Anthony Ong · @AnthonyOng0309
2nd Nov 2014 from TwitLonger
Meeting Henry (the compiled version) #ProjectHenry
Meeting Henry - Part 1 - Pre-Run Briefing
And so it had been a dramatic one month for me. Being hit with Bells Palsy again.
Recovery has been good but the smile will take some time to come back. When the nerve pain got so bad in the 2nd week, I almost cancelled my Europe trip which mainly is for my Superman - Henry Cavill.
However I decided that a break might actually do me some good. Family, friends and colleagues who have given me concern and encouragement also helped.
Okay fast forward to today, I waited at the Gibraltar airport to catch a glimpse of him but he did not exit via the arrival area. I was not too disappointed as this was still early.
After a few hours of stoning at the hotel, it was time for the pre-run briefing. I was told Henry was gonna be there too so I was very nervous. After registration I grabbed a seat right at the front.
Then I was chatting with a fellow runner and he told me Henry was already here. I immediately went up to him but he was talking to some runners. I waited for him to finish and I introduced myself. The conversation went something like that:
Me: Hi Henry, I'm from Singapore. (epic fail I know cos I was almost peeing my pants)
Henry: Oh really, thanks for coming!
Me: I'm here to support you and the event. This is for you. (At this point of time I passed him a letter with photos of my entire collection of his.)
Henry: Thanks. I'll read it later.
Me: Can I take a picture with you?
Henry: Yes of course.
One of the runners took my DSLR and tried to help. I was thinking if I should attempt to smile but I did anyway because this is how I am now and the photo will be a memory I will never forget. After the first photo,
Henry: Let's take a second one just in case.
Because it was very dark I used flash and it was hard to focus. Henry was very very patient and even explaining the camera might be trying to focus. The second photo didn't happen. But I had my hand around his shoulder for the second one hehe.
Henry: You take a look at the first one.
Me: It's good thanks!
Henry: You sure? Are you happy with it?
Me: Yes thanks so much.
At this time the briefing was about to start so I went back to my seat. Guess what? Henry and Nik were sitting right beside me. I tried not to look over cause that would be awkward.
After the briefing, I went up to Henry once again to ask for autograph on my Man Of Steel DVD (that was my fav cover).
Me: Henry, can I get an autograph.
Henry: Of course.
Me: My name is Anthony.
Henry: How do you spell that?
Me: ANTHONY
Henry: Here you go.
Me: Thanks. So I'll see you tomorrow morning.
Henry: Yes. See you tomorrow.
A queue formed and many took photos and autographs. I took some of the photos for Henry Cavill News, the fan group who have been such kind people to me.
I then approached Nik, Henry's brother. I told him I came all the way from Singapore to support hus brother. I said I would try tomorrow (actually I will just walk hehe) and explained that I had been sick the past month. I couldn't say to Henry cos I was shitting my pants haha. That is why I wrote to him lol. Nik was super nice too and said hope I will get well soon.
I left shortly after cause Henry was chatting with his brother. First night, and everything I could ever dreamt of came true.
I am getting teary-eyed writing this, no kidding. It has been a really tough month and keeping positive with my Superman in mind really helped. And yes, Henry Cavill is the real deal. He is as nice as what every single person said. In fact all my top idols are. (PS: A drop of tear just fell at this point).
So yes, #ProjectHenry a success. The photo on my DSLR will take abit to upload. Hopefully the next time I see him, it will be a perfect smile. But this is a memory I will cherish.
Meeting Henry - Part 2 - Gib Rock Run
I got up and had a bit of the breakfast. I took a walk to Casemates Square.
Upon reaching, I met up with a couple of new friends I met yesterday. Henry was around the corner so I went to take more photos. I patted Henry on the shoulder.
Me: Hi Henry!
Henry: Hey mate good to see you again good to see you thanks!
I approached Nik and Michael for a photo. Didn't ask for one with Henry cos alot of passerbys were asking.
The run started and I ran for like a little bit. Before I know it, I was the last One of the marines Oliver came to me and walked with me, all the way. Chatting with me. I would have given up walking if not for his company.
The slopes up the rock were really tough to even walk. I took my time. It felt like forever but I made it. So I came in last haha! I was introduced to a few of the marines. As I went up, Henry was going down the stairs leaving, giving me a huge smile and said, "Hey glad you made it. Enjoy the beer!" I would have missed him if I was abit slower haha.
I hanged around the area abit chit chatting and left for the cable car down the hotel for lunch.
As I reached, I met up with Henry again. Shook his hand again haha.
Henry: Hey great to see you. It's not easy isn't it.
Me: Ya I'm still panting. Well actually I've been sick.
Henry: Oh really?
Me: Ya I had bell's palsy. You heard about it?
Henry: Oh ya. Glad that you could still make it. How are you feeling?
Me: I'm still recovering.
Henry then went by the pool, sat down with his bro and trainer and eat their lunch. I was too tired to eat so I just sat haha.
I decided to take some bananas. I saw Henry again and shamelessly asked for a second photo using my iPhone. Oliver took the photo for me. As they ran out of medals, they have to post to me. Oliver was nice to give his address to them and he will post to me later.
Just when I wanted to leave, the marines stopped me and chatted with me. Nice guys and we chatted for a long time.
Meeting Henry - Part 3 - Cocktail Party
So the final event of Project Henry. As it was a formal event, I was all suited up. Henry arrived, and then I went to him.
Henry: Hey how are you tonight?
Me: Great.
I left him alone and many were asking for photos.
As I was alone it was kinda awkward the whole evening, apart from chatting with a couple of peeps.
Just before I left, I braced myself to bid goodbye to Henry.
Me: Hi Henry, I'm leaving tomorrow morning. I just wanna say thank you so much.
Henry: No No. Thank you!
Me: Can I take just one more pic?
Nik: I'll do it for you. I know how to use this. (refering to my iPhone)
While Nik was taking my phone,
Me: I'll going Manchester tomorrow
Henry: I really appreciate you coming all the way here. Do you love it here?
Me: Yes I love it!
Nik took the photos. This time I tried one with teeth and one without teeth.
Me: Thanks so much.
Henry: Thanks so much mate.
Me: I'll see you next time.
Henry: I'll see you soon.
I shook Henry's hand and then shook Nik's hand and thank him as well.
I left the cocktail party knowing I had the perfect meeting with Henry.
#ProjectHenry fully accomplished.