Otaku

University of the Philippines SUGOD and UP Nichibunken will take you back in time on February 16 as they organize the sixth installment of Otaku Fest, an annual cosplay event held in the UP Cebu Campus in Lahug.

To celebrate the rich and magical Japanese history and heritage and explore its myths and legends, Otaku Fest VI makes “A History of Magic” as its main theme. So expect dragons, samurais, ninjas and toriis will welcome you on this gathering of Otakus, a Japanese term which refers to fans of animé, manga and Japanese computer games.

Cosplay, an abbreviated term for costume play, requires participants to don costumes and accessories representing a specific character, which is usually based on popular Japanese fiction, and recently American cartoons and science fiction.

This year's Otaku will take you to another level as it expands its coverage. For the cosplay competition (Solo and Group), the organizers have decided to expand the geographical region delimitation. From Japanese-only history the organizers choose to include all of East Asian (Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Mongolian) history, legends, myths and magical creatures, on the condition that the published work in which these characters appear is still by a Japanese creator.

No performance is required for the Solo Cosplay Competition. One just has to deliver a line with an action or pose. For the Group Cosplay Competition, each group shall consist of three to eight members. They are required to have a presentation of at least three minutes and not exceeding five minutes. Each minute excess is a deduction of five points.

For both cosplay competitions, the use of hazardous materials as props is strictly prohibited. Contestants must be visible in the campus from 12nn onwards for secret judges will be stationed all over the campus to check how each contestant properly conveys his/her character.

Aside from the cosplay competition, there will also be a Jpop Dance Showdown. Five groups of three to eight members will be swaying their hips to a Japanese song. To clear its definition, organizers emphasized it as any song performed in the Japanese language by any Japanese solo or group artist and that has first debuted in Japan.” 

These competitions are pre-registrations basis only. Online pre-registrations will run up to February 13. For those who will be joining the various competitions, registration fees will be collected at the entrance or the registration booth on the day of the event. Confirmation of registration will only be until 12 noon and failure to comply will result to forfeiture of slots.

Otaku Fest VI will also be hosting a DOTA tournament. For those who want to join, there will be no registration fees and expect no prize for this is just a friendly competition. Also, there will be a Film Showing of three Japanese movies entitled Hotarubi no Mori e, Rurouni Kenshin and Kari-gurasahi no Arrieti from 10am to 2:30pm.

The faculty and students currently enrolled at UP Cebu are granted free entrance. Just present your UPCC ID or Form 5 upon entry. Registration is required. For outsiders who are not competing, registration fee is at Php60 each. 

A lot of surprises are awaiting you on Otaku Fest VI: A History of Magic. For more details, check us out at: www.facebook.com/otakufest6 or https://www.facebook.com/events/477308652310413/

Immerse yourself in a magical atmosphere and reminisce Japan's grand history on February 16.