arkadymac.com was there to witness Expo Mata 2014, a unique event that celebrated cultural diversity through exciting features and attractions. Held at the One Esplanade SM Cental Business Park last weekend, the event was attended by thousands of people drawn not only from Manila, but from all over the Philippines and all over the world. Of particular interest was the community of deaf and hard-of-hearing people who were excited and proud to take part in this rare occasion.
Mata Expo has been a multicultural trade show that promotes many worthy causes, in particular, fostering awareness for issues regarding deaf and hard-of-hearing people and raising funds for breast cancer cure research. Mata Expo has toured all over the world, spreading the message of multiculturalism in the US and Canada, and now in the Philippines.
A variety of activities went on throughout the length of the event, which started late morning up unto the afternoon within the One Esplanade Hall and all over the covered yard. There was the food fest offering guests many different international cuisine. There were art and fashion shows, like the colorful Harajuku Runway show and Contest.
There was also a hotdog eating contest, raffles, as well as dance performances from invited guests.
There was also a cosplay catwalk show where invited cosplayers delighted the crowd with their unique costumes and performances.
Personally, the part I was really interested in was the wrestling show since wrestling has always fascinated me, and I couldn’t have forgiven myself if I missed this chance to watch really skilled independent wrestlers going at it inside (and outside) the ring, with a roster that included names like Silent Warrior, Sean Midnight, LapuLapu, Yoshiya Kawamura, Gyushin Liger, Teppei Kawamura, and Sawaterio.
What made it more unique was the fact that the wrestlers were deaf. Being deaf never mattered to these wonderful athletes as they wowed their crowd with amazing moves and breath-taking maneuvers. Sure, I know that everything was just a show and that everything was “faked,” but the bruises, cuts and welts they got from hits, falling on the mat and on the floor certainly were real. I admire them for their skill and passion in spite and despite their disability, to be able to amaze and entertain so many people.
The deaf wrestlers were fierce and intimidating in the ring during the matches, but outside they were gentle giants who smiled with the crowds, took pictures with them, carrying people on their shoulders, and giving in to requests from crazy people in ANBU costumes.
It was a unique, fun-filled event that exceeded expectations, as this Philippine edition broke a new record for the most number of attendees, with more than 4,000 people who came in to take part in this spectacle. The community of deaf and hard-of-hearing people was the majority of the attendees, and they appeared really happy and lively at the event that truly celebrated and welcomed them.
Thank you for visiting, and do drop by again for more interesting features here at arkadymac.com. Special thanks to our special coverage partner Jillian, Mark from Pitik helping out by taking my pics with the wrestlers, to Camille and Jay for keeping us company, my daughter Rin for helping me out at the event, my other daughter Chiyo for the treats, NCPH for taking us in, and the organizers of the event who were really friendly and accommodating. Congratulations to all of them, and we already look forward to the next one.
Oh, and congratulations to our friends Jay and Camille on their engagement. I was specifically asked to cover this wonderful occasion since they would like to thank (blame) me for starting this relationship with a photo I took from a previous event of them kissing in front of many people, re-enacted with this one:
Let’s all wish them well and more happiness in the days to come.
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