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Photo credit: Sarina Hilario, Jhong Hilario, Maia Azores / Instagram
It’s Showtime host and actor Jhong Hilario recently shared highlights from their family trip to Tokyo with partner Maia Azores, daughter Sarina, and Maia’s family. The vacation also doubled as Maia’s birthday celebration.
In a vlog uploaded on their channel, the couple documented their adventures, beginning with a magical two-day visit to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea.
“Nandito kami ngayon sa Tokyo para sa bakasyon, para maka-unwind naman and, of course, birthday ni Maia. Syempre hindi mawawala ang Disneyland,” Jhong shared.
During their Disneyland visit, Sarina, lovingly called "Sari," was overjoyed to meet some of her favorite Disney characters, including Stitch from Lilo & Stitch and Belle from Beauty and the Beast. She even got to ride the iconic Beauty and the Beast attraction for the first time.
“She (high five) to me and I ask her where the Beast is and she said he’s in Belle’s house,” Sarina enthusiastically told her parents.
Jhong’s mini me had so much energy, dancing and singing as they roamed the theme park.
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On their second day at DisneySea, she fulfilled her dream of visiting Rapunzel’s kingdom. She was even dressed as the Tangled heroine. She also met Jasmine from Aladdin and tried several rides including Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage, The Little Mermaid coaster, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
“We also visited DisneySea again and finally got to see the new Fantasy Springs and experienced the breathtaking Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival ride,” the Hilario family shared.
Seeing how brave and adventurous Sarina had now become, Jhong proudly remarked, “Big girl na ang baby ko!”
After Disneyland, the family explored the rest of Tokyo, including a visit to a café where Sarina played with micro pigs for the first time. They also witnessed the scenic view of Mt. Fuji and tasted authentic Fuji apples.
“As first time napakaswerte ni Sarina kasi nagpakita ang Mt Fuji. Sobrang clear,” Jhong added, referring to a belief that Mt. Fuji only reveals itself to people with pure hearts.
The family then celebrated Maia’s birthday as they sang her a birthday song.
The couple then reflected in the caption: “Tokyo never gets old, especially when we’re making memories like these with family. 🙏🏽.”
READ: Jhong Hilario’s daughter Sarina get slimed, enjoys Disneyland in California
With all the beautiful memories made, the trip seems picture perfect, except for one incident: Sarina got lost. The family experienced this frightening moment on their first day in Japan when, while dining at the Rainforest Café, Sarina got separated from them.
“Kanina may insidenteng nangyari. Unang araw pa lang, bigla tumakbo ng mabilis ito [Sarina]. Sa sobrang laki ng Rainforest Cafe, hinanap namin. Ayon pala, umakyat sa taas. Nakita ko nagsha-shopping na. May dala na siyang basket ng mga toys niya. Si Maia, halos maiyak-iyak na dahil hindi namin makita si Sarina,” Jhong shared.
In a post, they further recalled: “Her first time getting lost… and it wasn’t just a quick one. Mommy was already crying, we had reported it to the management, and everyone was looking for her. After 10 minutes, Daddy finally found her. She had managed to go up to the second floor on her own and was calmly chilling with a basket full of toys. She went shopping. By herself.”
In a video they posted, Jhong found Sarina calmly holding a toy basket filled with toys she chose herself. The incident had the family in distress, with Maia nearly in tears and staff helping to search for their little girl.
“Hey, Sarina! We are looking for you,” Jhong said, approaching Sarina.
Sarina responded, “I’m just shopping.”
He calmly reminded her, “Mommy is looking for you. We thought you were still downstairs. Don’t do that again, okay? Don’t do that. You have to tell us. Don't go away from us. That’s not nice. We are so worried.”
He then asked her to apologize: “Say sorry to Mommy, to Lolo and Tito. Say sorry cause you don't paalam.”