OtaGonzo: Ozine Fest 2010 Day 1 Report
by otaking on Apr.12, 2010, under Otagonzo
We're out of three day passes, but you can buy three of these for forty pesos more!
I attended an Ozine event (O-zeen? O-zayn? No one I’ve talked to seems to agree…) the year before, but only during the final day. I wanted to get a sense of the entire con this year, so this year I decided to attend all three days of Ozine Fest 2010.
Day 1:
“It’s 100 per ticket, 260 for a three-day pass,” the ticket lady said.
“A three day pass, please.”
“We’re out of three-day passes. Would you like three tickets?”
This was off to a great start, I thought. Immediately through no fault of my own I was down forty pesos more than I should have spent. Oh well, no big deal. “Just the one, please.”
Ozine on a Friday was… spacious. The organizers rented out Megatrade Halls 1 and 2 and with so few people (compared to the crazy contest days where you have to stand toe-to-toe with someone who considers hygiene lower on the hierarchy of needs than having watched every single anime Minorin has ever contributed a song for) I could have actually brought my lightsaber and did some saber spinning tricks without hitting anyone.
Bloody thing’s too heavy to lug around though.
I see your schwarz is as big as mine.
Another thing: if you aren’t in some sort of costume, you are immediately considered a lower caste. This is not to say that you get intentionally treated like second-class citizens. But the difference between walking around in costume and being a regularly-dressed gawker is clear as night and day. I found myself wishing I had a new costume, or at least a vastly-improved version of my previous one. Cosplayers are the center of attention, getting away with anything they pull.
Well, almost anything. There were some cosplayers who went largely unnoticed because either their costumes were too simple, too shoddy, or because the cosplayer himself seemed too creepy to approach. Yes, I said ‘himself’. Female cosplayers always, always had someone approaching them.
Unless they were patently unattractive. In which case elaborate costumes usually compensated. Usually. When they didn’t, I was greeted with a spectacle that was almost too painful to behold: A cosplayer who desperately wanted to call attention to himself/herself but couldn’t break character to do so, surrounded by a crowd busy ooh-ing and aah-ing over someone right next to them. The saddest thing in the world is a cosplayer holding a ‘Free Hug’ sign surrounded by empty space.
Many (but not all) of the shops were in this corner of the con separated from the main flow of traffic. This was an interesting choice that was probably made to ease crowding, since would-be purchasers stand around and gawk when everyone else needs to pass through to get somewhere.
This opinion was not shared by the people running the stalls.
“I keep getting lost,” said Raymond Sison of CSCentral. “They should open up the corner.”
“Hey Raymond,” Mike Abundo said, motioning toward me, “have you met Cliff from Project Otaking yet?”
Raymond looked at me disinterestedly, simply emitted a grunt, turned his back to me, and returned to what he was saying.
Nice to meet you too. Simon says “Have a nice day.”
I'm going to sink a lot of money into kitschy Japanese junk from now on, I just know it.
I walked off to the Waku Waku stall and purchased a yellow PEN’Z GEAR (PROTIP: If the PEN’Z GEAR is yellow, it means the ink is yellow, too. Much confusion under incandescent lights.) and a Peri Peri keychain for my wife, which replicates the sweet sensation of tearing open a mail parcel or a box of Tongari Corn.
My wife spent the next morning ripping imaginary packages open over and over again.
Just look at the sheer joy on their faces!
I also bought a pair of aviator goggles from a shop that specializes in all sorts of geeky eyewear, like steampunk goggle’s and Willy Wonka’s shades.
I paid a visit to OtaKai’s figurine exhibit as well, to check out my friend Joey’s glorious Yoko Littner Bounty Hunter PVC figure.
Look at those wondrous... details.
I ran into Kunebitt who was hanging out at her friends’ contacts and wigs stall. Mike was once again applying ‘social lubrication’ as he charmingly puts it.
“Kunebitt is going to be on a live web chat this Tuesday,” Mike informed me.
“Live web chat, ha?” I gave her a sly look and grinned, rubbing my chin.
“Gago ka Cliff,” she shot back. Then she grinned too. “Anong sinabi mo, Kuya Dennis?”
God I hate that guy.
