In the midst of the Metro Manila enhanced community quarantine, five creative people had the bright idea of organizing a convention, complete with meet-and-greets, cosplay competition, games and prizes.
Quarancon Facebook logo
Quarancon is a portmanteau of “quarantine” and “convention” and was organized by Danielle Pebbles, Akiru Akari, Gabbie Lapinid, Natsumi Coser, and Shaniel Jasper Lewis Manzano.
With the enhanced community quarantine in effect, different organizations had to postpone, or worse, cancel their events. This news dispirited people, especially from the cosplay community (coscomm), who were looking forward to showcasing their cosplays and interacting with people from the community.
*Miss Aoka was not able to join the meet-and-greet.
Arkadymac had the opportunity to interview the Quarancon organizers.
Q: What made you take the initiative to organize Quarancon? What was the motive behind Quarancon?
A: Making QuaranCon was mostly out of fun, especially since half of the conventions were being pushed to a different month due to the pandemic. So, we thought, “Why not make an online con? People are mostly online nowadays, it’s not a bad idea”. We also want others to have a bit of fun while we’re in quarantine.
Q: When the quarantine and lockdown in Metro Manila get lifted, what will happen to Quarancon? Can we expect similar online events even after the quarantine from the organizers?
A: For now, we’re unsure. After all, this convention was made for the quarantined con-goers and cosplayers. But once this quarantine period is over and we are able to attend conventions once again, who can say? We are planning to make another, perhaps around -ber months. But for now, let’s see how the flow will go.
Q: How was the experience handling Quarancon 2020? Any insights or assessment you want to share for everyone in the community, especially those who wish to become organizers themselves?
A: The experience was a wild ride, especially since it started from a small (joking) idea to something big. We get to have guests, as well as a lot of people participating. Though there were some hectic moments, the overall experience was fun and memorable.
QuaranCon was made for us who’s now mostly online. But of course, without our participants, our organizers, media partner and guests, this wouldn’t be made possible, and we’re so grateful and thankful for this opportunity. Though it was a bit hard to manage at first, eventually it all came together.
To those people who’d like to become organizers for this kind of event, first, plan ahead of time and schedule everything properly. Always have a solution for every possible problem. And well, have fun, of course!
Arkadymac.com Cosplay Correspondent “Nina” Lucia cosplaying C.C. of Code Geass won QuaranCon PH 2020’s Best Cosplay Completion. The award was made possible by The Asylum Photography.
Quarancon was done via Skype on March 21-22, 2020. Due to the 50 person call limit the application allows, the event underwent a first come first serve basis to the participants.
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