Highlights from hobcon 10.10.10

CEBU, Philippines - Popular and not-so-familiar anime and movie characters trooped to Ayala Center Cebu in an event dubbed “Imperia Rises for HOBCON 10.10.10”, the grand finale to this year’s biggest gathering of hobbyists in Cebu. Young and the young-at-heart participants channeled their creativity in elaborate costumes, delighting mall-goers who took the opportunity to pose with the cosplayers who were competing in four categories: kiddo, male, female and group cosplayers.

The freewheeling parade was followed by a Young Designer Fashion Interschool Competition among students from various schools in Cebu, and then an Imperia Fashion Show by New York-based couturier called Acre International.

In between breaks, musical groups such as Amplitude Grounds, Chiisana Koi No Uta, Sugbuwanon Drumbeaters, De Chaos and Soul’s Dance entertained the crowd with song and dance numbers.

Before the HobCon (Hobbyists Convention) Big Day, the weeklong activities included an exhibit that showcased an array of interests from photography (courtesy of the Cebu Digital Photographers club), blogging (participated in by the Cebu Bloggers Society), to various collection of toys and comic arts from October 3-9 at the Active Zone of Ayala Center Cebu.

The first-ever HobCon in Cebu happened June of last year held at the Parkmall in Mandaue. Aside from the fashion show extravaganza showcasing anime-inspired collection, a cosplay competition, and an array of photo and toy collection exhibits, last year’s two-day also event highlighted an interactive game battle of Level Up! games. (FREEMAN)