Kawaii has become more than just about cute things. It has become more than just a passing fancy or a fashion fad. Kawaii has become a way of life for individuals who have sought to express themselves in an outlook and style all their own, with frills, pastels, ribbons, teddy bears and rainbows, all exuding that positive, happy vibe that they wish to impart to others. Beyond the Cutest Dreams: The Kawaii PH Book Launch got to celebrate this admirable Kawaii lifestyle in an event that showcased the bright, friendly and colorful world that Kawaii has opened for everyone from all over the world.
A pleasantly unique experience awaited us at Beyond the Cutest Dreams: The Kawaii PH Book Launch at the Lower Ground Event Center, Mega A of SM Megamall. The event lasted all day since 10 in the morning, with the main program starting 6 in the evening. It became a festive and enjoyable get-together for the Philippine Kawaii community as they helped celebrate the launch of Kawaii PH’s first book, Beyond the Cutest Dreams.
Helping us cover the launch was our Cosplay Model and Liaison Officer Nicole, who herself got to enjoy the many interesting sights and activities the event had to offer.
The Kawaii PH booth could be seen prominently at the entrance, displaying copies of their very first book, Beyond the Cutest Dreams. It was offered at a great price of 150 pesos, and came with two passes to the event. It was a great deal as you get to take home one of the most inspiring and informative books on Kawaii culture in recent times as well as enjoy the great attractions that can be found all over the venue.
Over at the side was the Kawaii PH store where can get the most adorable items, all proudly made by the team themselves.
There was the Converse Philippines booth where attendees can “Kawaii-fy” their beloved sneakers. Talented artists put on cute and delightful touches to those with a flair for kawaii and adventure.
There’s also the gigantic Converse shoe on display where attendees can leave messages, doodle and share their thoughts.
There was also Design Your Button Pins where you can do just that. Attendees had fun putting their creativity to use as they drew and scribbled and colored designs they’ve always wanted to see. There also the feeling of pride and accomplishment of course after completing them.
We also got to see an exhibit featuring the work of Ashley Dy, Anne Kate Pinero and Chichi Romero.
Attendees got to enjoy taking photos at the event backdrop and the other attractions at the venue.
Kawaii is different from cosplay although both share similar passions for creativity, artistry and self-expression, which is why quite a number of cosplayers are Kawaii enthusiasts as well.
The program started by 6pm, with host Jessica Galvez welcoming everyone to the event and getting to interview some of the attendees.
Chichi Romero of the Kawaii PH team then formally welcomed everyone and shared a few words about the event and the team.
She was followed by a pleasant performance by Reese Lansangan who enthralled the audience with her voice and talent in a special acoustic set.
Sponsor Yoshinoya then had a relay game with chopsticks and marshmallows, something the contestants and the audience enjoyed. Everyone got gift certificates for their participation.
During breaks there were raffles with some great prizes from ANA and Converse, something really enjoyed by the winners.
Dance group Seishunn Kakumei performed lively dance numbers in front of an appreciative audience, who got to dance and sing along as well.
A particularly exciting segment at the event was the Harajuku walk where 15 of the best dressed in Kawaii had a fashion walk on stage, with Ashley Dy of Candy Kawaii Lover judging the contest. The participants took to the stage in confidence, showing everyone in attendance their adorable ensembles and creations, with a supportive audience cheering them on.
Winners were chosen at the end, taking home some great prizes from the sponsors, but everyone who participated got some great souvenirs as well.
Then attention was directed to the projector where a video clip of Beyond the Cutest Dreams Editor-in-Chief Kaila, who was then in Japan, showed her thanking the attendees for coming and supporting them and that she became emotional when she recounted the many trials they had to face t get their first book published. It was an inspiring example to the community, and she urged everyone to just have faith in what they’re doing and believe in themselves and continue living and supporting Kawaii.
With those, the event came to an end, but not before a fun and warm group photo to have memories of everyone by.
Beyond the Cutest Dreams: The Kawaii PH Book Launch a friendly and cozy affair that the attendees got to enjoy as they got to be part of a colorful and unique community that keeps of growing with the passage of time, and that things can only get better. Congratulations, and many thanks to the organizers, Kawaii PH, for accommodating us and we really hope to have more fun and meaningful Kawaii events in the near future.
Thank you for dropping by, and please visit us again for more cosplay features here at arkadymac.com.
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