On its eleventh edition, AME Fair once again gave fans of Japanese anime, manga, games, and pop culture a treat to relish as UP AME Fair XI: Itadakimasu rocked the University of the Philippines Diliman campus last weekend. As a Japanese expression said before meals, itadakimasu expresses gratitude and appreciation, making it an apt title for this year’s food-themed fair. arkadymac is an official media partner for this delightful event, and we are glad to bring you the highlights from our coverage.
Organized by The University of the Philippines Anime Manga Enthusiasts, the first anime-oriented organization in the Philippines recognized by a university, AME Fair has been a much-anticipated yearly event held at various locations such as the World Trade Convention Center, but this year they have decided to go back to their roots at Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman Campus.
The doors were opened early afternoon as the AME members graciously welcomed in attendees from the campus and from beyond. The staff were courteous and orderly, anticipating any need the guests may have right at the entrance, complete with support like a baggage counter and cosplay medics.
True to the theme, Itadakimasu had innovative food-themed games and booths attendees can try for very affordable prices and get nifty prizes for winning, like the Best Grill dart game where the players shoots down ingredients for points and completing a menu earns bonuses.
The Ring Toss Kitchen had players test their aim and dexterity to win some great prizes.
The Talking Apples Meido and Butler Cafe was there as a co-presenter for the event, and they got to serve the guests tasty yet filling treats like pasta, pizza and cupcakes, as their staff in cosplay got to make each guest’s stay an enjoyable one.
There were other Japanese festival-themed booths that attendees had a fun time with, like the video game booth, goldfish scooping, and fortune telling with Cardcaptor Sakura Clow cards, even sumo wrestling.
Merchant booths got to offer a wide array of goods and merchandise to attendees, like our friends from Perry in Disguise. Attendees got to enjoy looking around, browsing for the things that interested them the most.
Art has always been an important part of AME, and this year they had lots of artists displaying their great work as well as doing commissions for attendees.
AME also had a Fan Art Competition where artists got to submit their work with AME’s mascot, Annie Mae, as their focus. Artists got to share their work either in traditional or digital formats and were put to vote by the public, with the winners getting some great prizes.
Even more love for art was in store for attendees with a manga seminar by renowned Japanese mangaka Chihiro Tamaki through Top Peg Anime School. An author since 2001, her manga novel Walkin’ Butterfly became a big hit, having been published in different countries and adapted into a television series in 2008. Since then she has published over 20 titles in Japan.
That afternoon Miss Chihiro Tamaki got to share her wealth of knowledge of drawing and the manga industry to attendees, giving demonstrations and providing tips on how to be a better artist. Afterwards, she was truly gracious in giving in to requests for her autograph and photos with her.
The program and the stage figure prominently at the fair, with splendid hosts keeping the event alive and exciting, as well as having games the audience enjoyed, like Name that Anime Tune and other trivia games.
AME Fair has always been known for integrating the anime music into their program and this year was no exception, with amazing bands like Project Materia, Tamago, Kamaimasen, Error 505, Rosier and Asterysk playing splendid Japanese songs from known and loved anime series all throughout the event.
The AME Fair Singing competition had contestants put on their best renditions of well-loved anime songs to the delight of the crowd, who even got to sing with them and cheer for them, plus a memorable moment where a contestant made his declaration of love.
Cosplay figured prominently at AME Fairs, and there were some cosplayers who got to enjoy the event and have their photos taken by the crowd. Our team took the time to do shoots whenever we could.
Then came time for the Cosplay Competition where some really great cosplayers had the opportunity to showcase their talents and put on their best performances on stage in front of an appreciative audience and a distinguished panel of judges who were prominent cosplayers themselves: Chun, Vanessa and Brahm.
Afterwards, the winners from the different competitions were announced, and great prizes awaited them courtesy of the organizers and sponsors. Of note was Sergio Sta. Ana, who got to be champion for the Cosplay Competition two years in a row.
With words of gratitude from the hosts and staff, the 11th AME Fair: Itadakimasu, came to a close that evening. We would like to congratulate everyone at AME for organizing this very well-thought-out and creative event that was so orderly in so many levels. We look forward to many great things for them in the future as they continue to fulfill their mission to gather anime and manga enthusiasts in UP Diliman, to give in-depth information on the nature of anime and manga and to provide an atmosphere of open exchange of ideas.
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