Hong Kong Disneyland continues to be a dream come true for employees after 10 years and counting
- The theme park recently honoured more than 2,000 employees – about one-third of its total workforce – at its first-ever long-service awards ceremony
- Its ‘Cast First’ approach is among the reasons why twin brothers Rodolf and Randolf Escalona have worked there for more than a decade
Almost 30 years ago, young Rodolf and Randolf Escalona would run to their neighbour’s home every day after school to turn on the television – a rare household item in their village in the Philippines at the time – and watch Mickey Mouse cartoons.
Mesmerised by the iconic Disney character, the once-conjoined twin brothers would dream of the magical moment when they could see that world on television come to life.
The opportunity came in 2012, when Hong Kong Disneyland Resort held overseas auditions in Manila.
The brothers, who had been finalists on the television competition show Pilipinas Got Talent as a dance duo and were working at a local dance studio, pulled together funds from friends and teachers so they could fly over for the audition.
Today, the Escalona twins are celebrating their 12th anniversary of working at Hong Kong Disneyland. They are two of the performers in Mickey and the Wondrous Book, a popular recurring musical show at the theme park.
Celebrating employees’ long service
The brothers were also among the employees of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort – which calls them “cast members” – who were invited to join the park’s first-ever long-service awards ceremony.
