Colours Digital Foto Turns 25

2012 is an exciting year for Colours Digital Foto as they will be celebrating 25 years of quality services and products coined as 'Trailblazing at 25'.

The anniversary comes with great deals and events to look forward to.

Cosplay Harajuku District

CEDf-IT in partnership with Ayala Center Cebu and Cebu Holdings Inc. in cooperation with iLuvCebu.com present Cosplay HD (Harajuku District).

When: October 29, 2011 - 5:00-11:30pm

Where: Ayala Linear Park, Cardinal Rosales Avenue, Cebu Business Park

Alodia Gosiengfiao Comes To Cebu

Hey guys! What's up? If you have noticed, I haven't blogged for a very long time. It is because I have been so busy with school works, attending events and hosting.

Anyhow, I have good news for all the cosplayers and cosplay fans out there :) Alodia Gosiengfiao is coming to Cebu! Yup! You read it right! The queen of Philippine cosplay will visit the Queen City of the South for the first time!

HOSTS OF THE EVENT

I'm delighted to announce to everybody that I am the host of the event. To top the show, I will be joined by DJ Paulo Walker. Alright! \m/

Otaku Fest 2011 Shots

Hey guys! How have you been? Did you attend Otaku Fest 4.0? I did but I only stayed for around 40 minutes. It is because I had an important appointment to attend which I will be telling you in my next post. To make the long story short, I simply roamed around and took some shots which I want you all to see. 

  

Being a passionate cosplayer, I want to thank everyone who made Otaku Fest 4.0 a successful event. 'Til the next wave of Otaku Fest everyone! Cheers!

Otaku Fest 2011

Hey everyone! There's something big that's going to happen on the 5th of February! It's the first cosplay event in 2011 here in Cebu! Get ready for Otaku Fest 2011!

On it's forth wave in hosting Otaku Fest, the University of the Philippines brings you 'Otakufest IV - Marching On' with a blast of fun-filled activities. Troop to these head-turners during the event:

• Cosplay Competitions (Solo & Group)
• DOTA Competition,
• J-Pop Dance Contest
• Photography Contest
• Original Character Design Contest
• Maid Café
• Fashion Show
• Costume Auction
• Film Showing
• Mini 4WD Race

Of course, you'll get to watch live performances by guest bands and dance crews. What more could you ask for? That's more than enough reasons to attend the event! Be there when it happens!

A Diary of a Cebuana Cosplayer

COSPLAY, COSPLAYERS, and COSPLAYING in CEBU

For those of you who have been living in Mars since 2007, costume playing (cosplay) came to inception in Cebu that year. The aim to dress up and meet new friends opened a way to a few of Cebuano youth to cluster up and live their way of art.

Three years after, cosplay groups and organizations launched and sprouted. It bolted the small anime-dress-up community into a bigger one. While some entered the world of cosplaying because of the dressing-up and friendship, some counted in because of positive peer pressure and the existence of the groups and organizations.

Costume playing unleashes the inner child of a person as it requires an explosion of initiativeness and creativity to look totally and perhaps, exactly as one's desired character to follow.

Cosplay is booming in Cebu. Its community of cosplayers has grown largely this year. From fairly 8-15 youth dreamers and believers, the vision to live our favorite characters, usually anime, came true and turned out to become a hundred and counting.

BEYOND COSTUME, MAKE-UP and PROPS

Just when you thought that cosplay ends there. Think again. It doesn't. Costume playing doesn't end in the embellishment of an attire on a person's body. There is more to suit, make-up and props.

Once in a costume, cosplayers take the gestures, body language, and attitude of the character they represent. They look cute, angry, happy, cuddly, scary, funny, unpredictable and others. When dealing with them, expect an anime character, not a true person in other way.

At times, when I talk to my co-cosplayers, I sense that I am not talking to the real person. I am talking to the character they are portraying. I find it magical and very fun. It's funny. Being a cosplayer myself, I don't get the 'nose-bleeds' and amazements anymore but I feel a bit worried with the kids who'll approach them (most especially the monster/scary characters).

DEVELOPING ONESELF THROUGH COSPLAY

Indulging oneself in the hobby of cosplay is not only just for fun. Being time-consuming and an environmental activity, the hobby allows the youth to avoid involving themselves in unpleasant actions and undesirable circle of pals nowadays. Aside from enhancing one's confidence and critical thinking, costume playing opens a pool of opportunities in line with modelling, illustration, role playing, singing and dancing, photography, and other forms of arts.

Many have achieved great accomplishments because of cosplaying. It makes one, known and moreover, if proven, be offered for career opportunities that will take a person farther than he/she could dream of. One big thing that will make you hasten yourself in cosplay is the fact that you get exposed to different people (ordinary, media, model searchers, cosplay enthusiasts, photographers etc.) It's not about the money. It's not about the fame. It's the fun you feel when you get in the game.


