7 posts tagged “convention”

Event : OtakonEK 2009
Date : October 18, 2009
Venue : Enchanted Kingdom

Last year, I said that OtakonEK will be my pilgrimage because Azrael confirmed that this will happen every September. OtakonEK was a bit postponed this year due to typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) [link, viewable by family & friends only], which hit the country a day before its actual date. I also thought that I won't be able to attend because of my work's schedule. As if luck was really on my side, I had an acute laryngitis which became my excuse for skipping our shift. Even without a voice, I can still have fun!!! Dada was against it at first but when I explained to him that I have been planning this for the longest, he then allowed me to go. Wheee!!!

Jeiro and Lora went to EK wearing Pirate costumes while Leidi and I were just wearing casual clothes. I planned on donning the Scarlet gown [link], but I realized that it would be too cumbersome and I don't want to pose for pictures there (yeah, I have issues).

Leidi and I missed both the 10:30AM and 12:30NN shuttles so we had to commute going to Sta.Rosa, Laguna. I was thinking that if something else goes wrong or if we get lost, we might not make it to EK! During those times, I realized that people can either be complete @$$h073S or be very helpful to the needy. Some people took advantage of the situation and charged us too high for fares, while some are very kind to point us the fastest routes and tell us the actual rates.

We arrived in EK around 1:30PM and immediately stashed our bags in the locker area. Leidi was a bit reminiscing because she said that the last time she's been there was when she was ten. It was time for her to feel the thrills of the rides she missed during her elementary years! LOL!

1) Roller Skater (mini roller coaster) --  Leidi wanted to try Dodgem (bump cars) but I told her that it's too boring so as an appetizer, I took her here. I think she had fun. Hehe~

2) Anchor's Away (swaying pirate ship) -- The line was pretty long and we waited for about 10 minutes before our turn. While standing in line, Leidi felt scared as she heard the screams and wanted to back out. I firmly told her "NO! We are going to take the topmost seats! You see blood everyday [you're a nurse-to-be!] and you can't handle this?!" Hehehe~ Of course, people go to EK to experience the thrills and I want nothing less. While the ship was swaying back and forth, Leidi got really scared at tinawag na niya ang lahat ng mga santo! LoL! She screamed "OH MY GOD -TAMA NA - SHET - ANG PUSO KO - LORD - OPERATOR - STOP - AAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!" all in one breath! LoL!

3) Grand Carousel - no lines, I wonder why? LoL!

4) Flying Fiesta (wave swinger) - Leidi said that if she survived Anchor's Away, she can survive anything! LoL!

5) Wheel of Fate (giant ferris wheel) - it was our time to relax a bit and enjoy the view.

6) Rialto (motion sim theater - feat. Speed Racer) - if my reaction to Sponge Bob was "That was it?!" for Speed Racer it was "What the fn(K"?!"

7) Jungle Log Jam (log flumes) - We didn't get wet. It was still cold, though.

8) Rio Grande Rapids (river rafting) - We were VEERRRRYYYYYY WET! LoL!

Despite the fact that we arrived late, we still managed to try out eight rides. This is my best record as of late. LoL! The Space Shuttle is undergoing maintenance so Leidi wasn't able to feel what it's like being the signature ride of EK. Nonetheless, we're able to watch the Sky Wizard fireworks display contest. The entry that we liked was #11.

We got home around 12:30MN. Cold and tired, but we had fun. LOL!

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Other trips to EK that I put in my blog:

Event: Ozine Fest 2009
Date: April 5, 2009
Venue: SM Megatrade Hall 2, SM MEgamall
Photos: [click here]

Jeiro invited me to get the role of the ACE OF HEARTS for this event. Since Leidi (my younger sister) was going there with her friends, then I decided to come along too. I brought Popay (my youngest sister) as well. This is the first time my siblings attended a convent and I know they had fun because we were talking about what transpired there while on the way home. Hehehe~

Popay joined us as the QUEEN OF HEARTS and she wore my Irene (BJD) costume while Leidi wore my FFXIII-Agito costume. Leidi's friends borrowed some of my clothes to complete their get-ups.

We didn't bother entering the Hall since most of the cosplayers were outside. It was great seeing a lot of my buddies there.

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I woke up around 5:38AM and put on black nail polish. Good thing it dried up fast so I was able to finish within an hour.

