Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez is building the theme park Magic Kingdom on a five-hectare lot in Silay City set to open by end of the year. But unlike, say, Disneyland and Universal Studios where the characters that serve as attractions were already popular long before these parks opened, Benitez had just commissioned the creation of the magical characters for his venture. Congressman Alfredo ‘Albee’ Benitez In an interview, Benitez revealed asking director Peque Gallaga to come up with Pinoy/fantasy attractions. The public servant then plans to promote the characters by doing a movie on them. “Naisip ko kasi na ang Negros, we don’t have nice beaches like Boracay and neither do we have mountains na ipagmamalaki. But we need to focus on tourism so dapat magkaroon kami ng attraction,” he said when asked what prompted him to bankroll Magic Kingdom, reportedly to the tune of a billion pesos. He cited Enchanted Kingdom in Binan, Laguna to have upped tourism by 60% in the area. He hopes Magic Kingdom will do the same for Bacolod. The upcoming theme park will have at least 15 major rides, plus small rides for kids. Benitez revealed that some of their foreign rides are supplied by a group that had also worked with Universal Studios and other theme parks abroad. “It will be a Disneyland that is purely Filipino,” Benitez said. Asked why he opted for original characters instead of those based on ones already familiar to Pinoys, like, Darna or Panday, Benitez said it would’ve required licensing approvals, and likely jack up the already big cost of making Magic Kingdom. Showbiz connection Benitez has dabbled in show business before all of these. He co-produced a horror movie with Viva starring Cristine Reyes many moons ago. Then, there’s the defunct TV show “Game Changer” which he hosted with son Javi. That weekly, 30-minute docu-magazine program aired on ANC (ABS-CBN News channel) showcased ideas, events and personalities that have made significant contributions to the advancement of communities and Filipino society. A couple of days ago, reports surfaced that Benitez met with actors Albert Martinez, Sharon Cuneta, Arjo Atayde, Richard Gomez, Piolo Pascual, and others, to discuss the possibility of shooting a movie in the mold of “Ocean’s Eleven.” “I came up with that idea during a fishing expedition with Albert and Gabby (Concepcion),” Benitez said. “Marami akong kaibigan from show business--- mga family friends sila---so everytime na naguusap kami, naririnig ko and get to learn about show business.” Though nothing was finalized in that meeting, the congressman intends to talk to everyone again. No, the project wasn’t scrapped, it’s “still in the works” and that “verbally, nagkaron na ng consensus.” “Maraming nagsabing sayang kung di matuloy kaya babalikan ko sila ulit at siguro, pag nagkaron na ng understanding, ay move forward na (kami).” (From left): Piolo Pascual, Sharon Cuneta, Richard Gomez, Albert Martinez and Arjo Atayde Recall that Hollywood movie “Ocean’s Eleven” is a heist film; a remake of the 1960 Rat Pack film of the same name. Released in 2001, it starred George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Andy García, and Julia Roberts. If Benitez’s version of it pushes through, tentatively titled “Squad Goals,” the story will see the characters pull off a “Robinhood”-type of stunt. Seeing his genuine love for and interest in all things entertainment, we asked him what his hopes are for the local movie industry. “To come up with more quality films,” Benitez said. “Movies that aren’t only entertaining but educational, too.”