Highly moddable, perfectly balanced ballpoint pen designed specifically for pen twirling. Oh, Japan.
“This is Cliff. He writes Project Otaking,” Mike said, introducing me to Dennis Uy, of the Ozine Uy brothers.
Dennis regarded me as he shook my hand. Once again I couldn’t help notice how much taller everyone else seems compared to me. “Oh. So that’s you,” placing particular emphasis on the last word. My reputation, whatever it is, keeps preceding me.
“Yep, that’s me,” I replied. “Say, I’m having trouble getting a three day pass.”
“Is there any chance we could get Cliff a press pass?” Mike asked.
“We’re having trouble with the IDs. We keep running out of them. Apparently people keep lending them out to friends who never come back,” Dennis said. “You can get a three day pass at the ticket booth.”
“No I can’t,” I said. “They said they were all out.”
“What? How is that possible?” A look of irritation, not the first one all day considering that he was the boss of this huge party, crossed Dennis’ face. “Anyway, we’ll be selling two day passes tomorrow. Will you be coming back?”
“Yeah, with my wife and her niece. I’m supposed to have coffee with Richie dela Merced at some point.”
He shook my hand again before leaving to take care of another minor crisis. “Great. See you then.”
[EDIT: It has been brought to my attention that there are two Dennises in my narrative. No, the Dennis I hate with a vengeance isn't Dennis Uy. Move along. If you want to know who it is, ask someone who knows the inside joke. 
]
85 Comments for this entry
5 Trackbacks / Pingbacks for this entry
-
Letum ~ Eulogies of Life » Blog Archive » Ozine 2010: Day 1 – Kerkerism My Heart
April 14th, 2010 on 5:45 pm[...] more readings, read ProjectOtaking’s report: OzineFest 2010 Day 1 Report Share and [...]
-
Ozine Fest 2010 Day 1 « wildquaker – Constantly Plugged In
April 14th, 2010 on 9:02 pm[...] TIME! Here’s a blog post regarding Day 1 of Ozine Fest by Cliff and Sese. Leave a [...]
-
OtaGonzo: Ozine Fest 2010 Day 2 - Project Otaking
April 15th, 2010 on 4:18 pm[...] is Day 2 of my Ozine Fest 2010 report! Read day 1 here! All pictures are by my friend Ksolaris, as you can tell from the watermark — not that it's [...]
-
Otagonzo: Ozine Fest 2010 Day 3 Report - Project Otaking
April 19th, 2010 on 1:10 am[...] Read Part 1 here! Part 2 here! [...]
-
roof racks for cars
March 29th, 2012 on 12:46 pmHigh achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation….
I think this is one of the most vital information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But want to remark on some general things, The website style is ideal, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers…
December 24th, 2011 on 6:45 am
Thought I would comment and say great concept, did you create it on your possess? It appears outstanding!
December 24th, 2011 on 7:29 am
At this time it appears like Drupal is the top blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
December 24th, 2011 on 8:44 am
My pal and that i have been merely talking about this unique subject matter, your woman really is normally attempting to show me personally absolutely wrong! I ‘m going to show her this website submit not to mention caress this inside a little!
December 24th, 2011 on 8:57 am
Great blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers? I’m hoping to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m totally confused .. Any suggestions? Thanks!
December 24th, 2011 on 4:21 pm
Lots of guys ask, is penile enlargement possible to get in a natural and safe way? Actually, yes it is. There are a few scientific studies and clinical assessments done demonstrating that proper exercise that enhances the blood circulation in the penis can help make it bigger. Though the faster approach to achieve it is via surgical procedures, natural solutions are still the best simply because they’re safe, effective and cost-effective.
December 24th, 2011 on 7:58 pm
I have to consider feature towards thanking owners of the a professional recommendation We certainly have time and again took pleasure searching for your website or blog. We’re enthusiastic about the precise graduation connected with each of our collage investigating and in addition the extensive foot work could not are almost always conduct without ever beingshown to people there to the site your blog post. Just may well be from any assist to other marketers, We are gracious to guide as to what We now have worked out from this point.