I left the condo around 7:15AM because Dada was supposed to give me the ROSE installer before I leave. We met up in KFC beside the Ayala-MRT station 15 minutes later. Well, he forgot to bring the installer so we just had some chit-chat. I wasn't sure if he was serious or if he was just teasing me when he said "'wag ka na pumunta sa EK" (don't go to EK anymore) because he was smiling. So I told him that there would be several conditions if I am to do that. I asked him to reimburse the expenses I had so far with the OtakonEK preparation and that we have to go to EK next month. He then said "Sige na nga, umalis ka na lang!" (Alright then, just go!). Hahaha!

We met up with Jeiro and Ten around 9:15AM and we headed to the EK shuttle service. The situation was contrary to what we have expected -- there were less than 10 cosplayers waiting. Dada gave me his ATM card sleeve and shades pouch so I can put my money in there. He noticed that my Lolita bag was so cluttered so he snagged it from me and arranged my stuff so that everything would fit inside --- yes, he's OC! He also asked me to text him once in a while so he'd be updated as to what's happening. He said he would sulk if I don't! Well, I would be texting him often even if he didn't tell me. ^_^

The shuttle left at 9:30AM and we reached EK around 10:30AM. I was shocked to see a lot of vehicles already parked and what's more, a lot of cosplayers are already dressed up! In short, WE ARE SO LATE!!! I forgot the fact that about 90% of the cosplay community is composed of wealthy kids so they have their own cars and personal assistants. LOL!

Jeiro and I changed into our cosplay clothes in the ladies room outside the park because the marshals wouldn't let us in if we're not dressed up. What shocked me more was that there's this teenage girl cosplayer who, probably was in much of a hurry and couldn't wait until one of the cubicles became available, undressed herself in a vacant portion of the ladies room! The door of the CR was open and there's a HUGE mirror in front so she's a free game to those nose-bleeding guys standing outside. OMG! It was hilarious!

After getting lockers, we started strolling inside the park. There were plenty of people who asked us to take photos with them and we gladly agreed. Some kids got scared of me, though. It's probably because they see me as a huge walking-and-talking doll with a Sharingan! There's this one cute Chinese baby who got curious and kept on staring at me. I wanted to take a photo of him with me but I got shy asking his mom. Besides, he was too delicate that I got anxious because I might hurt him. I'm really not good with kids... A lot of people would also pass by and murmur "Oh my! She's got red eyes!" Jeiro and Ten laughed when I told them that I get that comment a lot when I wear these contact lenses.

We entered Eldar's Tent and I got to see Jaja. I got the Victoria headdress from her and also bought another annulet to complete my Lolita ensemble. There were a lot more items I wanted to buy from her but I couldn't decide that time! Shucks!

We were not able to eat while inside EK. The restaurants were jam-packed with normal people, cosplayers, and other patrons. So we decided to just have a drink and rest a bit before we continue strolling around.

We didn't join the cosplay competition because I don't want to feel the pressure and I wanted to go around the park as much as we can. I also didn't have time to take photos of other cosplayers. They paraded around the park, according to one of the employees, and they asked us why we didn't join. I told her "Namamasyal lang po kami tsaka ine-enjoy yung rides. Hindi po kami kasali dun." (We're just strolling around and enjoying the rides. We're not part of that.) Anyway, I did indicate on the online pre-registration that I will not join the contest.

While occasionally posing for photo-ops and all, we also tried some rides and tested the "KAPIT" POWER of our blond wigs!

STAGE 1 : Roller Skater *CLEARED!!!*
STAGE 2 : Anchor's Away! *CLEARED!!!*
STAGE 3 : Flying Fiesta *CLEARED!!!*
STAGE 4 : Wheel of Fate *CLEARED!!!*
Bonus Stage : Grand Carousel *CLEARED!!!*
STAGE 5 : Up! Up and Away! *CLEARED!!!*
STAGE 6 : Rio Grande *CLEARED!!!*
Hidden Challenge : Space Shuttle *NOT ENOUGH POINTS!!!*

The last ride we took was the Rio Grande and that's where I got drenched up to my undies. The Rio Grande and Wheel of Fate photographers took about 4-6 shots with me in it and and I liked them all but it was too bad they do not sell soft copies anymore. It would be too expensive if I buy all of them! Hah! Nevermind . . .

