In 2011...
I graduated High School and set sail on a new journey out of school life, Decided not to go to Uni and became a full time Entertainer, Spent heaps of time training my juggling skills, Studied more about comedy and audience interaction, Spent heaps of time working hard on promoting myself and getting more work, Made heaps of new friends in the entertainment industry, Entertained many people at many events, Did heaps of fundraiser gigs for Christchurch and Japan, Got to see Cirque Du Soleil's 'Saltimbanco', Tested out my skills in a nation wide Talent Competition at the Royal Easter Show and made it to the finals, Did some work for the Rugby World Cup, Got an amazing job offer from a good friend of mine, Did choreography and act training with the Hebei Acrobatic Troupe of China, Joined the Hebei Acrobatic Troupe aka 'Flaming Phoenix Entertainment', Started performing at Rainbows End Theme Park...
And now we have come to the end of the year, I have finally made it into the professional scene, All my hard work has paid off... What will happen in 2012???
Thank you everyone for your support, 2011 has been an amazing year for me and a lot of you were a part of it!
Happy New Year and hope to catch up with all my friends in 2012!!!
December 31, 2011
December 30, 2011
Rainbows End TV Commercial
Here it is! The brand new Rainbows End TV Commercial featuring the Rainbows End Park Characters (Rai n Bow is back!) Flaming Phoenix Acrobats, and ME!
See if you can spot me...
Has anyone seen it on TV yet? I've only seen both the 30 Second version & 15 second version only once.
The brand new jingle is sung by Local Talent Logan Walker!
Me, Logan, and Lisa at the TV Commercial filming.
The filming of the TV commercial
And here is the original jingle waaaay back from 1993:
They also made a re-make of the jingle and TV Commercial in 2007.
And below is the 1999 TV Commercial featuring a Clown and a Pirate Juggler:
And here is funny clip I found on Youtube of 'The Mascot' from Pulp Sports trying to get into Rainbows End for free:
So, What do you guys think of the commercial and the new jingle?
Is it catchy?
For me, It's quite catchy. I can't get it out of my head...
"All of us together, At Rainbows End, Woa woa woooaaaa"
See if you can spot me...
Has anyone seen it on TV yet? I've only seen both the 30 Second version & 15 second version only once.
The brand new jingle is sung by Local Talent Logan Walker!
Me, Logan, and Lisa at the TV Commercial filming.
The filming of the TV commercial
And here is the original jingle waaaay back from 1993:
They also made a re-make of the jingle and TV Commercial in 2007.
And below is the 1999 TV Commercial featuring a Clown and a Pirate Juggler:
And here is funny clip I found on Youtube of 'The Mascot' from Pulp Sports trying to get into Rainbows End for free:
So, What do you guys think of the commercial and the new jingle?
Is it catchy?
For me, It's quite catchy. I can't get it out of my head...
"All of us together, At Rainbows End, Woa woa woooaaaa"
November 6, 2011
Premiere Weekend
Rehearsals everyday for the past week + 4 Flaming Phoenix Acrobat Shows over the premiere weekend = DONE!
From now on we will officially be performing 2 shows daily during Weekends & School Holidays at 12:30pm & 2:15pm at Rainbows End Theme Park Centre Stage in Manukau. In the first show Lisa & I will be performing our Duo Juggling act, In the second show I will be doing my solo Tempo Juggling act.
If you're ever at Rainbows End, Make sure to check out our shows! Or if you're really keen to see some awesome Chinese Acrobatics then you can also just purchase a spectator pass just to come and see the show. (It'll still be worth the money)
And for those who are planning on visiting in the near future, Here are some preview pics!
More to come soon... Maybe even a video!
From now on we will officially be performing 2 shows daily during Weekends & School Holidays at 12:30pm & 2:15pm at Rainbows End Theme Park Centre Stage in Manukau. In the first show Lisa & I will be performing our Duo Juggling act, In the second show I will be doing my solo Tempo Juggling act.
If you're ever at Rainbows End, Make sure to check out our shows! Or if you're really keen to see some awesome Chinese Acrobatics then you can also just purchase a spectator pass just to come and see the show. (It'll still be worth the money)
And for those who are planning on visiting in the near future, Here are some preview pics!
