Cover Oliver and James Phelps in Manila, at the Southeast Asian launch of streaming platform, Max
Oliver and James Phelps in Manila, at the Southeast Asian launch of streaming platform, Max
1 / 1
James and Oliver Phelps, a.k.a. Fred and George Weasley in the Harry Potter movies, were in Manila; here’s what they revealed
Ton-Tongue Toffee. Extendable Ears. Puking Pastilles. As the Gen Zs would say, IYKYK (if you know, you know). These are just some of the comic magical items offered at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, a fictional joke shop located at 93 Diagon Alley founded by the twins, Fred and George Weasley, in the phenomenal Harry Potter series. Last November, the Weasley twins surprised the Filipino Potterheads as they visited Manila to spearhead the launch of the streaming platform Max in Southeast Asia. No joke, no prank. They were here!
The Weasley twins characters were portrayed by the British actors Oliver and James Phelps, who now host the latest Harry Potter spinoff, Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking. The series is a reality show featuring pastry chefs and cake artists tasked with creating spellbinding edible showpieces inspired by the legendary Harry Potter saga. It can be viewed on Food Network and Max.
Read more: 8 things Harry Potter fans can do in Japan
Above James and Oliver Phelps lit Max's Christmas tree I Bonifacio Global City
James and Oliver Phelps lit Max's Christmas tree I Bonifacio Global City
1 / 1
On their first-ever visit to the Philippines, the Phelps brothers shared that they had the chance to try some Filipino dishes, including chicken adobo, which they both liked. “It was really good. Whenever we travel, we try to go where the locals go and eat where the locals eat. We had a bit of downtime earlier and had chicken adobo for lunch,” James shares, warming up for the interview with select local media.
Read more: Largest Harry Potter Store Opens In New York City
James and Oliver Phelps in an interview about Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking
1 / 4
According to James and Oliver, they shot Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking months ago in the exact same studios where they filmed parts of the Harry Potter films—an experience that James described as “very surreal”. James adds, “It was hard to believe that so many years had gone by since we were there, but it felt like no time had passed at all. It felt like I was 14 again. It was really great to be back there”. Oliver nodded that the experience was more special because they were back to working in an environment with such creative people. “It was amazing seeing these guys do their thing and do it so well. Very impressive,” Oliver tells Tatler about the team behind the new spinoff.
Read more: Home tour: An architect’s abode takes inspiration from treehouses and Harry Potter
Above Official Trailer: Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking | Food Network
Hosting Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking was a totally different game for the Phelps, as this time, they were not “acting” as Fred and George Weasley but instead participating as moderators of the show as their real selves. To do this, they ensured to focus on the contestants, their backgrounds, and their unique interpretations and memories of the Harry Potter saga.
“The best hosts don't make [the show] about them. We know that people are tuning in to watch these bakers do their best, so we try our best to do our job linking the audience and the contestants,” says Oliver. The contestants came from different backgrounds–some professionally schooled, others self-taught. “These bakers are literally the best in America, and actually, one of the contestants was from the Philippines,” says James. Oliver further shared that this particular contestant infused a Filipino twist in one of his creations. This made the two understand that the bakers may have unique and interesting memories of the legendary franchise, which in some aspects may be different from their own.
In the show, the participants are asked to draft their concepts and execute them accordingly within the specific Harry Potter setting they are in. Oliver and James then follow their process of turning their ideas into real edible treats.
Above Oliver and James Phelps enter Max's grand Southeast Asia launch
Oliver and James Phelps enter Max's grand Southeast Asia launch
1 / 1
When asked what food or drink from the Harry Potter world they wish they had in real life, Oliver was quick to answer: “Butterbeer!” James, on the other hand, suddenly craved for Chocolate Frogs. But whether their wands can summon these magical treats on Earth or not, there’s one thing the Weasley twins promised: they won’t pull pranks on the contestants of this reality show.
To this day, James and Oliver still feel sentimental about filming Harry Potter. “What I miss most about is the day-to-day hanging out with our good friends when we're filming, because obviously you form lifelong friendships with those people. I remember when we wrapped up the final film, it was more popular than it had ever been,” James recalls. “It's that camaraderie that we built over many years with many people,” adds Oliver.
It has been 23 years since Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the first instalment of the referred franchise, premiered in cinemas, but its legacy continues to live on in the hearts and minds of Potterheads around the globe. This time, through every forkful of the spellbinding culinary creations showcased at Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking.
NOW READ:
7 Best Time Travel Shows Of All Time—Back To The Future, Harry Potter, And More
Watch Daniel Radcliffe And Other Mega Stars Read 'Harry Potter" To You From Their Living Rooms
How people are reacting to Hogwarts Legacy
Whether on assignment or not, Maritess is always on the lookout for off-the-beaten-path destinations as well as the yummiest finds in the Philippines and abroad. In 2020, she plunged into the black hole of Korean la la land. Follow her escapades at @matetreyes.