COSPLAY and ME

I myself cosplayed too. My world have collided in the realms of cosplay just last year. It was a break-through to me as it opened my world to a lot of things. I gained wonderful friends, received undeniable opportunities, and much more.<

It was in November 2009 when I first went to a mall; dressed-up the way I am not me. It was very different. It felt so strange but I had so much fun. That time, I joined the competition and guess what? I won second place! For the curious, I cosplayed Traxex from the World of Warcraft.

Thankful and happy of what I got in the game, I continued the hobby that which improved myself. Here are other fictive characters I cosplayed that followed in the next cosplay events that came along the calendar.

Ontonashi Saya of Blood +

Being a first-timer in cosplay occasionally makes one to follow characters wearing outstanding looks and styles. I'm not part of the sort.

When you're new to the hobby, in the first moment that an idea pops out of your mind that you'll be joining/attending a gathering is the word 'simple'.

Nobody would want to go wrong in their first-time experience so one wants to play safe and good. As for me, I thought of cosplaying Otonashi Saya from the hit japanese anime show Blood +.

The attire is simple and quite easy to make, I got cut off with the equipment the character possesses though. The Katana was pretty difficult to make but good thing I have a woodworker friend, who answered my help and made the weapon of no charge.

Mad Hatter of Alice in Wonderland

Cosplay doesn't limit its world in anime. It covers everything that is followable. It may be bounded from the oldies toy characters to the modern personalities in techy movies.

With the thought of stretching the line in Cebu Cosplay, I thought of coming out of the scene as Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland. I conducted a photoshoot and it went well.

A female can cosplay a male character and a male character can cosplay a female character. In cases like these or case like in mine, Me, a girl cosplaying a boy is what you call costrip. It's not always that a boy cosplays a male character and vice versa because it's not all the time wherein guys like male characters and the other way around. Anyone can costrip but mind you, it needs a little more confidence acting the opposite way you act in the real world and during the competition.

It did went hard. Since the character had so many colorful fabrics on skin and wore several blingblings, I had to find and make up the attire from anything I had. Big thanks to a impulsive friend who helped me go over with the pictorial.

Red Empress
If you are not into anime/Japanese stuff, you may have not noticed that the character is not in any media.


Red Empress is actually an original character which I created out of borrowed wig, rented clothes, and purchased footwear.


When you want to cosplay and you have limited resources, you have to squeeze your creative juices to figure out the best you can make out of what you have.


At times when you roughly get what you desire to perfectly follow, you have only one choice; go for an original character (OC). Understood by the name itself, original character is a character created by oneself. Usually in competitions, OCs are not allowed to join but are given acknowledgements in coming up with the role.

to be continued...

MY COSPLAY DIARY is a series of write-ups about Cosplay, Cosplayers and Cosplaying in Cebu. Originally written by me, you can read it all for free. The upcoming parts will be posted soon so stay tuned! CONNECT with www.adventurouslei.com to get an alert on the continuation of this article.


header photo credits : Maki Kazagami & Joebert Cimafranca

ARCHON 2K10

Cebu cosplayers and anime fanatics are set to gather and gear up at their best for the most awaited cosplay event of the year! Nothing else but ARCHON 2K10!

On it's seventh year to host its self-named event, ARCHON (Anime, RPG, Comics, and Hobbies Convention), is good to go to make another mark in the history of Cebu Cosplay.  Just a while ago, the ARCHON 2K10 Organizers released its official video teaser. Check it out below.

Don't mind breakfast! It's definitely a must! On November 6, 2010, from 10:00am to 6:00pm, there is no other place to be than at the Ayala Activity Center.

The event is fully loaded with activities that will perk up all the attendees and participants. Some of the highlights of the event include the Versus Gaming Tournament, Drawing Contest and of course, the Cosplay Competition.

Interested to show off what you've got in cosplaying, gaming and drawing? You are so welcome! Listed below are the complete set of mechanics and general rules for the stated event activities above.