More to come soon... Maybe even a video!
October 20, 2011
Contact Juggler on Queen St
Have you heard about the Contact Juggler who's been performing on Queen St lately? People describe him as 'The Japanese guy with the crystal ball on queen st' Maybe you have seen him performing on Vulcan Lane or Queen Elizabeth Square...
Well if not, Then Meet my friend Tomomi Hiramoto!
He recently moved to Auckland from Christchurch after the devastating quake and is now becoming quite famous among people in Auckland and even on Youtube!
Here's a collection of videos I found:
If you see him on the streets, Make sure you check it out and give him a massive tip because he's amazing at what he does!
Well if not, Then Meet my friend Tomomi Hiramoto!
He recently moved to Auckland from Christchurch after the devastating quake and is now becoming quite famous among people in Auckland and even on Youtube!
Here's a collection of videos I found:
If you see him on the streets, Make sure you check it out and give him a massive tip because he's amazing at what he does!
September 28, 2011
Flaming Phoenix Entertainment
As you all may have seen my recent status update on Facebook, Everything has finally been revealed!
That's right, Me and my sister Lisa are the newest members of Flaming Phoenix Entertainment!
Flaming Phoenix Entertainment Ltd is the International Marketing operation for the Hebei Acrobatic Troupe and Magic Group (HATMG)
The Hebei Acrobatic Troupe and Magic Group was established in 1970 by Jiquan Hou and is based in Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China. It is sanctioned as the official Acrobatic and Magic Troupe of Hebei province and is one of the largest Acrobatic Troupes in China.
The New Zealand side of the troupe is based in Auckland and specializes in professional circus entertainment for Circuses, Stage Shows, Corporate Events, Schools and Festivals. They are also resident performers at Rainbows End Theme Park performing 2 live shows daily during the Weekends & School Holidays. There is also another troupe currently on tour with Zirka Circus which is operated by Flaming Phoenix Entertainment.
It was about a month ago I received a call from my good friend Jeni Hou, Who is the director of the company that asked me If I was interested in joining the Auckland based troupe. I was really surprised and was not expecting it at all when I received the offer. But I was really honoured that she wanted me to be part of the team.
She wanted to help me out so that I could become more of a professional performer and performing and training regularly with the troupe will improve my skills as a entertainer. One other reason was that she needed somebody to manage the Auckland based troupe as she is on tour and busy managing her touring circus 'Zirka Circus'.
She knows my self promotion and marketing skills very well as I have helped create the Zirka Circus & Flaming Phoenix Facebook pages and have helped promote the circus. So she wants me to be in charge of promotions & bookings aswell.
I've been a fan of their work for a number of years now and have seen alot of their performances and was always inspired by the Chinese Acrobats being able to smoothly execute difficult tricks with amazing choreography. They inspire me.
So 2 weeks ago we headed to Rotorua where the circus was showing and caught up with everyone and the new troupe that are here for the new tour that has just recently started touring. It also gave us the chance to check out the new show.
Me showing everyone my solo Tempo Juggling routine.
They were happy with our acts but needed to be choreographed and polished up. They also wanted Lisa to be part of the team so we will be working on a Duo Juggling Act from now on.
Last weekend we headed to Taupo where the circus was situated and got our acts choreographed and polished up.
It was a 2 and a half hour process of Showing, Thinking, Discussing and Posing. Our friend Jake who is the Bounce Juggler and Globe of Death rider at the circus helped us choreograph our acts along with Dafei who is one of the coaches.
Me, Jake, and Lisa.
Choreographing my Tempo Juggling act.
The act itself hasn't changed much (If you exclude the poses) and still has the same pumping techno music! (YUS!)
Choreographing our Duo Juggling act.
We've also picked up our Duo Juggling act costumes and We're now working on coming up with some make up designs. Will upload pics soon!
We only have about 2 weeks to memorize and perfect our acts and 1 month till we start performing at Rainbows End. Currently there is a troupe performing there, But their contract finishes soon and will be heading back to China and will be replaced by us and a new troupe who will be arriving soon. (I hope you all can come see us perform there!)
As October approaches I will be super busy with alot of gigs including Street Shows for the Rugby World Cup, Auckland International Carnival and a few Corporate events thrown in.
