Last Sunday, Bong and I were invited to come to Enchanted Kingdom in Santa Rosa Laguna, Philippines to witness its biggest and grandest Anime, manga, and Comics convention known as OtakonEK 2008.
OtakonEK 2008 is a colorful pop festival of anime, toys, manga, movies, video games, and music amid the park’s exciting and spectacular rides and attractions.
Otakon or anime and manga conventions started in Japan and is really big there. The highlight of these events are usually the Cosplay competition where Otakus or anime and manga fans would dress up like their favourite character from comincs or anime.
Otakon and Cosplay is a totally different world for me. I am not really a big fan of anime. Heck, the last series I watched from start to finish was Samurai X and that was ages ago. But I really admire the passion of these youngsters. With all the excitement and enthusiasm, they all trooped to the country’s premier theme park dressed up like characters from various animes.
There were just so many things to do at the event. Anime DVDs and soundtracks are for sale. Cosplay accessories can be bought there too. Some posters are also up for auction. There were anime singing contests. But late in the afternoon, all eyes were set to the cosplay competition where more or less 100 people dressed up like the characters from Deathnote, Cabal Online, Transformers, Batman, Star Wars and so much more.
Many otakus like to dress up in their favorite characters and even act the part! They prefer to do their own costumes although here in the Philippines, some are commissioned. Costume competitions are regularly held during these conventions.
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Otakon EK: A weekend of fun and enjoyment at the Enchanted Kingdom