A Victim of Foul Play

After giving it some thought and consulting with other people, what happened back during the cosplay contest in E-Games was utterly disappointing. It isn't about the event organized by E-Games nor the cosplayers, but mainly because of how the system of the cosplay contest and judging was wired. What we have witnessed there was an exercise of foul play. It might not seem serious for some but at least little details like this wont go unnoticed.

To sum it up in a nutshell, there were 3 judges and I was one of them. Normally, as what I have previously mentioned in my journal, the judges would have equal power and influence to rate a contestant's performance. This is based on years of judging these kinds of events. Here is the usual breakdown:

Creativity 50%
Stage Performance 40% and
Audience Impact 10%.

But this time the criteria was divided among the judges and I was tasked to only rate the "Audience Impact" which was only a mere 10% of the total score.  See something fishy? I hope so. Inequality of influence over the outcome of the deserving cosplayers. This is the first time I've encountered such.

According to Ms. Grace Dimaandal of E-Games, when she spoke to Cosplay.ph, they agreed that I would be the main judge. But even if I wasn't the main judge, how come it turned out this way?

This can only be directed to the only cosplay group in the Philippines who had organized such a competition. A play of manipulative direction and injustice in the system.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. I've been keeping mum about other issues concerning the cosplay community not because I don't know about them nor I want to run away from them, but for the reason that I do not want uncalled hate to arise. There is too much of it already and I just want most of the people to see the beauty and fun of cosplaying and fair play. And hopefully, love the art. But this one just cannot pass because it taints the image of this wonderful hobby. And it will never end unless properly addressed.

To quote a good friend of mine and a great cosplayer who has won various awards over time in the cosplay scene:

"Sad kasi lumalaban kami ng fair pero in some reasons na, wala na kami magagawa."
(Sad because we play fair but in some reasons/cases, we really can't do anything about it)

Everything lies on the hands of the "superiors" of the cosplay community.

You be the judge of this. What I want to point out here is that there is clearly an injustice within the system. And I just want to make others aware about this and break free from manipulative hands that have been "molding" the community.

PS: You speak of neutrality, but over the years, all I've heard from you is "I disagree with this. I don't approve of that. This what you should have done, etc. etc." Clearly that is not neutral. I haven't even been talking about you over the years.

PPS: I know this entry will generate hate, but lets keep it constructive. Bashing/flames won't be tolerated.

PPPS: And yes, I don't intend to please everyone since no one ever could. Not even Jesus Christ could. That's just the way it is.

PPPPS: This is not connected to an entry that was previously published about the anomalies of the cosplay community. On a different note, this is an entry dedicated to how I feel about the community based on my experiences specifically what has transpired during the E-Games Domination III last April 4, 2009.

PPPPPS: I was once part of a happy cosplay community named FilCosplay. And I'd like to thank them for their support and friendship in the past. But what happened? How did it end up this way?

PPPPPPS: Now you guys know why I am pretty much distant from this group.

I am speaking not only for myself but for the new cosplayers who might be victims of this system in the future. We are against injustice not only for what has happened to me, but for my other fellow cosplayer friends as well. We do not want other people pushing over other cosplayers just because they "have more experience" in the industry.

To shed light on another topic, false promises to entice cosplayers is also an exercise of foul play. I am not oblivious to what happened at the first National Cosplay Summit. I've also heard of what happened in the 2nd National Cosplay Summit (April 5, 09). And it wasn't a good one.

To the "superiors" of cosplay, I wish for you humility in your words and actions; fair play; and hopefully, respect towards others.

To the ones who have experienced injustice, I pray for you the courage to speak up for yourselves.

If no action is taken, nothing will happen. And those unaware will only succumb to the plight of those in charge.

Full Report Here

Facebook Semi-Gallery:
Part I
Part II

Full Gallery Here

Good news guys & dolls!

According to the Touhou no Yuujin Organization of Ateneo de Manila, The Ateneo Shizen Orchestra Anime Convention is rescheduled for April 25, 2009 and will be held at SMX Convention Center (that's in SM Mall of Asia), Function Hall 4.

It's the biggest anime event for the midsummer vacation season. To find out more about this event, here's a word from the organziers:

Warmest greetings from Touhou no Yuujin (Toujin)! We are an anime and manga organization based in the Ateneo de Manila University that aspires to unite local anime enthusiasts, develop their skills, and share with others what it is about the Japanese culture that inspires us.

The festival for the appreciation of East Asian music and an anime and manga convention was supposed to be held on March 7, 2009 at the SM X Convention Center, Function Hall
5, from 11 AM to 8 PM. It is now rescheduled for April 25, 2009 at the same venue. There will be live musical performances, a Maid and Butler café, an artist's corner, a cosplay competition, fashion contests, and general concession stands.

Finally, we got to produce the next batch.
All designs here are one-of-a-kind!
Click Here if you're interested in purchasing them. ^_^
Local and International buyers are welcome!

My sister and I will be at the SDCC 2009! See you there! (more details here)