I'm starting to feel like a proper full time performer now!
Anyways, I'm very excited about being a Flaming Phoenix and looking forward to our debut performance in Late October.
I'm finally running away to join the Circus! (Not a touring one, But still a Circus!)
My dreams are slowly coming true...
That's right, Me and my sister Lisa are the newest members of Flaming Phoenix Entertainment!
Flaming Phoenix Entertainment Ltd is the International Marketing operation for the Hebei Acrobatic Troupe and Magic Group (HATMG)
The Hebei Acrobatic Troupe and Magic Group was established in 1970 by Jiquan Hou and is based in Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China. It is sanctioned as the official Acrobatic and Magic Troupe of Hebei province and is one of the largest Acrobatic Troupes in China.
The New Zealand side of the troupe is based in Auckland and specializes in professional circus entertainment for Circuses, Stage Shows, Corporate Events, Schools and Festivals. They are also resident performers at Rainbows End Theme Park performing 2 live shows daily during the Weekends & School Holidays. There is also another troupe currently on tour with Zirka Circus which is operated by Flaming Phoenix Entertainment.
It was about a month ago I received a call from my good friend Jeni Hou, Who is the director of the company that asked me If I was interested in joining the Auckland based troupe. I was really surprised and was not expecting it at all when I received the offer. But I was really honoured that she wanted me to be part of the team.
She wanted to help me out so that I could become more of a professional performer and performing and training regularly with the troupe will improve my skills as a entertainer. One other reason was that she needed somebody to manage the Auckland based troupe as she is on tour and busy managing her touring circus 'Zirka Circus'.
She knows my self promotion and marketing skills very well as I have helped create the Zirka Circus & Flaming Phoenix Facebook pages and have helped promote the circus. So she wants me to be in charge of promotions & bookings aswell.
I've been a fan of their work for a number of years now and have seen alot of their performances and was always inspired by the Chinese Acrobats being able to smoothly execute difficult tricks with amazing choreography. They inspire me.
So 2 weeks ago we headed to Rotorua where the circus was showing and caught up with everyone and the new troupe that are here for the new tour that has just recently started touring. It also gave us the chance to check out the new show.
Me showing everyone my solo Tempo Juggling routine.
They were happy with our acts but needed to be choreographed and polished up. They also wanted Lisa to be part of the team so we will be working on a Duo Juggling Act from now on.
Last weekend we headed to Taupo where the circus was situated and got our acts choreographed and polished up.
It was a 2 and a half hour process of Showing, Thinking, Discussing and Posing. Our friend Jake who is the Bounce Juggler and Globe of Death rider at the circus helped us choreograph our acts along with Dafei who is one of the coaches.
Me, Jake, and Lisa.
Choreographing my Tempo Juggling act.
The act itself hasn't changed much (If you exclude the poses) and still has the same pumping techno music! (YUS!)
Choreographing our Duo Juggling act.
We've also picked up our Duo Juggling act costumes and We're now working on coming up with some make up designs. Will upload pics soon!
We only have about 2 weeks to memorize and perfect our acts and 1 month till we start performing at Rainbows End. Currently there is a troupe performing there, But their contract finishes soon and will be heading back to China and will be replaced by us and a new troupe who will be arriving soon. (I hope you all can come see us perform there!)
As October approaches I will be super busy with alot of gigs including Street Shows for the Rugby World Cup, Auckland International Carnival and a few Corporate events thrown in.
I'm starting to feel like a proper full time performer now!
Anyways, I'm very excited about being a Flaming Phoenix and looking forward to our debut performance in Late October.
I'm finally running away to join the Circus! (Not a touring one, But still a Circus!)
My dreams are slowly coming true...
September 12, 2011
What's going on!?
So you might have all been wondering what is up with all the status updates of me going on about a secret of somesort?
Here's some hints I've been giving out:
First of all I'd like to let you all know that I have been asked to Audition for a show, Now I can't tell you what show just yet but I'm sure you can take a guess and see if you're right or not when it's all revealed. But this is a big opportunity for me to get out there to show people my act and work on other things that I've never had the chance to, The environment will be great to work on new characters (Something that I've been wanting to do for awhile) and acts.
