Much have been said about this event. It’s the most prestigious. It’s the grandest. It’s the biggest gathering of hardcore Kpop enthusiasts in the country. Oh, and it’s the hottest, too (literally, but more on that later). Not only was it supported and organized by all the fan clubs, you also got participation of the retailers, record labels and of course, the two (2) beneficiaries.

IMO, KpopCon3 has been the best event that the Philippine Kpop Committee, Inc. has done to date. If you were on the stage too, you’d know why. And so I’d like to share with you guys my own experiences with Kpop Con 3, not only as part of the crew, but as the host and a fan of Kpop.

The back story:

So PKCI booked PICC for the venue the same time they did the year prior. We really loved the place, albeit it’s really expensive. Kebs. The Kpop fans deserve only the best and most sosyal, right? However, due to “a series of unfortunate events”, we were told that we had to look for another venue because they will be renovating. Lo and behold, we learned a famous bazaar apparently booked the place for 10 consecutive days because a rival bazaar took over WTC and they got cock-blocked. So anyway, we ended up in Megatent, which was fine since C.N.A Philippines was there last December 2-4 and the venue seemed okay and well-ventilated. Also, square-meter-wise, it wasn’t that far from Forums 1 & 2 so we were cool with it…

Everything from this point onward are Kring’s thoughts during the event. There might be some spazzing and cursing. LELZ.

- It’s 7am already. WHERE IS EVERYONE?!
- I don’t know shit about the logistics but hey, let me entertain you, concessionaires and sponsors! Why not?! You want tables? I’ll carry them for you!
- *Allelujaaaaah!* OMG LED SCREEN YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL! And stage you are huge!

Next year, expect that it would be more bonggelz!

- It’s starting to get packed, I wonder what time they will turn on the aircon.
- Oh, you mean it’s on already? WHAT.
- Tech team, prz to playback the videos already! Why are there so many people in the dressing room?! Who are these people?! MY BAAAAGGG!!! *clings* (Please take note that just the week prior, my entire fuckin’ bag was stolen).
- Yey! My make-up artist is here! “Chris, you gotta make me look unkabogable. My peg is Girls’ Generation’s The Boys, except more colorful and fun like 2ne1.”
- Okay now there’s really A LOT of people here in the dressing room and why are 75% of them gay?!
- They are letting people in already OMG!!!!! Are we ready yet?! It’s chaos here in the backstage!!!

Alodia Gosiengfiao is a very famous cosplayer. No one can deny that. There are much better models, endorsers, entertainers and hosts in the country but that girl’s name is and will be forever marked in the history of Philippine cosplay. Now, I’m not a rabid fangirl. I have directed her in some projects and I do like her, she is genuinely nice. But I’m writing this from a media practitioner’s perspective and I seriously wish I’m still in school so I could do a thesis on the Alodia phenomenon.

Presenting the “10 Reasons Why Alodia Gosiengfiao is Famous” (based on my observations).

1. Perfect timing

Alodia conquered the geek-culture world when the community was still very small and cosplay as we know it was just emerging. It was indeed perfect timing. It is safe to say that she’s one of the pioneers of the craft in the country and she had been winning competitions before some of the current cosplayers were even in school.

2. Quality Costumes

The cosplay scene in the country has grown and improved in the last 5-6 years. Before, not everyone paid much attention to details (LOL really, paper bag on your head and a random gun?). Alodia, however, ALWAYS had quality costumes and accessories. I remember interviewing her in a Final Fantasy event about 6 years ago and asked how much her white wig was. “It’s Php 5,000 eh. Mahal nga but I have no choice.” That was just her wig. However, you cannot hate her for having money. It’s like saying Britney Spears became a superstar because her parents had the money to send her to performing arts classes when she was growing up.

Alodia at the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con. That’s not a costume, that’s spartaaaa!!!!
Credit as tagged.

3. Sellable

Alodia is a brand. She’s actually one of the few legit local celebs who was able to build her image without being backed up by a talent company or a network. She’s had hoards of fans waaay before she even made it mainstream. How the heck she did that, I totally have no idea (if I did, I would’ve been famous by now, too. Or maybe not). She has a clean image, she’s pretty, and she knows her niche. Brands just followed her lead. Afterall, there is a big market for toys/gaming/Japanese-culture enthusiasts and companies are aware of that. Most of all, she has very pan-Asian features and is not limited to the Pinoy market.

“Alodia’s Fantasy is a fulfillment of Alodia’s dream world” – that’s what it says on the website. But for me Alodia’s Fantasy is much more than that – it’s actually a show that is set to bring Philippine cosplay to another level. Let me tell you why…

You know in your heart it’s your fantasy, too!
(click to enlarge the poster)

Alodia’s Fantasy, unlike many of the cosplay activities that Filipinos are used to is NOT an event – it is a show. A show with cameramen, with floor, technical and main directors, with editors and high production value. It’s like a TV special, except online. And who else can pull off something this big but Flippish.com – the pioneer of livestreaming entertainment in the country. No, I ain’t just saying that ‘coz I was their creative director or host before…

Since it’s not bound by TV or cable, this show is NOT JUST for local fans but for international cosplay enthusiasts as well!!! Yes, guys, as long as you have internet connection, you can watch and participate!!! Alodia’s Fantasy is, after all, the First Online Interactive Cosplay Show.