So much to talk about, so little time. Especially when you’ve selected your photos, edited them then by that time, it’s already late and you just had to go to bed. Thought to self; the things I do when I write a blog post such as Anime Festival Asia Malaysia.
Anime Festival Asia Malaysia
After much commitment from Malaysians heading down to Singapore yearly for the Anime Festival Asia convention, it has finally crossed our (and Indonesia’s) borders. Held in the old Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), where PC Fair used to be until there was too many complaints of stuffiness and disgusting BO stories, I couldn’t help but ask; why there?!
The ticket counters had long queues. Long enough that it worried the PWTC officers monitoring the situation. This was because there was some other AGM or something going on. Plus, PWTC is located next to a political party’s tower. So yeay. 😛
And like our Malaysian road signs – not knowing it’s there until it’s too late, I heard from goldfries that apparently, there was an exclusive counter opened if you were a Canon user. Well, thankfully I got my tickets the previous day. By the way, speaking of bad signages, PWTC should look at themselves too because I didn’t notice any sign saying where was hall 1 and 2. The only hall I saw from the parking lot was Dewan Tun Razak 1 & 2. How’s everyone suppose to know THAT is hall 1 and 2?! *facepalm* Don’t get me started of having to walk across a bridge to the place. *sweats*
Once inside the Anime Festival Asia Malaysia, we started patrolling the booths to see what goodies which interest us. We walked end to end within 15 minutes. It was very obvious which booth were real crowd pullers; maid cafe, butler cafe and KKNM (together with littleAkiba – friend of mine).
The other booths which were open (if I recall) were:
- Danny Choo
- GoodSmile company
- Bushiroad
- Macross Malaysia club
- Online gaming
- Sony Music
- Canon
- AFA shop
- Event organizer
- Malaysia Hatsune Miku party booth
- Some other booths selling anime merchandise and cosplay items.
Danny Choo was not only hosting the festival shows but also promoting his Moekana Japanese language cards. And of course, he brought the lovely Mirai Suenaga with him to the Anime Festival Asia Malaysia edition.
Hmm, I read quite a bit of chatter on Twitter about the Ultimate Madoka figure. Though I’m sure there’s a very good reason, please do tell me about it. However, I believe this was the model they were oogling.
When it got really crowded, making for little room to move *cough – PC Fair history* we mozied over to the next hall. This was where the stage activities were held along with the concert in the evening.
I must say though, using this hall for the concert was definitely a good move. It’s spacious just like AFA Singapore. 🙂
Making our way to the stage
The first show of Anime Festival Asia Malaysia Day 1 hosted by Danny Choo was with Tomohiko Ishii introducing the upcoming anime film; Re:Cyborg 009.
The Cyborg 009 production dates back to the 1960s for manga and the latest anime production was in 2001. I don’t recall watching the anime but I must say after watching the upcoming movie trailer, I’m going to hunt for the recent anime.
After Ishii-san’s segment, I noticed camera bearing guys moving to the front of the barricade. I pondered staying in my seat in the 3rd row then later standing on the chair, but I didn’t want to risk it. So I secured a seat in the front row.
Sitting beside me was a girl taking notes while her girl friend was snapping photos. They looked like journalist but my bet is they were real hardworking bloggers. 😛
Spiral Cats (SP Cats) cosplayers
The reason for this camera horde was because professional cosplayers were coming on stage at Anime Festival Asia Malaysia. Plus, both of them were Korean girls to boot.
Other than Danny Choo, he had a sweet lady co-host with him. Don’t remember her name.
The SP Cats are a Korean group of cosplayers who are rather serious in the hobby. It takes them awhile to produce the gear and costumes. The pair who came down for AFA was the group leader; Tasha, and youngest member; Miyuko. Okay, I will shut up now and just post the pictars. 😛
By the way, here’s a picture of the crowd seated during the morning show.
We had to leave Anime Festival Asia Malaysia earlier because of lunch plans. And I found out later I missed the opportunity to snap some artistes on stage because they came out to wish the crowd. Oh well.
My only plunder of this event was the latest SCANDAL album. Primary reason being I didn’t have enough cash on me. From another perspective, that sounds like a good thing.
Overall, Anime Festival Asia Malaysia was alright. I’m hoping to see more booths open next year and that time, I’ll make sure to bring more cash. Also to the organizer, please bring down more Japanese acts! 😀
And if you could, please give me a media pass next time. Pretty please. ROFL!
P.S.: When Joshua shared this photo, I couldn’t believe it. Oh em gee, I tell ya.
Come to think of it, this isn’t Sheryl Nome from Macross right? Or, is it?
