistic vision for the place, the actor-businessman stressed how he wants to go all the way once he puts his heart on to something.
“Doon tayo sa creatives, mas doon ako. Gusto natin buo-in ang experience ng tao hindi naman tayo gumawa ng amusement park na wala wala lang,” he said.
When we got the invite to visit the place, we weren’t even sure if Daniel was really open for an interview, given his tumultuous and very public past months post-KathNiel era.
His friend and fellow actor Yub Azarcon, who also helps out in the park’s operations, was telling us that Daniel was okay with it and cool about his state now. When Daniel came around lunch time, he was swarmed with theme park guests and fans, whom he accommodated and took the time to take pictures with.
He was even thoughtful enough to look after the elderly who were making their way towards him. He was constantly asking them if they were alright and reminding them to be careful.
Daniel said that he is aware of what has been said about him online. But like any strong person, since much of what’s being said is taken out of proportion, just like his last viral birthday jam of the song Hinahanap-Hanap Kita, he had this to say: “Ang OA (over acting)! Masyado OA, yung mga tao nag-e-enjoy lang akong kumanta.”
Right now, besides the theme park, Daniel is also busy with his budding Dubai food business. When we asked where he got his business acumen from, he answered, “Tumatanda lang talaga tayo.”
For Daniel, showbiz projects are still there, but he is just looking for that one great script and a solo project. “Ayokong madaliin yung mga bagay. Ayoko yung mga hilaw na lumalabas yung mga gagawin natin. Gusto ko maigi na maigi. Lutong luto saka natin papalabas!”
Now that he’s celebrating his 15 years in the industry, Daniel shared, “Madami na tayong pinagdaanan pero marami pa tayong mapupuntahan, so doon muna tayo.”
He even had this challenge to producers, “Take me anywhere.”
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