FEATI News

FEATI's Otaku Fest and Cosplay Competition Draws and Wows Crowd

Rain, high tide and even the fact that it was a Saturday failed to dampen FEATI University’s debut into the world of Otaku and Costume Play, a.k.a. “cosplay”. FEATI Computer Society, in cooperation with Otaku Valenzuela (O-VAL) held the FEATI-Otaku Festival and Cosplay Competition on July 30, 2011 at the University Gymnasium in Sta. Cruz, Manila.  Aside from FEATI students, the place was packed to the rafters with spectators and cosplay habitués from Far East Asia College, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Araullo High School, Laguna College, University of the East, AICS, and Olivarez College. Cosplayers came as early as ten in the morning to register for the afternoon event, which started at 2PM.

Three competitions were held as part of the event – cosplay, costume-building and drawing. There was also a maid cafe side event which did not fail to thrill the crowd. Fifty cosplayers registered and competed for the event but in the course of the afternoon more cosplayers in full anime regalia continued to arrive and mingle with spectators and supporters, and have their pictures taken. Present were characters from popular anime series such as Naruto and Soul Eater. Armor and Mecha cosplayers like Mazinger Z and Henger from Monster Rancher also joined. A three-man panel composed of Professor Norman Guiao, chair of the board of judges; Mr. Jino Penolio, president of the FEATI Computer Society (FCS); and, Mr. Joseph Penolio, guest judge, had their work cut out for them. When the results were tallied, Don Robert Torio’s Iron Man Mark V won the top prize; Yna Bisda took 2nd place with the persona of Paradise Kiss; and third place went to Abraham Cruz for his massive and committed interpretation of Exteel. The winners took home trophies, cash prizes, and gift certificates. They won based on performance, creativity, costume design, and audience impact.  

As in a regular convention, booths and bands were also present – Ikuso Iwa, Breaking Hubris and Onigiri Infusion rocked the gymnasium with Japanese anime theme covers replete with guitar riffs and drum beats. Saishin Hobby, Sugarfree, and Blue Horizon had booths at the venue. Dunkin Donuts also had their fair share of patrons queuing for their delicious donuts.  

“We were worried that bad weather would pose a problem where attendance is concerned but our worries were unfounded after seeing how many people came to our event. We are really thankful for all the participants: sponsors, cosplayers, bands, students, faculty and administrators who came and made our first ever Otaku Festival and Cosplay Competition successful. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the Dean of Student Affairs, Sr. Nicetas Favorito, D.C, to the Head of Events & Promotions Melanie P. Florentino, and to the Executive Vice President, Engr. Gabriel P. Intengan for their invaluable assistance.  This is such a boost to the university’s FEATI Computer Society and the IT department. After seeing how much students enjoy this type of entertainment, we plan to mount a similarly-themed event next year,” said Ms. Jovy Lopez- Factor, IT Department Chairperson of FEATI University.

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