On the way to the locker room, I saw my crush but since I was not prim and proper after the Rio Grande ride, I got too shy to ask a photo with him. Instead, I just said "Hi!" and then left. *sigh* I wish I can see him on the next conventions. *dreams on* I also saw a lot of my cosplay friends and online buddies. I just said "hi!" to them too. We were in so much of a hurry to change our clothes because we were soaking wet!

We wanted to try the Space Shuttle but there was no time left too. *sob*

I guess it was also okay to leave early since we're not cramming and there's no competition in the dressing areas and transpo.

The shuttle left at 6PM and we arrived in Glorietta after 30 minutes! We had dinner in KFC before going home.

I reached our house around 9PM and everyone was already asleep. I tried editing some photos while talking to Dada via the YM phone. *sigh*

Well, there it goes. One month of waiting for this event and it's over just like that. Hah! Ang bilis! I had loads of fun though. I hope there would be another event like this next year!

Ozine Fest 2008

(April 5, 2008) I attended this convention because Faye requested so, because she said we'll be meeting a new Hikarian member. Unfortunately, we did not see her.

I was wearing  my Wrath costume for costripping only but I wasn't able to fix my hair because I was in a hurry. My real hair was showing on most of the photos. Aside from that, I also looked groggy. I didn't have time to put make-up on. 

Some people mistook me for Shana (Shakugan no Shana 2). Hahaha! I honestly dunno this animé so when I saw her photo, I was shocked.

The venue was so small to acommodate all people who attended the event. Most of the time, I was out the Megatrade Hall because it was so congested inside. There were a lot of cosplayers loitering around the 5th floor of SM Megamall. Hahaha!

I met some new and old buddies, thanks to Faye. Some of them thought I am still a teenager. Hiihiii~~

I also won a T-shirt from the Cosplay.Ph booth. It has the "Prepare to get PWNED!" print on it. So cool! Hahahaaaaa!

Thanks to Faye for treating me out for lunch. hehehee~
Thanks to Roy for carrying my stuff and taking some pics.
Thanks to Paul-niichan for letting me stash my stuff in your booth!
Thanks to Bryan for the tips on Chain Of Memories.

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e-Games Dominaton II

(April 6, 2008) When I woke up, my body felt so heavy and I could barely move. It took me 2 hours to get prepared for this event. I planned on going to SMX early so I could get freebies, but my body wouldn't let me. Even putting my socks on became a major pain.

I guess I got sick because of yesterday's event. Megatrade was crowded, it was too hot there and when we got out of the hall, it got too cold. So the changes in temperature might have triggered it. My arms, legs and back were also painful... Maybe it was because I was either crouching or standing up most of the time, and that I was carrying two heavy katana all the time.

Even though I know that I have a fever, I still mustered my strength because it's the launch of CABAL Online (the new MMORPG my boyfriend and I are playing), and that this is the only time we can sign-up for the closed-beta. IT'S NOW OR NEVER!!!

My boyfriend and I came late in SMX. After buying tickets, we immediately signed up and got our CB accounts (hooray!) and then we also signed up for the CABAL-freeplay.

The character that Dada (my boyfriend) tried out was a Force Blader, and the PC he was playing at was tied to the main projector of the CABAL booth. Fort Ruina (one of the in-game maps) has a catchy background music so when Dada entered there, the speakers went booming and a lot of people came in to have a peek at the CABAL-Ph Booth.

We stayed a bit longer and watched the band performance and cosplay. I forgot the name of the girl-band that was there ... "Pacha" was it? They were a bunch of sexy girls in sexy outfits that made each and every guy's head turn. It was really fun watching the reaction of the selected guys on stage when the girls did the lap dance on them. LOL!

I got mad at my boyfriend because I thought he said that he would replace CABAL-Ph with those girls... Whereas it was the other way around pala. He said he'd rather play Cabal. LOL.

After that, my boyfriend and I went to Mall of Asia and watched Semi-Pro (starring Will Ferrell). I was supposed to give him the T-shirt I won yesterday since it was too big for me, but I ended up using it because I was really sweating. XD

I got home around 10:30 PM and immediately went to bed.

Dadaaaaaa!! Thanks for taking care of me. Hahaha! I know, I act like a baby. I'll give you chocolates on our 4th anniversary as payment, don't worry.

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This is Ascedia, my Wizard on the CABAL-US client. I'm also gonna make a wizard in CABAL-Ph. Weeee!!!


