Yona Yona Penguins

• Tweet

I have never been lucky when it comes to winning things, but perhaps it’s a sign of a good year ahead, last Saturday, I was one of the selected blogger by omy to catch Yona Yona penguin for a special one evening preview at Jurong Birdpark, in return, to blog about the event. This is my virgin attempt to blog for a hosted event.

Yona Yona Penguin is a Japanese animated film, by Madhouse, about the amazing adventure of Coco, a little girl with penguin coat, as she journeys through a world of fantasy and magic to save her friends from the Emperor of the dark.

Having watched only Hollywood cartoons, Walt Disney and Dream Works have somehow set the standard for animated movie.  And knowing that distribution deals for this film has been signed with the Japanese and French set my expectation for this film even higher, afterall they are known for their haute couture.

In the park, Bongo Burgers served food a little slower and pricier than your usual fast food joint.  I like the deco for its originality and wild safari feel with little animal chairs at the kids’ eating corner. They were so cute that my husband and I chose to sit on them even though they could only support half our butt.

Malcolm is crazy over penguins ever since our ski trips in France. He was smitten by the pigloo penguins and was absolutely thrilled and delighted to take picture with Hobart, the little penguin in exhibit. This little guy was so darn cute and is tamer than any dog I’ve seen. He just stood there obediently to let excited kids take picture with him. There was no food whatsoever to bribe him. A little affection and patting from his handler was all he needs and he stood there still enough for this picture to be taken without a flash.

We finally found the pool amphitheater after a short stroll. Having zero recollection of how the Birdpark is like, I was really expecting something like Movies in the Park by Class 95, a little bit of party or carnival mood. I even thought of packing a picnic basket to go along but glad I didn’t. Picnic at an outdoor theater with step seating ?  Erh, perhaps not.

The sky took on a deep violet hue and the crowds started streaming in.  Soon the movie began. The sound was scratchy and intermittent for the first few minutes and then we realised they were speaking Japanese! I thought perhaps it was a technical glitch and the language will revert to English once it was fixed but I WAS WRONG.

Upon closer scrutiny, the fine prints behind the ticket did say that the movie was in JAPANESE with English subtitles! There was no way my 5 year old could read and understand the subtitles and having left my glasses in the car, I couldn’t understand anything beyond the arigatos and sayonaras.

The air grew heavy and still.  The mist blowing fans didn’t seem to help to cool us, neither did the ice creams nor the queen of Caldecott Hill who was sitting two rows in front of us with her husband and 2 lovely boys. Mal grew restless. Marcus was sweaty and beginning to fuss in his seat and Daddy yawned even as he stuffed his face with chips. We realized that leaving is our best option before the peace was broken.

Getting out of the amphitheater was a relief. The evening air at once felt fresher. We strolled back to the car and had a pleasant drive home.

Lesson for the day, always check the language of the film before you go.