So over the weekend I went to audition for it and show the producers my act. I was for once actually nervous and worried that they wouldn't like my act... Surprisingly they did. But they said it'll need some polishing up especially on choreography and presentation will need to be changed.
Well, that's all I can say for now, But I am very excited and will be giving out more hints and maybe even reveal it within the next few weeks! (I just love to keep my friends and fans on the edge of their seats!)
Stay tuned...
Here's some hints I've been giving out:
First of all I'd like to let you all know that I have been asked to Audition for a show, Now I can't tell you what show just yet but I'm sure you can take a guess and see if you're right or not when it's all revealed. But this is a big opportunity for me to get out there to show people my act and work on other things that I've never had the chance to, The environment will be great to work on new characters (Something that I've been wanting to do for awhile) and acts.
So over the weekend I went to audition for it and show the producers my act. I was for once actually nervous and worried that they wouldn't like my act... Surprisingly they did. But they said it'll need some polishing up especially on choreography and presentation will need to be changed.
Well, that's all I can say for now, But I am very excited and will be giving out more hints and maybe even reveal it within the next few weeks! (I just love to keep my friends and fans on the edge of their seats!)
Stay tuned...
July 26, 2011
Ramen Takara
Ramen Takara is one of my favourite places to eat out in Auckland, Not only they have the best Ramen (In my opinion) but they also have a wide range of 'Izakaya' style meals & snacks that you can enjoy while having a drink.
The staff are nice & friendly and it's a great place for food & drinks with family and friends!
The new Bar Counter
Japanese Sake - Hakushika
Beef Tataki
Japanese Style Meatballs
Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Ball)
Chikuzen Ni
Jah Jah Men (Slightly Spicy Meat Sauce on Noodles)
Miso Ramen
Spicy Wonton Ramen
Shouyu Ramen with Corn
Ramen Takara is located at: 4 Anzac Road, Browns Bay, New Zealand.
Website: www.ramentakara.co.nz
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RamenTakara?sk=wall
The staff are nice & friendly and it's a great place for food & drinks with family and friends!
The new Bar Counter
Japanese Sake - Hakushika
Beef Tataki
Japanese Style Meatballs
Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Ball)
Chikuzen Ni
Jah Jah Men (Slightly Spicy Meat Sauce on Noodles)
Miso Ramen
Spicy Wonton Ramen
Shouyu Ramen with Corn
Ramen Takara is located at: 4 Anzac Road, Browns Bay, New Zealand.
Website: www.ramentakara.co.nz
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RamenTakara?sk=wall
June 14, 2011
The Magic of the Number 1
.
This year I have woken up at 11:11am 4 times now, and every time I do I end up having a great day.
The recurrence of the triple numbers is known as a subtle and constant reminder that something magical something Divine is happening.
Whenever you see the sequence 111 or 1111 show up, it's a great sign of a golden opportunity. Both sequences mean that a 'Doorway' has opened up in which your intentions and goals will manifest extremely quickly.
Did you know this year (2011) is the year full of 1's?
1/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/1/11, and 11/11/11.
NOW figure this, The last 2 digits the year you were born + the age you will be this year will equal 111!
This year I have woken up at 11:11am 4 times now, and every time I do I end up having a great day.
The recurrence of the triple numbers is known as a subtle and constant reminder that something magical something Divine is happening.
Whenever you see the sequence 111 or 1111 show up, it's a great sign of a golden opportunity. Both sequences mean that a 'Doorway' has opened up in which your intentions and goals will manifest extremely quickly.
Did you know this year (2011) is the year full of 1's?
1/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/1/11, and 11/11/11.
NOW figure this, The last 2 digits the year you were born + the age you will be this year will equal 111!
June 13, 2011
Update
I haven't posted anything in awhile so I thought I'd update you all on what I've been upto lately in the form of bullet points!
- Went down to Christchurch to catch up with the Circus Aotearoa Crew in late May.
- Went to see 'The Legendary Nation' acrobat show by the Hebei Acrobatic Troupe from China.
- Been catching up with my friends at Zirka Circus since last week.
- Still thinking of some costume designs.
- Working on 'Vegas Style' Rola Bola.
- Working on a new act for upcoming shows (Involves food & a Tennis Racquet)
- Getting ready for upcoming shows, on the Shore.
