Going into the gates of UP Cebu was like crossing the threshold that leads to the movies- a world of fantasy where one faces two options: play the hero or play the villain. Nevertheless, heroes and villains alike were all welcome to the Otaku Festival, held last December 13 at the University of the Philippines Cebu.
With its theme: The Saga Continues, the UP Bagsak Organization spearheaded a sequel to the first Otaku Festival which was held last February. Since the event was open to all, from kids to kids at heart, a lot of participants graced the occasion. While there were those who came from the different schools in Cebu like University of San Carlos, there were those who came all the way from Samar and Leyte.
For a fee of P50, a participant outside UP gets to join, not just in the dressing-up part, but also in the activities prepared by the organizers which includes Cosplay competition (individual and group categories), Dota Tournament, On-the-spot poster making contest, Photography contest, Card Tournament by Neutral Grounds and Workshop for Dungeons and Dragons.
CLK Aznar, a law student and the team leader of the previous Otaku Fest’s winner for the Cosplay Competition- Group category, once again showed up together with his friends to join for the second time. Although they had one member lacking, the group dressed as Akatsuki members (from Naruto, a criminal organization composed of 10 high-level ninja) try their luck once again as costumes were upgraded and passion for anime blazed on.
Other participants dressed as characters from the anime Bleach and One Piece, while others opted to portray villains like Joker from Batman.
The proceeds of the event will go to the organizing batch’s expenses like yearbook and graduation party.
A mini-concert capped the event where winners from the different contests were announced, J-pop bands performed some of the famous anime songs, and participants got to express their being otaku - a fan of any particular theme, topic, or hobby.