UP Mania Trail and Okaeri Fest at U.P. Clark, Pampanga

 

We at arkadymac.com love cosplay events at schools, which is why we didn’t mind the long trip to Clark Freeport Zone for the UP Mania Trail and Okaeri Fest last weekend.  Held at the University of the Philippines Diliman Extension Program Pampanga campus, attendees got to enjoy a 5K cosplay-themed fun run and a Japanese-themed festival at the school grounds for a truly unique summer experience.

 

 

Organized by UP MANIA, the University of the Philippines Manga-Anime Associates, it had been a project months in the making as it is to be their first-ever event.  It was envisioned as a whole-day packed with lots of activities for the enjoyment of fellow Japanese pop culture fans from the campus, from all over Pampanga and beyond.

 

 

 

The event started off early in the morning with the the UP Mania Trail, a 5K cosplay-themed fun run where participants run a scenic course around Clark Freeport Zone while being challenged by Shingeki no Kyojin titans at certain checkpoints.  Participants had three red “life” flags on their backs that will be taken from them if titans caught up with them.  Those who finished the course with flags remaining were “survivors” and got to win prizes afterwards.  Runners said that it was a fun experience, and it was all for a good cause as part of the proceeds will go to Duyan ni Maria Children’s home in Angeles City.

 

 

 

Right after the race, everyone was invited to Okaeri Fest, a Japanese-themed festival held at the school grounds.  There was a torii Japanese gate to welcome guests as were lanterns and dainty decorations everywhere.  Booths with all sorts of merchandise from toys to takoyaki were open all throughout the event to show and sell their unique wares to attendees.

 

 

 

 

There was also a special booth where you can try on any kimono on display you fancy for free, something that lots of guests really enjoyed and appreciated.

 

 

 

 

UP Mania’s own band and other guest performers were on stage to provide great music in Japanese, English and Filipino to everyone in attendance, keeping everyone excited and singing along all throughout the day.  I admire them for their extensive repertoire and their stamina to keep on playing all day despite the summer heat.

 

 

 

 

The hosts were admirable as well as they really kept the program running almost non-stop since early morning, keeping everyone informed and interested as they carried out contests like quizzes and eating contests.

 

 

 

 

All throughout the day, cosplayers from all over Pampanga and beyond came to attend the event and have fun with the other guests.  We also got to enjoy the time we spent with them as he had impromptu photoshoots.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The highlight of the event was the Cosplay Extreme cosplay competition, a new concept feature created by Naruto Cosplayers PH (NCPH) exclusively for this event. This format aims to let cosplayers work together and increase bonding and friendship as they do joint skits on stage.  Starting with an entertaining performance by David D’Angelo as Master Pogi of Dragon Ball, he also got to host the contest with UP Mania’s mascot character (Osu-chan?)

 

 

20 cosplayers participated in the competition, and they all gave their best performances in front of an eager and supportive audience.  They then got to have an interview by the hosts afterwards.  They were scored accordingly by a capable panel of judges of which I was honored to be a part of.

 

 

 

 

 

After careful deliberation, winners were announced and they got to take home some really nice prizes from the organizers and sponsors.

 

 

 

It was almost sunset when the program ended as the organizers got to thank everyone for coming and participating in their first-ever event.  After the final group photos were taken and the parting song from the band finished, Okaeri Fest came to close.  On my part, I congratulate them for the tremendous planning and effort that went into this event, getting lots of sponsors and exhibitors and performers for the day.  They have also been mindful of their participants and guests and did a good job keeping everything together despite it being their first event.  We look forward to more great things from them on their next event.

 

 

 

 

Thank you fro dropping by, and do visit us again for more cosplay features here at arkadymac.com.

Please click on an image to view slideshow.  If you have a photo of yourself below, feel free to grab.  Thank you for posing for us and visiting our website.

 

About The Author