- Went to see Circus Quirkus last week and met the Producer.
- June is a quiet month, Still no work coming in.
- Need more shows.
"Blue Sky, Green Grass, Beautiful Bigtop"
- Went down to Christchurch to catch up with the Circus Aotearoa Crew in late May.
- Went to see 'The Legendary Nation' acrobat show by the Hebei Acrobatic Troupe from China.
- Been catching up with my friends at Zirka Circus since last week.
- Still thinking of some costume designs.
- Working on 'Vegas Style' Rola Bola.
- Working on a new act for upcoming shows (Involves food & a Tennis Racquet)
- Getting ready for upcoming shows, on the Shore.
- Went to see Circus Quirkus last week and met the Producer.
- June is a quiet month, Still no work coming in.
- Need more shows.
"Blue Sky, Green Grass, Beautiful Bigtop"
May 14, 2011
The Umbilical Brothers
The Umbilical Brother's 'Heaven by Storm' is one of the shows I have been looking forward to seeing at this year's NZ Comedy Festival. Their show incorporates Mime, Clowning, Sound Effects, and special theatrical lighting to tell a story of the 2 David & Shane ending up in heaven.
Me & my sister Lisa with The Umbies - Shane & David
Their signed DVDs 'Don't Explain' & 'Speed Mouse'
If you missed out, You're gonna have to wait till next year's Comedy Festival season!
Me & my sister Lisa with The Umbies - Shane & David
Their signed DVDs 'Don't Explain' & 'Speed Mouse'
If you missed out, You're gonna have to wait till next year's Comedy Festival season!
April 29, 2011
NZ Comedy Festival
Was a big day today, Did 2 publicity stunts for the New Zealand International Comedy Festival. First one was in the morning where we put on Chicken Masks and walked around Queen St, Crossing the road, Handing out Comedy Festival booklets, etc. 2nd one was for the Visa Comedy Gala where we had Tape on our faces and held a sign saying 'I am not the boy' Some people got what it meant, Some people didn't.
The people who got it had a good laugh and played along with whatever way I tried to communicate with them, Others just stared at me in weird way... Which I was all good with since someone standing awkwardly with tape on their mouth isn't something you see everyday.
Some people interacted with me in a fun way which made me smile. At one point I was standing by the toilets and I was staring at this young lady, She was staring back for awhile and we ended up having a 2 minute long staring contest. After she won I gave her a copy of my sign. She smiled, Winked, and walked off...
It was a very special moment.
We are not 'The Boy'
'I am not the boy'
Here's a little video of the Chicken Stunt:
The people who got it had a good laugh and played along with whatever way I tried to communicate with them, Others just stared at me in weird way... Which I was all good with since someone standing awkwardly with tape on their mouth isn't something you see everyday.
Some people interacted with me in a fun way which made me smile. At one point I was standing by the toilets and I was staring at this young lady, She was staring back for awhile and we ended up having a 2 minute long staring contest. After she won I gave her a copy of my sign. She smiled, Winked, and walked off...
It was a very special moment.
We are not 'The Boy'
'I am not the boy'
Here's a little video of the Chicken Stunt:
April 14, 2011
Filming
We did some filming for Asia Downunder recently, They filmed us warming up before our performance and also filmed our on-stage performance. We will be doing interviews and more filming next week.
Will keep you all updated on when it will be aired.
Will keep you all updated on when it will be aired.
April 11, 2011
Heart Children Variety Show 2011
I had a great opportunity to perform in a wonderful show full of amazing people for the past 2 days.
I was performing in the 2 Auckland shows of the Heart Children 'Big Day Out' Variety Show filling in for my friend Zach Washer who is a Juggler/Cyr Wheel artist.
In the show I did 2 acts, The first one was a talking/interactive act where I get a volunteer to hold onto a hat and I juggle 5 balls and the volunteer had to catch one ball at a time, And when the volunteer successfully catches all of them, They win a prize! And the other act is my fast-paced Tempo Juggling routine.
The volunteer I used yesterday was awesome. He was trying to catch the ball before I even threw it.
Highlights include me & Andre's 'Magic Juggling' routine, Punk's rocket getting stuck up on the theatre vents, Me almost knocking over the backdrop curtains during my juggling act, and ofcourse... The GLITTER!
