Fantasy Quest 2012 (Manila)

And so it has been more than a week since Fantasy Quest 2! Along with a bunch of other Singaporeans and Malaysian cosplayers/photographers, we had a lovely 5d4n stay in Philippines. Fantasy Quest, the event itself turned out to be a lot more magical and erm ... unexpectedly awkward for me.

We arrived at the event around 12pm and there were already people bustling about. Granted the turnout was not as big as other cosplay events in Philippine but considering how isolated the place is, it's a really good turn out.

And the first thing we noticed at the gate was a huge poster…. of us yesterday.

Everyone was shocked since nobody told us the random photos we took yesterday would be printed out on such a scale o_o. Poor Christy changed out of her costume early and ended up taking the picture in her Pyjamas haha…

When we arrived, the first panel of the day had already begun. And it was a photography panel by this guy who’s name escapes my memory.

The next panel was a make up tutorial panel hosted by Jerry Polence. Look at how intense her audience look xD it's like 100% concentration power to absorb every tip Jerry dish out. Hahaha.

There were a few commercial sponsor booths but most of the booths were fan booths selling Anime merchandise, Contact lenses and Cosplay accessories.

I didn't get as much chance as i hoped to roam around because we were soon summoned to join in the red carpet walk.

It was so embarrassing >////<;;

And when it came to Yuegene Fay's turn, the crowd was exhilarated ! This is Yuegene Fay cosplaying as Kise from Kuroko no Basuke.

The crowd response was so intense it scared even the event Marshals LOL ! We were supposed to sit in the VIP area but because the crowd were too excited , the event organisers decided to pull us backstage.

In this picture you see the pack of us stuck in a corner because we couldn't get out lol. Yuegene Wai joo so popular xD !?!

We then joked with Yuegene that we should all just surround her and dance the Oppa Gangnum style dance while we escort her back to the resting room. Maybe that will scare some of her fanboys/fangirls off xD

After the red carpet walk, Yuegene Fay changed into the blue version of the costume and went on to have a meet and greet session with her fans. And the organisers decided to let us sit in too OAO||||

This is us sitting awkwardly at the table, undeservingly sharing Yuegene's limelight LOL. It was an awkward session for me but I hope all the event attendees had fun ;)!

Had I have known how the day would pave out, I’d have worn a more elaborate costume instead of my simple “Reporter Get up’. Not to mention I even forgot to bring Shiemi’s belt and Hair bow T_T I was lucky I had a random pink bow that could pass off.

How the session looked like from my POV. Check out the pile of gifts Yuegene’s fans gave her!

We retired back into our resting room and Yuegene Fay changed into her 3rd costume for the climax event of the day; The Grand ball dancing !

All the foreign cosplayers had to participate in this segment and we wee not allowed to dance with our own people. The initial instruction was that we would have to choose a stranger from the crowd but eventually they let loose the rules and Team Verdana got Drew to partner with me instead. And I secretly heaved a sigh of relief that at least it was someone I know xD I'm sorry but dancing with a stranger though exciting is also overwhelmingly stressful for a klutz like me >.<

The segment started with a lot of stage rawr rawr on who would do the first dance with special guest Yuegene Fay. All the ladies in the crowd were raising their hands and pushing forward for a chance to be picked  xD

    

And somehow, amidst the chaos, the first dance eventually went to Naokun –_-||| . Well at least the Fujoshis were happy since Naokun was cosplaying as Natsuki from UtaPri. Fan service much xD !!

Don't worry, Yuegene Fay did eventually select a fortunate girl to dance with. And coincidentally (or not!), the girl was cosplaying as Haruka in a white gown! It was such an awww moment to see both of them standing together in white stage worthy costumes <3

The lot of us were gathered right in the centre of the crowd with a string of hardworking event marshals holding hands and surrounding us. Haha.

The dance was a simple 2 step sort of waltz and I was so nervous I cannot remember what song was played. Much thanks to my first dance partner, Drew for teaching me the basics of the dance. Drew was cosplaying as Noctis from FF13.

After a while there was a cue and we frantically changed partners. And I got to dance with the super cute Sese who was cosplaying as Miwako from Paradise Kiss xD I forgot the name of my third dance partner T_T

The last segment was an impromptu lip synching performance of the popular Vocaloid song, Just Be Friend (Ballad version) by Yuegene Fay. I honestly cannot remember how it started but it did and Yuegene was being an awesome sport. I couldn't have my camera with me for the most part so I have no photos to show. Thankfully, Z3ll who was the nice (and unfortunate ) guy to be pushed to hold my camera for me had the mind to record this priceless moment down. Thanks Z3ll !