December 24th, 2011 on 10:45 pm
Heard about this website from my good friend. He pointed me right here and informed me I’d find what I want. He was correct! I acquired the questions I had, answered. Did not even take long to get it. Adore the fact that you made it so simple for individuals like me.
December 24th, 2011 on 10:45 pm
I’ve said that least 331930 times. The problem this like that is they are just too compilcated for the average bird, if you know what I mean
December 25th, 2011 on 2:45 am
I just added this site to my rss reader, great stuff. Can not get enough!
December 25th, 2011 on 3:27 am
Great post. I am a regular visitor of your web site and appreciate you taking the time to maintain the nice site. I’ll be a frequent visitor for a long time.
December 25th, 2011 on 5:36 am
Hey there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this site with us so I came to take a appear. I’m undoubtedly enjoying the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Outstanding weblog and outstanding style and style.
December 25th, 2011 on 5:46 am
I like this web blog very much so much good information.
December 25th, 2011 on 6:59 am
Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog site in Ie, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, awesome blog!
December 25th, 2011 on 7:11 am
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your weblog? My website is in the very same niche as yours and my users would truly benefit from a lot of the information you present here. Please let me know if this ok with you. Many thanks!
December 25th, 2011 on 7:34 am
Following study several with the weblog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web site list and will be checking back soon. Pls take a look at my internet site as effectively and let me know what you think.
December 25th, 2011 on 9:03 am
One thing I’d prefer to say is the fact that car insurance termination is a feared experience so if you’re doing the appropriate things like a driver you simply will not get one. Some individuals do are sent the notice that they are officially dumped by the insurance company they have to struggle to get added insurance following a cancellation. Low-priced auto insurance rates are usually hard to get from a cancellation. Knowing the main reasons pertaining to auto insurance cancellations can help individuals prevent completely losing in one of the most crucial privileges available. Thanks for the suggestions shared through your blog.
December 25th, 2011 on 9:18 am
Howdy! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.
December 25th, 2011 on 9:32 am
Virtually all of the things you say is supprisingly precise and it makes me ponder why I hadn’t looked at this in this light before. Your article really did switch the light on for me personally as far as this issue goes. Nevertheless there is one issue I am not necessarily too comfortable with and whilst I try to reconcile that with the actual core idea of your position, permit me observe exactly what the rest of your visitors have to say.Well done.
December 25th, 2011 on 2:25 pm
I appreciate the insightful post. Thanks.
December 25th, 2011 on 3:47 pm
Cpr KIts… very wonderful read you know alot about this topic i see!…
December 25th, 2011 on 5:20 pm
I’m just writing to let you know what a remarkable experience my wife’s child obtained studying your webblog. She came to understand several details, most notably what it is like to have a very effective teaching style to get other individuals effortlessly master specific tortuous subject areas. You undoubtedly did more than her desires. Thank you for offering such beneficial, trusted, edifying and even fun tips about your topic to Ethel.
December 25th, 2011 on 6:59 pm
Audio started playing as soon as I opened up this web-site, so irritating!
December 25th, 2011 on 7:16 pm
I’m also commenting to make you know of the amazing experience my friend’s child obtained visiting the blog. She figured out several details, including what it is like to have a very effective giving mood to let other individuals without problems thoroughly grasp various hard to do matters. You undoubtedly did more than people’s expected results. I appreciate you for giving these essential, healthy, educational and in addition unique tips about the topic to Sandra.
December 25th, 2011 on 8:31 pm
I came across this internet website and I really should say I’m totally overjoyed at what I’m seeing. I enjoy how you might be able to actually feel such really like and such encouragement just on the internet site alone.
December 25th, 2011 on 10:40 pm
Hi there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website? I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
December 25th, 2011 on 10:51 pm
Hi there. I discovered your web site by means of Google even as searching for a related topic, your web site got here up. It seems good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks to come back later.
December 26th, 2011 on 12:10 am
I located your weblog web site on google and check a couple of of your early posts. Proceed to maintain up the superb operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN Details Reader. In search of forward to reading extra from you later on!…
December 26th, 2011 on 1:46 am
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is fantastic blog. A great read. I will definitely be back.
January 23rd, 2012 on 6:02 am
I’m thankful i detected this particular web site, exactly the best info i had been searching with regard to!