Cosplay Competition
GENERAL RULES:

1. Anyone from any organization can join.
2. We will accept characters from any written or visual media. Original Character’s (OC’s) will not be eligible for the competition.
3. Registration will be done before and during the day of the convention. Registering early will not determine the order of performance. We will randomly select which group/individual will perform first.
4. Metal props and metal costume components are allowed for this competition. With that in mind please nothing bladed, or anything that will pose immediate harm to any of the participants of the convention or yourself. (We advise those who carry swords to please keep them sheathed as much as possible). We will still not allow any pyrotechnics or chemicals to be used on and off stage.
5. Groups must present a skit. Single division participants may not need to present a skit BUT will be interviewed on stage.
6. This year we put great emphasis on character but we know it’s tiring to be acting like your character all day. Therefore you need only be in character from 2:00 PM till after you have gone on stage. Please be in the convention proper area during that time.
7. This year our parade of characters will be held on stage to also give a chance to people who want to take photos of those cosplaying (additional details will follow).
8. Please bring your CDs with your music if you wish to have it played during your time.
9. There will be a repair booth for those who need to make emergency repairs during the convention.
10. We know that cosplaying your favorite characters is exciting but please let’s keep it wholesome. Ayala is a family place after all.
11. The breakdown for this year will be:

• 50% - Character (on & off stage)
• 30% - Skit (audience impact, originality, neatness) / Interview (audience impact and IN character answering)
• 20% - Costume (accuracy & neatness)

SINGLE DIVISION RULES:

1. Should you present a skit you will be given between 1 – 3 minutes of performing time.
2. Once again if you wish to have your own music played during your time please bring a CD.
3. If you have entered yourself in the single division you will not be allowed to participate in the group division FOR ANY ROLE.
4. Registration Fee = P50.00

GROUP DIVISION RULES:

1. Group Participants will be allowed only 2 – 9 Members. This will not include props men if you should have any. We will allow props men to handle materials on stage however if the skit will look messy due to the number of people on stage it will affect your score.
2. You will be given only 3 – 5 minutes of performing time. Anymore will be deducted from your score. Timer starts when your skit officially starts. Set up all you want.
3. We encourage the group to interact with the other participants either as a group or individuals.
4. Please bring a CD with your music if you wish to have it played during your time.
5. Registration Fee = P100.00 per member

Pre-registration: (Singles)

1. Name:

2. Age

3. Name of Character:

4. Name of Anime / Movie / Series / Game the character you're cosplaying is in:

5. Skit or Interview?

6. Picture of the character you are cosplaying:

Pre-registration: (Groups)

1. Name of Group:

2. Name of Anime / Movie / Series / Game the character your group is cosplaying in:

3. Number of Members in the group:

4. Picture of the characters you are cosplaying:

 Email your Pre-Registrations to:       jesserussellyaptan@gmail.com

 Note:  For on the spot Registrations please bring a picture of the character(s) you're cosplaying both for Groups and Singles Cosplay.

Versus Gaming Tournament: Tekken 6

• Single elimination matches
• Infinite time
• 3 Rounds
• Bringing your own arcade stick/controller is allowed
• Standard set up only. You may change control set up before the match
• Pausing in mid-fight is an instant DQ
• Final match up is 5 rounds.
• Registration Fee = P50.00

Drawing Contest

• Papers to be used will be distributed on the spot.
• Participants can bring their own drawing materials excluding the paper. (Marked papers specifically for contest will be provided)
• Contestants will have up to 3:00 PM to submit their OCDs.
• Each character entry should have at least one descriptive paragraph made of 4 – 5 sentences.
• All entries after the designated time are disqualified.
• Registration Fee = P30.00

 Possible themes: Gothic, Samurai, Futuristic or Superhero.

ARCHON 2k10 will end the cosplay events this year with a big bang. Be there when it happens!

Coszoom : Halloween Cosplay Event

Just as you thought that Cebu is over with cosplay events this year, here comes a Halloween gathering for cosplay fans out there: Coszoom!

Following the big success of the recently concluded Hobby Convention 2010, Coszoom aims to have many attendees for iLearners Foundation to benefit. 

Halloween Cosplay has never been this fun and helpful. Witness Coszoom as it will take place at Kartzone, Mabolo Cebu City on October 30, 2010, Saturday from 2:00pm to 5:00pm.

Interested to join the cosplay competition? Complete details are seen below.

PRE-REGISTRATION AND ON SITE REGISTRATION

1. This contest is open to cosplayer ages 15 and up. Participants could cosplay any character that they want from any Anime as long as its family friendly and not too sexy. Original / Fan Based Characters is not allowed and will be immediately disqualified.
2. There will be a online pre-registration from October 15-24. PRE-Registration deadline is on October 25, 2010 11:59 PM. There is a registration fee of Php 200.00 per participant for those who have preregistered. There is also a on site registration, the registration fee will be Php 300.00 pesos for those who registered on site. (A percentage of the fee will serve as a donation for iLearners)
3. Participants can download registration form here.

You may submit your entry to grandier19@ovi.com.

DURING THE CONTEST PROPER

• Call time of the contestants should be an hour before the show starts.
• Contestants will be given number tags that must be worn at the event venue at all times.
• Participants will be given a maximum of 2 minute each to act out the character on stage.
• Skit are advised to inform the organizers regarding their set-up (includes CD for the background music and backdrops) 1 hour before the show starts. Otherwise, the contestants will be provided with default background music.
• Contestants are only allowed to have a maximum of two (2) human props.

