Otaku Pop Fes: Where Anime Dreams Met Luxury in Manila
There’s something magical about walking into a space where imagination is not just welcomed, but elevated. From the very first step into Otaku Pop Fes, it was clear this wasn’t your typical anime convention. This was something more refined, more immersive, and undeniably ambitious. Dubbed as the first-ever upscale anime event in the Philippines, and brought from Japan by Cyber E, the event found its home at the grand halls of OKADA Manila, with CBZN Perspective at the helm.
As one of the official media partners, This Is Game SEA had the privilege of witnessing how a passion-driven community event transforms when paired with scale, structure, and a touch of elegance.
A Morning That Started With Excitement
Even before the doors fully opened, the energy was already alive. A long queue stretched early in the morning, a testament to the anticipation surrounding the event. While the venue’s location in a reclaimed area means it isn’t directly accessible by public transportation, ride-hailing apps made the journey smooth enough for eager fans ready to dive into the experience.
And once inside, everything felt intentional.
Mission, Rewards, and a Clear Adventure Path
One of the standout aspects of Otaku Pop Fes is how it gives attendees a sense of purpose. This wasn’t just about wandering aimlessly from booth to booth. From the moment you entered, you knew what to do.
Each licensed anime booth offered interactive tasks. Completing them rewarded visitors with collectibles like exclusive anime printouts and stamps. These stamps weren’t just for show, they led to participation in scheduled gachas or raffle draws, a familiar and well-loved feature from CBZN’s previous events.
It felt like a real-life quest system. And honestly, it worked.
Spacious, Stylish, and Surprisingly Relaxing
If there’s one thing conventions often struggle with, it’s space. But here, space was part of the experience.
The booths were large, minimalistic, and thoughtfully designed. The Ballroom at OKADA Manila provided enough breathing room for attendees to explore, pause, and even sit down comfortably. It’s rare to find an event where you can take a break without feeling like you’re in the way, and Otaku Pop Fes delivered exactly that.
Booth Highlights: Interactive Fun at Its Best
The creativity of the booths truly stood out. Each one offered something unique:
- The Naruto Jounin Exam challenged fans with an origami task
- DanDaDan’s Tunnel Run recreated Okarun’s chase scene with Turbo Granny
- Witch Watch let fans experience the Embiggen spell in a playful photo setup
- Spy x Family became a crowd favorite with its ball toss game, rewarding winners with a large eco bag (perfect for hauling event goodies)
- Even Uma Musume Pretty Derby had a quirky carrot toss activity
Smaller booths leaned into photo ops and social media challenges, but what tied everything together was the thoughtful execution. From layout to queue flow, everything felt smooth and well-considered.
A Growing Crowd, But Never Overwhelming
By late afternoon, the crowd had noticeably doubled. Booths were buzzing, the mini stage was packed, and the energy kept rising. Yet, the event never felt suffocating. The spacious design allowed people to move, explore, and relax without stress.
It’s a delicate balance, and Otaku Pop Fes managed to keep things lively without losing comfort.
Official Merch and the Joy of Collecting
A separate merchandise area ran throughout the day, and its consistently long lines told you everything you needed to know.
This wasn’t just any merch. These were official items, the kind fans proudly collect. For many, it wasn’t just shopping, it was a moment of self-reward, a way to reconnect with the stories and characters that shaped them.
Cosplay, Community, and Celebration
Over at the Cove, cosplay events and parades brought the community together in full color. From seasoned cosplayers to enthusiastic newcomers, everyone shared the same stage. The event even highlighted standout participants with a Top 4 selection for Day 1, adding a celebratory edge to the showcase.
More than anything, it felt like a gathering of people who genuinely love what they do.
A Night That Ended on a High Note
As the sun set, the energy shifted into something electric.
Laser Man opened the night with a visually stunning performance that felt almost 4D, blending lights and motion into a mesmerizing spectacle.
Then came Eir Aoi, delivering a powerful live set featuring hits like Innocence, Iris, and Ryusei. Her presence was magnetic, her energy infectious, guiding the crowd into chants and cheers that echoed through the venue.
DJKAZU followed with a set that bridged cultures and generations. From city pop classics like Mayonaka no Door (Stay With Me) to anime hits like BLING BANG BANG BORN, the crowd responded with pure enthusiasm. Unexpected transitions, like shifting from AKB48’s Heavy Rotation to YOASOBI’s Idol, kept everyone on their feet.
And then, the main highlight.
The main event of the night saw UNIS deliver a fantastic performance. They provided exactly what the crowd expected from them. As winners of the show Universe Ticket, they showed great precision. Their dance moves and live vocals were completely on point.
The group wore beautiful pink majorette fiesta style costumes. They opened the set with several of their Korean songs. The setlist included SUPERWOMAN followed by SWISH and CURIOUS. They also performed Dream of Girls and DOPAMINE for the fans. MWAH and MOSHI MOSHI finished the musical selection with high energy. A raffle happened between sets for lucky fans. These winners received a special photoshoot with the idols.
It is amazing to hear the girls speak English so well now. Elisia and Gehlee lead the group as natural English speakers. Both members are Filipinas who bring a local connection to the stage. Their talent continues to shine across all of Southeast Asia.
A Festival Worth Experiencing
Otaku Pop Fes isn’t just about scale or spectacle. It’s about experience. It understands what fans want: interaction, comfort, creativity, and connection.
From its structured activities to its spacious layout and high-quality performances, the event proves that anime conventions can evolve into something more immersive without losing their heart.
And as Day came to a close, one thing was clear:
This wasn’t just an event you attend. It’s an experience you carry with you long after you leave.