It was alot of fun hanging out with everyone, and I hope I get another chance to perform in the show again soon.
I was performing in the 2 Auckland shows of the Heart Children 'Big Day Out' Variety Show filling in for my friend Zach Washer who is a Juggler/Cyr Wheel artist.
In the show I did 2 acts, The first one was a talking/interactive act where I get a volunteer to hold onto a hat and I juggle 5 balls and the volunteer had to catch one ball at a time, And when the volunteer successfully catches all of them, They win a prize! And the other act is my fast-paced Tempo Juggling routine.
The volunteer I used yesterday was awesome. He was trying to catch the ball before I even threw it.
Highlights include me & Andre's 'Magic Juggling' routine, Punk's rocket getting stuck up on the theatre vents, Me almost knocking over the backdrop curtains during my juggling act, and ofcourse... The GLITTER!
It was alot of fun hanging out with everyone, and I hope I get another chance to perform in the show again soon.
April 7, 2011
Power Rangers
I was up all night last night organising music for upcoming shows, I was finally able to get to sleep at 5am.
Then at 9:30am I got woken up by a phone call from my Agent about a Audition for me this Sunday. Unfortunatly I'm fully booked this Sunday and didn't have any time in between shows to make it to the audition so sadly, I declined the offer.
It was a guest support role for the tv series 'Power Rangers' which is airing in the states and as you may know they film all their episodes here in New Zealand.
I can't give out too much detail, But 1 thing I can say is I was gonna be related to the Pink Ranger...
I'm hoping there will be another opportunity like this soon, It'll be great to show my acting skills to the film industry.
Then at 9:30am I got woken up by a phone call from my Agent about a Audition for me this Sunday. Unfortunatly I'm fully booked this Sunday and didn't have any time in between shows to make it to the audition so sadly, I declined the offer.
It was a guest support role for the tv series 'Power Rangers' which is airing in the states and as you may know they film all their episodes here in New Zealand.
I can't give out too much detail, But 1 thing I can say is I was gonna be related to the Pink Ranger...
I'm hoping there will be another opportunity like this soon, It'll be great to show my acting skills to the film industry.
April 5, 2011
Costume
My friend's mother in China is a costume designer who creates costumes for Chinese Acrobats, I have asked if I could get a Juggling Costume made for Stage & Circus shows and has agreed that she can make a custom one made for me.
I've been looking at all sorts of costumes that jugglers wear and have been gathering ideas based on my favourite designs.
Here are a few of my favourites:
Tempo Juggler - Jonathan Freeman
Tempo Juggler - Ricardo Araujo
Have you seen any cool costume designs suitable for a Tempo Juggling act?
Help me out by posting a link below!
I've been looking at all sorts of costumes that jugglers wear and have been gathering ideas based on my favourite designs.
Here are a few of my favourites:
Tempo Juggler - Jonathan Freeman
Tempo Juggler - Ricardo Araujo
Have you seen any cool costume designs suitable for a Tempo Juggling act?
Help me out by posting a link below!
April 3, 2011
Extreme Fire Eating
Went to see my friend Mark Robinson perform in a magic show today.
All the acts were great, But the one act that blew my mind was Jon Zealando who is a Living legend magician & Fire eater in New Zealand. He's very old but does some highly skilled Fire eating, Breathing and even fuel regurgitation!
All the acts were great, But the one act that blew my mind was Jon Zealando who is a Living legend magician & Fire eater in New Zealand. He's very old but does some highly skilled Fire eating, Breathing and even fuel regurgitation!
Welcome
Hello everyone and welcome to my blog!
This is the place where I will be sharing my random thoughts with you, and the only place where you get to hear the latest news and things about what's happening in my life lately. So... basicly this is my blog, THE Blog of Ko-zone.
Feel free to comment, Share on facebook or 'Like' my latest posts.
I would love to hear from you all!
This is the place where I will be sharing my random thoughts with you, and the only place where you get to hear the latest news and things about what's happening in my life lately. So... basicly this is my blog, THE Blog of Ko-zone.
Feel free to comment, Share on facebook or 'Like' my latest posts.
I would love to hear from you all!
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