At Southern California’s premier haunted Halloween event, Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles recently welcomed media representatives from across the United States during its opening night on Thursday, September 4. The event runs on 39 select nights through Sunday, November 2.
I was grateful to Rob Bourque and Ann K. Isip for representing me during the opening night filled with excitement and spine-tingling adventure.
This year’s terrifying Halloween Horror Nights features eight all-new and returning haunted houses, the menacing Terror Tram, and several frightening scare zones.
Among the highlights are:
- “Fallout”, which takes guests into the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Prime Video’s critically acclaimed series.
- “Five Nights at Freddy’s”, based on Blumhouse’s hit movie where nothing is as it seems at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria.
- “Terrifier”, inspired by the slasher-film franchise that brings the twisted world of Art the Clown to life.
Other attractions include “WWE Presents: The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks,” immersing guests in the world of WWE and honoring the legacy of Bray Wyatt; “Jason Universe,” which resurrects the horror icon from the Friday the 13thfilms; and “Poltergeist,” based on Amazon MGM Studios’ supernatural classic that invites guests to “step into the light.”
According to Diana O’Campo, Universal Studios Hollywood’s public relations manager, “Scarecrow: Music by SLASH” puts retribution at the forefront as Mother Nature seeks vengeance on homesteaders for past sins—carried out by terrifying farmland scarecrows. SLASH’s original score amplifies the dread as guests navigate the haunted corridors.
Returning favorites include “Monstruos 3: The Ghosts of Latin America,” the final chapter where three ghostly legends await, and “Terror Tram: Enter the Blumhouse,” where guests disembark the Studio Tour tram to encounter some of Blumhouse’s most iconic villains from the past 15 years.
Visitors can also experience “The Purge: Dangerous Waters,” a live stunt show that takes audiences on a fiery, rock-fueled fight for survival; the “Chainsaw Clownz,” a troop of killers prowling the scare zones; “Carnival of Carnage,” a maniacal fun house; “Noche de Brujas,” extending the terror from Monstruos 3; and “Murder of Crowz,” featuring a menacing flock guarding their nest.
Adding to the thrills, media guests also rode select theme-park attractions open during the event, including Jurassic World—The Ride, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ (Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™, Flight of the Hippogriff™), Transformers™: The Ride-3D, Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride, The Simpsons Ride™, and Super Nintendo World™.
Jackie, Anna and Leah at EDSA
It was heartwarming to see my rally companions against corruption—Jackie Aquino, Anna Ylagan, and Leah Navarro—at the EDSA People Power Monument.
Jackie Aquino is the daughter of ATOM founder Agapito “Butz” Aquino, my former boss when he ran for senator.
Anna Ylagan is the daughter of actors Barbara Perez and the late Robert Arevalo (a relative on my Ylagan side, whom I once saw at a restaurant during a nearby film shoot).
I have long been a music fan of Leah Navarro, who sang “Isang Mundo, Isang Awit,” the grand-prize winner of the 3rd Metro Manila Popular Music Festival (1980) with music and lyrics by Nonong Pedero.
Teachers’ Day Celebration
After almost eight months away from home, I was happy to meet my fellow professor, Engineer Doy Bolina, who has been teaching for many years at the Technological Institute of the Philippines in Quezon City.
I was also touched by the thoughtfulness of my students at Mabalacat City College in Pampanga.
Happy Teachers’ Month to all my fellow educators!
Dreaming of Jose Mari Chan
On Saturday, October 4, 2025, I dreamed of my former boss, Jose Mari Chan, the beloved OPM icon known for “Christmas in Our Hearts.”
* * *
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * *