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Right now, I still have a fever so I don't think I'd be able to go to work... Gasp! Back to bed!

July 28 - myDESTINY 2nd Annual Cosplay Competition

    I was with my boyfriend during the morning and then we headed to Robinson's Galleria sometime around 12nn. I introduced him to Jeiro, who's already geared up for the cosplay! My boyfriend left shortly after 1pm then Jeiro and I went to search for familiar faces so we can request them to stash our stuff.

    One of the event volunteers approached us and asked us to sign up for the contest. We told her that we just came to costrip, but since we dunno where else to place our bags, we immediately agreed! BAD IDEA! We were asked to stay in a particular area so we weren't able to roam around and take pictures of other cosplayers. We were also asked to introduce our characters on stage and that got me really nervous. I don't like the feeling of being in front of a large crowd.

    We saw Hester during the afternoon so after the catwalk, we immediately left the fountain area and headed to the FHL Furniture stall, where we held a mini-photoshoot. Then we stayed in Chaicofi before we changed clothes and went home.

July 29 -  Hikarian Maidens Photoshoot

    I told Maiya that I only wanted to go as a backup photographer, but since she said there are already 5 photographers present, I should just join them as models instead. Yesterday, I spoke to the other model and I thought she didn't want me to join them so I got pissed off... but that's settled and we continued with the shoot.

    The 5 photographers were Jake, Leo, Homer, Erving and Lawrence. There were supposed to be six or so models but only 3 of us showed up (Maiya, Faye and me).

    Faye said we're supposed to hold the photoshoot in UP-Diliman but I told them that based on experience, it's not comfy. Either the weather is too hot or too cold in UP. So, we headed to Faye's house instead. We thought that Faye's mom will not like the idea of us holding the photoshoot there, but I was wrong. She even provided us make-up and gave me extra accessories. Hahaha!

    I left my camera at home and I didn't get the chance to take some shots but I enjoyed being a model. It's really fun!!! Here are the photos taken by Erving [link]

   

6th Toys, Hobbies and Collectibles Convention

    I arrived in Megamall shortly after 11 AM and I headed to the Megatrade Hall to get a ticket. I received a phone call from Dada and he told me that we can't meet up as he's got a lot of chores to do. Of course, I got so pissed off when our conversation ended.

    I took out my camera and started roaming around the hall. I texted a couple of people, telling them that I am there to watch the cosplay and such. I wasn't able to buy any souvenirs --- they all look like "the usual" to me. Some of the action figures are good but are too darn expensive!

    My lunch was a 40 buck hotdog on a bun and a 30 peso worth of chocolate drink. The food was quite costly, and I thought that I should've bought a katsudon in Komoro Soba instead. Sigh, but I was too lazy to go outside the convent area.

    I saw some familiar faces there including Ben (a college club-buddy) and Junell (my officemate). I often texted Kuya Lawrence too to ask some photography tips.

    After about 2 hours, I got a call from Dada again and he told me that he's on his way to Megamall. Apparently, he was able to finish his chores and he wants our date to push through (... and that's coz I got angry at him, he said). Around 2:30PM, I left the Megatrade Hall and headed to Komoro Soba where he's waiting. Shucks! The Megatrade Hall is on the 5th of Building B floor while Komoro Soba is on the 1st floor of the Building A! Hiningal ako kakalakad!

Fantastic Four : Rise of the Silver Surfer

    The SM Cinemas are jampacked with people and the counter lady said there's no more room in the 2:40 time slot. We got a ticket for the 3:45 slot instead. I was still pissed off so Dada and I barely talked, until about the first quarter of the movie... but then I thought that there's no point to it because he made an effort of coming there and spend time with me even though he's tired... So I hugged him and I said "sorry."

    As for the movie... Well, it looked better as a trailer. Hahaha! The Silver Surfer is AWESOME, though! He even hogged more attention than the main characters themselves. Hahaha! Stan Lee's cameo appearance is also hilarious! XD

I give it :

    We watched a few more trailers before leaving the movie house. I became too emotional when I saw "The Invisible" trailer as it reminded me of how my Lupin-sempai died a few years back...

    Dada and I had dinner in Komoro Soba and talked about lots of stuff, especially about his new job and how we're gonna manage our schedules once he starts working. Sigh, I hope everything works out well for us.

    He invited me to his niece's christening next week. Thank goodie, I'll be able to spend time with him again. ^_^