Part Chinese, part Filipino and part Otaku!

MANILA, Philippines - Otaku: Noun. “A term borrowed from the Japanese language, referring to people with obsessive interests, particularly in anime, Manga, video games or Japanese pop culture. And while these are its common uses, the word can also be used to describe any big fan of any particular genre.” I suppose I can manage to call myself an otaku... and a frustrated otaku at that!

Many years ago, being an otaku in the Philippines was not the “in” thing, at least not in the way it is now. The general public found it pretty weird that anyone would be fascinated with anime titles produced in a different language and only understood via the help of subtitles. Or that anyone would even be crazy enough to dress up as their favorite anime or video game character—with the funky hair and asymmetric clothing—and parading in public.

Of course, now, this has been more properly defined as “cosplaying.” Too bad then that I was born a few years too early, right before it was the prime-time to completely enjoy the network and accessibility of the booming local otaku industry!

Now that’s teamwork: The author Angel Rivero with fantastic cosplay group Sucker Punch

Yet, all has not been lost. I have finally decided that 2011 will be the year of my otaku self-actualization! And while this may sound pretty absurd, I think it will be quite fulfilling to finally bring some of my otaku aspirations to reality! Hence, my participation at the recently concluded Metro Comicon, which was held at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall last May 7-8, 2011.

Yes, my attendance was partially because I wanted to shoot material for my Anime Night Internet radio show, that I had recently put together on http://Digradio.ph; but also partially because I wanted to experience otaku ground zero! Not to mention that the event was also graced by the presence of our fantastic Filipino comic book artists, who have done the country proud.

Having said that, I tried emulating the closest I could get to an actual cosplay outfit. With not much time to prepare anything fancy, I whipped up a stereotypical Japanese schoolgirl outfit, with whatever pieces of wardrobe I could find in my closet — miniskirt, plain white blouse, my brother’s long black socks (I have no idea how this got into my closet), my brother’s black necktie (which I had stolen from his closet about two months prior), and black leather shoes. And like a magical spell cast upon me, I was an instant kawaii girl.

These arms were not just meant for sketching: Renowned Filipino comicbook artist Heubert Michael poses with Erning.

To be honest, it felt a little awkward walking inside the mall in quite an unusual, sexy outfit. Strangely though, not that many passers-by seemed to mind. Perhaps the people were all too used to Comicons being held there? Well, whatever was the case, the “iffy” feeling immediately faded once I got closer to the event hall. With so many participants in far more bizarre costumes gathering by the entrance, it felt like I was home.

It was truly fascinating to commune with fellow otakus amidst the chaos of sketching stations, toy displays, video-game console demonstrations and gathering cosplayers. I was also genuinely impressed with the craftsmanship of many of the outfits — so many of them were very nicely made and nicely finished. It must have cost them each an arm and a leg just to put their outfits together! And yet these fans continue to stretch their peso bills the farthest they can, to pursue their passion. Not to mention devote a lot of time and effort to perfect its execution. Such is the dedication of a true otaku.

Lastly, a totally random thing put an extra smile on my face that day. One of the judges for the event’s group cosplay competition was unavailable, and the organizers had asked me to fill in! Of course, I was very pleased and had a blast fulfilling the role of Judge No. 3! I seriously would not mind doing this more often.

Attending the 2011 Metro Comicon was a thrilling and interesting experience. Kudos to the artists of Sketchpad Studios, who have done a great job of pulling off a successful event! I will definitely be looking forward to visiting next year!

And this, my friends, marks the end of my little Metro Comicon adventure...

Entrance Fee: P120.

Experience: Priceless!