As the most anticipated movie of the year by Japanese culture enthusiasts in the country, the first installment of the much-awaited sequel to the very successful first movie from 2012 hits Philippines with Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno. Offering a special and exciting block screening was UP Tomo-Kai and AMUSE Philippines last August 22, 2014 at Cinema 1 of TriNoMa. With a program filled with games, giveaways, and guests cosplayers, the event was a welcome and exciting prelude to the movie itself. And as a media partner for this event, arkadymac.com was there to cover it and bring you the highlights.
An entire generation of fans who watched the original anime series in their youths or have read the manga and novels or have watched the first movie out of curiosity had much to celebrate and be happy about as the Rurouni Kenshin movies got the chance to be shown in cinemas nationwide. The movies are great enough to be watched alone or with a few friends, but with a block screening where the audience are of the same mind and feelings, things get to be even more interesting.
There was some fanfare outside the cinema a couple of hours before the movie began as UP Tomo-Kai prepared and promoted and welcomed early guests outside Cinema 1. Excitement reached fever-pitch as it got close to 7pm, with those who already had their tickets lining up preparing for entry. Guest cosplayers Jin Joson as Kenshin Himura and AC Hernandez as Makoto Shishio delighted the crowd with their portrayals and many took the chance to have their photos taken with them.
As everyone got settled down on their seats, the organizers started the short program by thanking everyone who came, as well as their partners who have helped them out with the preparation of the event. Then there were games with the cosplayers where contestants acted out scenes with them, with fun and unexpected results.
The movie then started, much to the satisfaction of the audience who watched with unwavering eagerness every scene, relishing their memories of this pop culture phenomenon brought to life on the big screen. There was much applause as the movie ended, and before everybody got the chance to leave, the winners of the raffle were announced. Lots of nice prizes were given away, like yukatas, trinkets, and an anime figure. One can still feel the thrill the audience had after watching the movie as they queued out of the cinema, talking about their favorite scenes, admiring the flashy swordplay, and speculating on what to expect for the next installment of the movie.
The lobby was abuzz with friends and groups being happy to be able to attend the event and watch the great movie. Most did not pass up the chance to have their photos taken again with the guest cosplayers who were gracious in posing for the attendees. And with the tickets to the movie sold out, it was evident that UP Tomo-Kai had done a great job and making good on their promise of delivering a fun and unique experience for everyone. They said they had been preparing for this event since April, and despite setbacks and bouts of despair, they were still able to pull it off through their determination and support of each other. So to them we extend our congratulations for a job well done.
We had the chance to interview Jin about today’s event:
And an interview with AC Hernandez as Makoto Shishio:
UP Tomo-Kai is a school organization in the University of the Philippines that fosters and strengthens better relations and understanding between Filipinos and Japanese, featuring activities where its Filipino members and Japanese guests interact and eventually gain better awareness of each others culture. The event was co-presented by Bibo Global Opportunity Inc. and All Nippon Airways. In cooperation with Geisha’s Blade. Special thanks to Miyoko Louisse, Hatah! Hatah!, Wakuwaku, Fandom Trinkets, For Isabela, Comic Odyssey, Cha Dao, GWYShop, and Cosplay.ph. Partner Organizations: International Club of UP, JE Philippines, Parkour UP, UP Aniban ng mga Kabitenyo, UP Anime-Manga Enthusiasts, UP Architecture Forum, UP Deutscher Verein, UP IE Club, and UP Physics Association.
arkadymac.com was also there to cover the Red Carpet Premiere of the Rurouni Kenshin: Tokyo Inferno at SM Megamall last August 6, 2014. What made this simple screening into a once-in-a-lifetime event was the fact that the director and the three main cast were flown in all the way from Japan just so that they can meet and address their Filipino fans who have supported the franchise.
arkadymac.com was also there to cover the press conference of Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno at Glorietta in Makati last August 7, 2014. This suddenly became a once-in-a-lifetime event as the director and the three main cast were flown in all the way from Japan just so that they can meet and address their Filipino fans who have supported the franchise.
UP Tomo-Kai will also be sposoring a block screening for the next installment of the series, Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends, on September. It promises to be another great event so do inquire from them how to reserve your tickets.
Thank you for dropping by, and do visit us again for more great features here at arkadymac.com.
Please click on an image to view slideshow.
About The Author