Criteria for Judging:

Performance (30%)
Costume (30%)
Character (30%)
Overall Impact (10%).

• The Judges’ decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

Prizes: (To be announced)
Champion
2nd Runner Up
3rd Runner Up

Special Awards:
Kartzone’s Favorite Cosplayer Award

*Prizes may be subject to change.

Kartzone’s Favorite Cosplayers Award Mechanics

• The Audiences, Kartzone Customers and Non Contestant Cosplayers are eligible to participate in the voting process.
• Every 50 pesos and up single receipt purchase, entitles the participant for a Voting Stub.
• On the voting stub, the participant must write down his/her name, contact number and Contest Cosplayer’s Number.
• There will be a corresponding drop box where the participant will drop their vote.
• There will be no limit on your votes, the more you purchase the more votes you can give to your favorite cosplayer.
• There will be a raffle draw for the participant on the Winner of the Kartzone Favorite Cosplayer (for example contestant number 3, won the award, there will be a raffle on the participants who voted contestant number 3).
• Voting Starts 2pm and Ends 7:30pm.

ILEARNER’S DONATE A BOOK DRIVE

• As our way of giving back to the community, Kartzone will be holding a book drive from October 1-30, 2010. Everyone can donate a children’s book at Kartzone in support of its beneficiary, iLearners Foundation. You may donate your books at the designated drop box located at Kartzone.
• Non-Contestant Cosplayers (or Cos-trippers) can also join the event by bringing books and/or school supplies. This will also serve as a raffle entry and an entrance to the event
• To make it more exciting and fun, there will also be a raffle for those who joined this drive and prizes shall be announced.

TRICK OR TREAT

• Open to all kids ages 5 to 15.
• No registration fee required, just bring school supplies or a book
• Trick or treating will starts simultaneously with the Cosplay Competition.
• There will be also a winner for the best in Costume.

It's gonna be a fun event for kids and kids-at-heart. Don't miss Coszoom 2010!

Hobby Convention 2010 : Imperia

High expectations and hopes were exceeded in Hobby Convention 2010: Imperia. Held last October 10, 2010, the event drove hundreds of hobbyists and cosplay fans at the Activity Center of Ayala Center Cebu.

CANE Events has marked history for Cebu's largest gathering of cosplayers this year. The event highlighted a fashion show extravaganza with models who ramped ballroom attires, cosplay competition that showcased the undying competitiveness of Cebuano youth, and exhibits that displayed an explosion of wonderful captures by Cebu's fine photographers and artists.

Song and dance performances were presented during the event that even more spiced up the day. The champion of the previous J-Pop Singing Competition; EXOR was present and eagerly sang to the audience.

 

Among others, Amplitude Grounds and De Chaos rendered beautiful instrumentals and anime-oriented music.

The crowed roared smashing applauses and cheers after each electrifying dance moves from USC CAFA Popjazz and the USC Kinesyx Popjazz. The dances were cartoon/anime-themed. Really nice!

Photographers, artists and models gathered in the site. Kids and kids-at-heart were there and several families too! The event started with a big bang and ended with a very big boom! Tons of snapshots were made by many at the Banana Booth section (twas really fun there).

Hobcon, ended at around 9:00 pm where there were still a couple of cosplayers in the building. The organizers and the Imperians (event crews) had a tough and tiring day but all paid off with the fun and excitement they felt.

Enlisted below is the complete set of winners of Hobby Convention 2010. Congratulations to all you of them!

Rayland Duarte as Queen Amidala
with his loyal assistants

Best Male Cosplayer: Rayland Duarte as Queen Amidala (Star Wars)
Best Female Cosplayer: Yuki Akai as Magician Valkyria (Yu-Gi-Oh)

Best Group Cosplayer: Unlimited Blade Works (Fate Stay Night)

Special Kiddo Cosplayer: Zoe Toong as Empress Tianzi (Code Gease)

Maki Akai as Saberm, Joebert Camofranca as Assassin, Ara Catubigan as Leysritt, Erica Gocuan as Rider, Misao Teves as Caster, Allan Villarias as Archer, Kierby Calderon as Lancer

Photographer's Favorite: Queen Amidala (Rayland Duarte)

Syke's Pick: Prince Jumong (Zenith Caintic)

Cane's Choice: (Maki Akai)

Young Designers Fashion Competition: Clieza Mayol

Best Artwork: Josef Benjamin Eugenio

Photowall Likes: Jhon Ryusuke L. Enguel and Sincero Espejon

Being one of the stage crew of the event, I want to congratulate CANE Events for another successful cosplay gathering. Big thanks to all those who came and actively participated the show. I wish to see you all next time in the upcoming cosplay events!