The place was crowded with cosplayers left and right. Unlike events held in Mega Trade Hall though, the venue wasn’t jam-packed. The program is at the atrium, an open area, after all. There is always some space to breathe in. There were only very few booths and exhibits compared to last year’s PCC. Everyone appreciates the free admission and the program seems to have proceeded smoothly. The stage though is an utter disappointment. No runway. It was just a small piece of platform that would never allow cosplayers to fully showcase their costumes and to even do a bit of stunts. I think the Archer (Fate Stay Night) cosplayer went flying from one side to the other side and off the stage when he tried to accomplish a little feat... >_<
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| PAO has no claim to the ownership of the image. Image is the official event poster of the 4th PCC. Used for reference purpose only. |
A hundred thirty or so cosplayers went onstage. I was wondering whether there was a system in place to estimate and to document the number of cosplayers who attended the event but did not register for the contest. It is a “cosplay convention” after all, a venue for otakus to express themselves through cosplay and photography. I think it is just natural to document such participants. I refuse to call such cosplayers as “costrippers” – which is an entirely different issue to be discussed some other time. J
It does feel rewarding when ordinary people (again, by “ordinary” I mean the rest of the populace with no otaku inclination whatsoever) ask what such an event is all about and to have the opportunity to give a concise discussion of what cosplaying is, in an effort to spread animé awareness.
I went cosplaying Vocaloid Gakupo (Imitation Black version) yesterday. Every time I cosplay Gakupo, I never fail to get the opportunity to engage ordinary people into a talk about animé. I noticed that there are more ordinary people especially ladies than otaku con-goers who like taking photos WITH Gakupo. The reason?? They so love his hair (err.. the wig). XD I really find it pleasant when ordinary people get amused of and appreciates the costumes, efforts and otakus they find in events. All the more, that the PCC was held in Robinson’s Place Manila where a significant number of mall-goers are foreigners or tourists. We get to show these visitors that the Filipino youth are very vibrant and ingenious.
What made me extra happy at the event was the sight of otakus who met through PAO and kept each other company at the convention. It proves that PAO is on the right track to be of help to otakus. It is an attestation that PAO should continue to be instrumental in introducing otakus to other fellow enthusiasts – one otaku at a time. There must be no one otaku on his or her own as we are all one. ^_^
The PCC certainly once again demonstrated how a horde of otakus can become some sort of a thriving organism especially when the mob is viewed from the top floors of the mall. :D Photo shoots at every corner and everyone seems to be so alive, busy and energetic. I can’t forget how a foreign woman (American I assumed) tried to randomly gather some cosplayers (including me) to pose for a group shot. She was smiling so dearly, happy and apparently delighted. Such short episode made me feel contented on the event. J
admin.Hiro
for PAOtakus~
admin.Hiro
for PAOtakus~
