Anime fans to gather for Otaku Fest 2008

For most teenagers and adults alike, starting a conversation won’t be such a problem anymore. Mention Fushigi Yugi or Inuyasha and a brand-new relationship is bound to start, even among strangers.

Yes, the Japanese- made animation, better known as Animé, has grown popular all over the country.

And what better way to celebrate this than to have all Animé lovers, gamers and fans meet and gather on February 9, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. at UP Cebu Campus Grounds for the first-ever Otaku Fest 2008.

“Otaku is Japanese for homebody, colloquially used for people who do not have lives. Otaku Fest seeks to be a celebration of geekdom in all its forms, but since this is just the beginning, we’re starting with Animé hobbyists first,” project director Ara Chawdhury says.

Organized by UP Bagsik, the official batch organization of the current third year college students in UP Cebu, the Otaku Fest also serves as an income-generating project for the group.

UP Bagsik Chairperson Rey Con-ui adds, “We want to gather enough funds for our UP Centennial Ball. We thought this [Otaku Fest] might be effective because of the rising popularity of Animé.”

The Otaku Fest 2008 was conceptualized because most of the organizers are Animé fans already and they themselves have always wanted to attend a real Animé Conference. This way, they get to interact with people who equally share their passion for Anime.

But then, co-organizer Eva Marie Gamboa stresses, “Everyone is invited. This is not limited to Animé fans only. As far as I know, this is the first Animé Conference that is open to all.”

The whole-day event will kick off with an opening parade wherein participants of the Costume Play (CosPlay) Competition will be judged. The CosPlay participants will dress up in their favorite Animé characters. Some may even shoot and submit their pictures to the Photography Contest. The Original Character Design Contest will ask the participants to design their original Animé characters.

Computers will also be put up for Dota Tournaments. Parlor Games, Film Showing, Scavenger Hunt, Card Games will be held simultaneously. The activity will conclude with a mini-concert, with bands like Last String Syndrome, featuring JPop music. T-shirts will also be sold all throughout the day.

“A lot of events cater singularly towards a specific age group. It’s a celebration of fandom. On the other hand, it is universal. Otaku Fest is a modern entertainment and everyone who has ever indulged in fantasy will find something to do,” Ara says.

Should you want to join in the fun, meet other Animé fans, participate in the contests, or simply experience Animé, come to UP Cebu Campus Grounds on February 9, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Let’s all celebrate Otaku Fest…all for the love of Animé.

For inquiries, text 0916-396-8495 or email [email protected]. Otaku Fest 2008’s event sponsors are Cebu Graphic Star, PC Express and Neutral Grounds.