Honey’s Anime:
-- What is Otageki and why did the group choose to conduct a Tanabata festival?

Lora Lopez:
"Otageki" literally means otakus who portray characters they like and role play them through Cosplaying. (from Japanese words "OTAKU and GEKI") OTAGEKI COSPLAY ASSOCIATION INC., is the very first and officially registered cosplay organization founded in Baguio City, PH in July 25, 2010.

Our company’s goal is to promote cosplay excellence, artistry, and quality craftmanship as a unified team and family while exemplifying discipline and continuing progress while having the time of our lives. We had decided to organize the Cosplay Tanabata Festival in collaboration with the JANL (Japanese Association of Northern Luzon) and ABONG. They are the active Japanese communities here in Baguio City and in the North.

-- Why did the group opt to conduct it in Baguio?

The practice of Tanabata Festival in Baguio City began in 2011 in the Baguio Museum to celebrate the Philippine-Japanese Friendship month here in Baguio City. Spearheaded by the President of the JANL, Hidenobu Oguni and Otageki, the first ever Cosplay Tanabata Festival was organized in 2011 at the Baguio Convention Center.

We continued to practice this Cosplay Tanabata Festival to share the Japanese culture to the people of Baguio City and as a commemoration of the friendship month. This is a chance for everyone of a common interest to meet and enjoy the festivities.

3 - Lora Lopez cosplaying as Diao Chan, a character from Dynasty Warriors. Photo credit to Christian Noel Reyes of Wanobo Photography, official photographer of Otageki.

-- What are the areas covered by Otageki? Are Tanbata Festivals also being done in other places apart from Baguio?

We usually focus events organizing here in Baguio City. We visit or compete in cosplay competitions in other cities though. We are not too certain about the existence of other Tanabata Festivals being held elsewhere in the Philippines.

-- Is this the first time Otageki coordinated with the Japanese Association of Northern Luzon?

No, we have done collaborations for the Philippine-Japanese Friendship Month in Baguio for about six years now.

-- How was the event advertised?

We focused on social media sites, posters, tarpaulins and flyers. As it is a well-established event in Baguio City, the people already anticipate the event so they always follow the group’s Facebook Page. We also appeared in the Sky Cable program feature.

-- In your opinion, was the event successful?

Our group’s goal is to bring the people together with the same interests and to share the Japanese culture to the people of Baguio City for the Cosplay Tanabata Festival. If that’s the case, we could say the event was successful as we were able to gather 1,100 attendees (highest attendees count since the beginning) and a lot of people enjoyed the festivities. We are very glad about the outcome of the event this year.

-- Will there be similar events in the coming months?

Not certain if we’ll have a convention-type of event anytime soon. But we are preparing something big for November. Stay tuned!

-- What is anime to you?

A beautiful art and a form of literature showcasing Japan’s culture and arts.

Honey’s Anime:
-- What are the goals of the Japanese Association of Northern Luzon?

Hidenobu Oguni:

It is very hard to start a life in a different country. If you are a foreigner, you will need local support, support from people just like you who are living close to you. You need a tool to communicate to each other. JANL is a communication tool for Japanese nationals living in the region. A form of local support.

-- What do you think about today’s event?

I am really, really surprised; and in a positive way too. I’m very happy that the youth in the city are getting involved in organizing events like this. I think we have about a thousand people in attendance today. It’s a very good number.

5 - Members of the JANL serve as judges in the event's numerous contests. Daisuke Hagiwara (second from left) tallies his scorecard for the participant onstage.

-- What does the JANL do?

Daisuke Hagiwara:
The JANL mainly organizes events for Japanese people who are settling in on the region. We support events like this one, the Tanabata Festival to promote Japanese culture.

-- Is the JANL supporting any other anime groups in other parts of the country?

As of this moment, we only support anime groups in Baguio City.

-- How did you promote the event?

For about two to three days, we appeared in several televised programs in Sky Cable (the local cable network) with Otageki. The event was promoted in those appearances.

6 - Kenzou Alcala smiles as he watches attendees practice the basics of kenjutsu in the festival.

Honey’s Anime:
-- Do you conduct kenjustu lessons in Baguio often?

Kenzou Alcala:
Actually, this is only the second time. We just started doing this last February, during the Baguio Flower Festival (a month-long celebration showcasing the city’s flowers).

-- Why do you teach Kenjutsu?

I teach kenjutsu as a way for Filipinos to be exposed to traditional Japanese culture. There are many in the Philippines who teach kendo, which is quite a modern form of Japanese swordsmanship, but there are very few who teach kenjutsu, which is very ancient and traditional.

7 - The kenjutsu teacher laughs as he looks at the activities unfolding onstage.

-- Do you have a school where you actually do regular lessons?

We have a private school in Pasig City (in the capital region), called the Hiten Okugi Shinkai. We practice a very old form of swordsmanship there, a style that is over 600 years old.

-- Is the school open to the public?

Unfortunately, right now, the school is only strictly by invitation only.

-- I notice that your first name is Japanese and your family name is Filipino. How did you get your name?

Kenzou is my swordsman’s name, given to me by my sensei when he took me up as a student. This is the name I carry now.

8 - Artist Richie Hanzel Diay poses with his latest Sumi-e artwork.

Honey’s Anime:
-- What kind of art are you into right now?

Richie Hanzel Diay:
Right now, I’m into Sumi-e Art, or wet wash painting. I like Mixed Media too.

-- What were the anime that influenced your style?

I was influenced a lot by Dragonball Z and Zenki back when I was in the 3rd grade. Actually, no, it actually was Gatchaman, back when I was just 5 years old!

-- So what are your current projects today?

I’m currently a freelance artist. I primarily work as a flatsheet color artist nowadays, which is my day job.

9 - His collaborative works, which features a story rooted in Philippine history and current events.

-- Do you ever see yourself stopping?

Even if I find a regular job, I will still try to give time for this.
HA: What is art to you, really?
Art is my passion. It definitely is my passion.