 |
| Evening Tea Time performing live (Ozine Fest 2011) |
This is an article about my experience as a con-goer and cosplayer. If there are any similarities to other articles published in the web, it is purely coincidental. If I am violating any rules or terms of condition, please do not hesitate to message me and state the problem.
The first anime convention that I attended was Ozine Fest 2011, which took place at SM Megamall. Initially, going to that event was a last minute decision because my parents had a different place in mind. So I came in completely unprepared for what kind of joyride that was waiting for all the con-goers.
I was unprepared when I entered the halls reserved for the event. I only brought (and in my memory, borrowed) 2000 PhP from my mom for me to spend with whatever I wanted to inside, and a digital camera which lacks memory space.
Now as a veteran con-goer and starter cosplayer, I understand that these are the most important things needed for a con-goers:
For Con-goers who will not cosplay at the event:
- Camera w/ camera bag (with a large memory space) - digicams are ideal but, if possible, use a professional camera instead for epic shots during the event. Expect lots of people bumping you here and there so capturing a still image will be difficult. What's more, high quality photos can be entered in certain competitions.
 |
| Jillian Ongsip cosplaying Miku from Vocafusion 2012 |
- Zoom lens - for taking pictures of the stage, you can't expect to find a good spot in front if you're not patient and quick enough. Early birds would simply get on upfront and wait for all the events of the day to commence before exploring the halls.
- One spacious backpack - aside from the camera bag, a spacious and durable backpack is a must. This is for carrying the items that you buy during the event (eg. figurines, anime box sets, etc.). Also, keep one side pocket reserved for trash, garbage bins are only located at certain corners of the halls.
(an alternative for backpack is a travel bag, but IMO a backpack is more comfortable).
Wallet- keep your money in your wallet, but not all of it. With the great mass of people going in and out of the convention hall, the probability of dropping your wallet is high. I usually keep half of my money in my wallet, and the other half is inside my bag. (this is also ideal if you do not want to "accidentally" spend all your money).
Convention Hall Map- Maps of the convention halls used for the event are usually given upon purchase of the entrance ticket or upon entering the hall. While the map is large and hard to get and keep, it is easy to understand and it can help you find certain locations in the halls immediately to save time.
Entrance Ticket- When you enter the convention hall, make sure that you keep your ticket. No, you don't need it to enter the hall again when you go out because your hand will be stamped instead, but raffles are usually held mid-event. And these raffle numbers are based on the ticket numbers. Prizes usually range from a gachapon to cosplay materials.
Money- Going to conventions isn't all about taking pictures of cosplayers or joining other con-activities, going to cons also means being able to buy certain merchandise that are not usually found on outside shops, for a lower than usual price. The ideal amount of money for cons (in the Philippines, at least) is 3000 PhP to say the least.
Water- There are several food stalls located on a certain corner of convention halls but it is much better to keep a bottle of water tucked inside your bag. Make sure to seal it tightly, we don't want any leaks.
Handkerchief- Even if the hall is fully air-conditioned, there is no certainty that the temperature will reach Arctic Frost. Moreover, cosplayers tend to sweat more than the non-cosplaying con-goers.
Also bring a friend or a guardian (much like what Konata did to the Hiiragi twins in Lucky Star)
Of course, there are types of people who enjoy events alone and on their own terms, and there are some who enjoy it more when they are with someone they trust.
In my case, I usually go with my mom whether I'm cosplaying or not. But of course, you shouldn't treat your companion like a slave. When you enjoy the convention, make sure that you enjoy it with them.
My style in cosplaying is to let the heat of the event rise for a while before suiting up.
The above requirements are also the same here, but when you plan to cosplay, having a guardian with you is a definite must!
Do not, I repeat, DO NOT cosplay alone.
Also here's a Do's and Don't's when going to anime conventions:
DO:
-Respect the staff responsible for managing the event. This includes the main staff, the security guards, the stall clerks, technical staff etc.
-Attend early. Some conventions offer "Early bird promos" but only viable for the first 100 or so. The usual start of cons is either 10 or 11 in the morning.
- Expect long lines inside and outside of the convention halls. Even if you come to the venue of the event even before the opening time of the said venue, expect several more people to have come earlier than you. Honestly though, even I don't know where they suddenly pop out from. And even if you already entered the convention hall, around the time during the heat of the event, more people will just keep getting in the hall.
- Have Patience. This comes along with expecting long lines. There's approximately a whole 12 hours allocated to each day of several conventions.
-Respect the cosplayers. Some cosplayers tend to get shy when people suddenly crowd in front of him/her. If he/she agrees to be pictured, do it one at a time. Also, it is important to ASK FIRST, than suddenly popping out from nowhere and taking a snapshot. Respect their personal space.
-Respect the con-goers. Some con-goers who are new to anime conventions tend to get lost most of the times. When they ask questions, even to cosplayers, please do not be rude to them.
- Finish the convention. A lot of unexpected things tend to happen near the end of the convention, and that is when only a few con-goers are in the halls. Do not leave the event unless the staff specifically calls it over.
- Meet new people. I've been going to cons for 2 years now and sometimes I see familiar faces. Though it is entirely up to you, meeting new people during cons might just add up to the value of con-going.
 |
| Makise Kurisu nendoroid displayed by Team Onii-chan from Cosplay Mania 2012 |
DON'T:
- Spend all of your money. Or if you already plan to spend all of it, make sure you don't use it all up during the first hour of the con. Spend your money gradually, and sometimes it is easy to get lost in thought about the things you want to buy and things that just attract you. Learn to weigh down your "absolute wants" and "it just caught me eye" merchandise.
- Cut in line. Definitely do not cut in line! A lot of people have waited in line for hours, and if it is their spot, it is theirs. Respect their position, and learn to keep yours.
- Take your wallet out at the middle of the hall. If you are unsure about the amount of money you still have, find a less crowded corner and count it there. I also advise to lean on a wall while counting your money, it's more reassuring and comfortable that way, trust me. The same goes for checking your camera and backpack.
- Bring any gadgets, aside from your camera. Or if you must, keep your gadgets to a minimum by only bringing what is necessary (eg. cellphone). This is a convention, you'll have no time playing BlazBlue or Project Diva in your PSP. Plus, it's a load off your bag and concern when you do not bring unneeded gadgets with you. Expect your bag to get bumped several times when strolling around the halls.
- Touch figure displays. You've probably heard about Team Onii-chan, yeah? They're one of the biggest figure display crew in the Philippines, and take note, their figures are authentic (at least IMO). They are freely displaying their figurines but only for snapshots and maybe several questions from the owner. But do not touch these figures.
- Litter. Like I said above, keep your trash on a reserved pocket in your bag. You can't just leave it anywhere you want to. Garbage bins are stationed at certain points in the hallways. Empty your garbage there.
- Steal. Obviously. Some stalls display their merchandise freely and sometimes out of the attention of the handlers. I don't now what the consequences are, but there's really no need in knowing.
*Article is subjected to editing whenever the author feels like it.*
Comments
Post a Comment