James (with longer hair) and Oliver Phelps, known for their roles as Fred and George Weasley, led a magical Christmas tree lighting ceremony themed after the wizarding world in Bonifacio Global City on November 19, 2024. This event celebrated the Philippine launch of the video-on-demand streaming platform, Max.
PHOTO/S: Nikko Tuazon

Harry Potter fans were overjoyed when James and Oliver Phelps, the English actors who played Fred and George Weasley, unexpectedly visited the Philippines.

On November 19, 2024, the unsuspecting crowd in Bonifacio Global City was astonished as the twins suddenly appeared, leading a magical Harry Potter-themed Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

This enchanting event celebrated the Philippine launch of the video-on-demand streaming platform, Max.

Harry Potter stars James Phelps and Oliver Phelps 
Photo/s: Nikko Tuazon

Right after the Christmas tree lighting event, an exclusive press gathering took place at the grand ballroom of Shangri-La at the Fort.

At the press event, James and Oliver expressed their enthusiasm about being in the Philippines for the first time.

Oliver said, “To be out here has been absolutely fantastic, as I say, to celebrate the launch of Max, where you can see our new show, Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking.

“Exclusively on Max. Got to get that in there. But it is awesome to be here with everyone. The excitement, and to come to this part of the world, is always a great treat for us, so thank you for having us.”

James further shared that he and his twin had heard many great things about the Philippines from a contestant on their show and were delighted to finally have the opportunity to experience the country themselves.

He said, “Oliver and I have never been to the Philippines before, and when the guys invited us out here, we jumped at the chance, because we’ve heard such great things.

“I know that, actually, one of the contestants in the show, was actually from the Philippines. And it’s true, he told us about how welcoming everybody is being here, so we’re having a great time.”

Reflecting on the earlier Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, James mentioned that they were pleasantly surprised by the reaction, noting how warmly everyone welcomed them.

“It was awesome. It really was because we had no idea what we’re going to expect, what we’re going to see.

“There’s actually hundreds of people outside and all those things, you’re really excited for Max launching here as well.

“And it’s just really great to feel the energy and the love from everybody.”

HARRY POTTER: WIZARDS OF BAKING

James and Oliver also visited to promote their new show, Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, a fresh offering from Max.

In this reality competition hosted by the twins, nine teams of professional bakers will face off to create enchanting edible showpieces on the authentic sets used in the Harry Potter f

James shared, “It’s 18 of the best chefs… and culinary chefs in the world. These guys are all based in America, but are from all over the world.

“And they’re sorted into groups of two. So there’s nine teams and every week, it’s whittled down.

“It’s the Wizards of Baking, to find out who it is and we’re shooting on the actual sets that we filmed on at least the studios in London, so it’s the first time a series has been filmed on those locations.”

One exciting aspect for viewers of this reality competition series is that it’s filmed on actual Harry Potter sets in London.

When asked about returning to these iconic locations, James and Oliver expressed that it felt as though no time had passed since their last visit.

Oliver said, “It was really easy to be back there because as you say, it was familiar.

“And also even though it was many, many years since the last time we were filming there, in another way it felt like we hadn’t been away at all.”

JAMES AND OLIVER PHELPS: BACK TO HOGWARTS

While both Oliver and James were thrilled to be back on the Harry Potter sets, the twins were particularly more excited to see the dessert creations and edible showpieces crafted by the contestants.

This excitement was heightened by the fact that most of these creations were inspired by iconic Harry Potter scenes.

Oliver said, “The really cool thing about the bakes that the guys were asked to make, these are big show pieces, so they have to be over 5 feet tall.

“So they’re making these huge things inspired by these sets.

“And I never thought that I could go to, say, Diagon Alley and they would be making one box of chocolate and all these books based out of all these different shops.

“So you see the originality of it and it brings a whole new dimension to it.”

When questioned about whether seeing the desserts and treats crafted by the contestants had increased their appetites, Oliver affirmed.

“Yeah, it’s definitely made it a lot bigger,” Oliver said. “Because as the host of the show, we don’t judge so we are neutral.

“Which means that while they’re baking, we can kind of just go up to them a bit like a dog on Christmas Day, you know?

“Like by the table, you know, wait for any scraps, and we would go up and say, ‘What are you baking here?’ And they let us try all these different treats.”

Oliver went on to share one of the best dessert experiences he had during the filming of the show.

He recalled, “One that really stands out off the top of my head, one of the bakers is actually a molecular gastronomist which, in short term, is a… you know, a chef scientist…

“And she made, literally, in front of our eyes, made this caramel mango, which literally melts in your mouth. It was absolutely out of this world.”

Apart from tasting the desserts, James enjoys learning from not only the contestants but also the culinary judges, Carla Hall and Jozef Youssef.

“They do an excellent job of explaining what the flavors are and why they work together because ultimately it’s a baking show,” James said.

“So they look great, but they need to taste good as well. And so the guys really do a great job of making the viewer literally taste what, you know, how to explain what it is that they should be tasting.

“And after every episode I’ve seen so far I want to go to the kitchen stop making something straight to it.”

JAMES AND OLIVER PHELPS: HARRY POTTER CO-STARS

James and Oliver also excitedly shared that the show will feature special guest appearances by Harry Potter film stars, including Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), Warwick Davis (Griphook and Professor Flitwick), and Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley).

James said, “We had a couple of other alumni from Potter come and join us as well on some of the episodes.

“So yeah, we’re not the only people from Potter who appear in the series.”

Are they still in touch with their other Harry Potter cast mates?

Oliver confirmed, “We do! James, especially!

“We keep in touch with quite a few of the guys actually be either just to go and watch the soccer or to talk at the pub and have a drink…

“Or just to catch up wherever we are in the same in the same town as each other.

“Because these guys who we filmed with in our formative years, it’s kind of like the same relationship that I’m sure many of you have with guys you went to school with or university.

“So yeah, that’s that’s our education. Really, at Hogwarts, quite literally.”

Towards the end of the interview, both James and Oliver shared a heartfelt message for their Asian fans, particularly the Filipinos, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome. They also invited everyone to tune in and watch the show.

Oliver said, “Thank you so much for the really warm welcome here.

“Every time we’ve done something around the region, not in the Philippines, but we’ve been to quite a few other countries around here, we’ve been made to feel so welcome.

“And we know that, especially the Potter fanbase is huge here, so thank you very, very much for that.”

James added, “And just to add on to that as well, we know that you guys are going to really enjoy, as you say, all the programs we’re on, Max.

“So we’re just really hoping you guys tune in, especially to the Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking. Because we just want to see as many people see that show as possible. So please enjoy, please enjoy tonight and thanks so much for welcoming us.”