Best of Anime returns to SMX

The Best of Anime convention is back! Now on its fourth year, this highly anticipated otaku convention continues to bring the culture, art, and entertainment of Japan to Filipinos across the metro. Slated on September 14 to 15 at Function Rooms 3 & 4 of the SMX Convention Center, BOA promises to be an exciting event for anime, manga, and cosplay fans across the metro. BOA 2013 is filled with fun activities that otakus and con-goers will love.

Loyal BoA patrons — cosplayers, figure collectors, photographers, artists, manga fans, gamers, and enthusiasts – are sure to find activities, special events, exhibits and merchandise to match their interests.

International guests spice up this year’s BOA festivities. Japanese-American rock musician Joe Inoue, who rose to fame with the song “Closer,” used as the fourth opening theme for “Naruto: Shippuden,” is set to open the show, along with J-Pop idol gothic Lolita group Starmarie.. All-time anime favourite Doraemon and Nobita are also named guests of honor to the show, ready to welcome con-goers to the exiting event.

Internationally-renowned cosplayers Karael, Karael, Jiaki Darkness, and Yuki Godbless are also set to exhibit world-class cosplay alongside local cosplay celebrities, Myrtle, Alodia and Ashley Gosengfiao, who will also judge the All-Star Cosplay competition.

Day 1 highlights also include a cosplay make-up and wig-styling workshop and fashion show by DLSL-BridJe; a quick draw competition for illustrators; a blogging workshop by otaku and Japanese culture blogger Magnetic Rose; and VOICEIYUU, a voice dubbing workshop with Danny Mandia, Blaire Arellano, and Sonny Jayson Furto. Battle of the Bands showcases performances by anime cover bands Asian Chicken Fest and Stigma of Disgrace, capped off by the much-awaited performance of StarMarie.

Day 2 highlights include another voice dubbing workshop with Mr. Danny Mandia by Voiceiyuu, a game development workshop by Game Up; and Superclicker 101 workshop for aspiring photographers. The afternoon showcases band performances from Evening Tea Time, as well as a screening of entries to “Happily Ever Laughter,” an anime music video contest. World Cosplay Summit 2011 Thailand Prelims winners Jiaki Darkness and Yuki Godbless have a scheduled meet and greet for fans, followed by a fashion show by Sugarfree and Blue and Friendster’s launching of their newest game lineup. Joe Inoue returns for a meet and greet, followed by band performances by Asterysk, and performances by Jiaki Darkness and Yuki Godbless.

Cosplayers will then compete to qualify for the World Cosplay Summit 2014 at the Best of Anime Cosplay Competition, to be judged by Myrtle, Karael, JiakiDarkness and YukiGodbless. Joe Inoue’s performance caps off the weekend’s festivities.

Best of Anime 2013 also showcases whole day activities that everyone will enjoy, such as the Sam’s Maids’ Café, to pamper con-goers and their tastebuds. There’s also Manga Library for the mangaphiles, the Figuart Gallery for the figuphiles, a gaming tourney booth, an anime board game booth and gaming tournament booth.

Two whole, fun-filled days of meeting fellow otakus and learning more about the culture of Japan are in store for BOA 2013, co-located at the upcoming Manila International Book Fair. For BOA 2013 tickets and more details, log on to the BOA Facebook page (www.facebook.com/BestOfAnime), or contact organizer Primetrade Asia, Inc. at 896-0661 or 896-0682.