After we were done with our dance performance of sort, the ground finally opened to the rest of the event attendees to dance the night away. It was such a romantic sight to behold; a floor full of pretty cosplayers decked out in their ballroom worthy costumes, swaying slowly to a string of romantic Anime/Game OST. Just looking at the romantic couple arms in arms is enough to make anyone go awwww. And I cannot help but think a few new couples probably formed that night ^_^!

All in all, Fantasy Quest turned out to be an unexpectedly magical experience for me. The beautiful location and the romantic grand dance drew the curtains on such a perfect note for everyone. Like the tagline of the event, it was indeed mesmerising.

Fantasy Quest 2, Events Page: http://www.facebook.com/events/248796591865539/

Photos Credit:

• http://www.facebook.com/z3LLphotography
• http://www.facebook.com/autumnforest
• http://www.facebook.com/flat.heels
• http://www.facebook.com/jrjsiaronphotography

*p/s: If you don’t want your photos in this blog, please msg me and I will take it down >.<

Rondo of the Sun & Moon (photoshoot)

I actually debuted this costume with my dear Inuran last April during SOY’C. But both of us were so swamped with other stuffs that we never managed to shoot this costume until June 2012. More than a year later!

It was not easy pushing through for a Photoshoot, especially when everyone involved is so busy. It took a lot of dedication to finally pulled everything together. Another reason for the massive delay was the lack of inspiration for the theme. We didn’t want to just focus on the outdoor shots since it was done before.The final push for the shoot was the discovering and recommendation of this location by Inuran ! Turns out Brian was also a veteran with the location so it was a deal and we ventured ahead xD

Photos By: & Brian Lim
Hatsune Miku:  
Megurine Luka:

Helper: Joel

 

Getting to the location was not an easy feat. We had to climb through forest and tolerate the mosquitoes so I was really glad the photos turned out to be one of my most polished shoots/cosplay yet.

Because we had to bash through the forest and the harsh weather, I decided to go to the shoot bare faced and do my makeup at the location itself. That help kept my makeup as fresh as it could be but I think the photographers and helpers all died of boredom xD

It is also the first cosplay that allowed me to draw a very intense mahogany/black smoky eye. I think I might fall in love with ominously dark smoky eye makeup xD!

And I’m super in love with the edit Brian did here. The slight vintage nuances to the picture enhanced the gold in my makeup and accessories so well! Love how my makeup turned out in the pictures!

I’ve never done any ‘Yuri’ hinted cosplays/shoots before so I was really happy I got the chance to try it out this time. Ok, granted our pose and photos isn’t very “Yuri" but you get what I mean xDD After so long into the hobby, I think it’s about time I explore other genres and themes =)

Because I am literally falling asleep here, I shall abide all of you good night. More individual photos from this shoot will come soon (I hope)!

Remember to leave me a comment and tell me what you think about the pictures!

Fantasy Quest update !

Hi guys!



Those who were following TCC on Facebook might know I am currently in Philippines !



I went to attend the awesome Fantasy Quest which was held in Fernwood Gardens by CNPH & Team Verdana. Which explains the massive lack of update on both TCC's blog and FB.



Sadly, I didn't get to ninja around the event much but I did have a video interview with Yuegene Fay! Look forward !

STGCC 2012 (Piko, Hot Toys, Andy Diggle & HuskyKevin)

Two more weeks to the highly anticipated Singapore toy, Games and Comics Convention in Singapore! If you’re not excited yet, check out the newly announced guest lists and exclusive figurines! 

“ With the Singapore Toy, Game and Comic Convention (STGCC) 2012 around the corner, Reed Exhibitions has announced more top-notch personalities joining this year’s line-up that will delight pop culture fans in Singapore and the region. Coming to Singapore for the first time are leading British comic book writer, Andy Diggle, rising Japanese singer Piko and HuskyKevin, creator of the popular Hong Kong-based merchandise brand, Husky x3.

World-renowned collectible production company, Hot Toys, will also be returning to STGCC with 2012 Toy Fairs Exclusive limited edition figurines of iconic characters from The Dark Knight, Captain America: The First Avenger and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. For the first time, Hot Toys will also be bringing in a team of celebrated sculptors to meet fans in Singapore.”

Joining the Eastern line-up at this year’s STGCC is popular Japanese singer Piko, who captured fans with his stunning performances of the theme songs from popular anime like One Piece and Fullmetal Alchemist. Known for his exceptionally broad vocal range, Piko has staged performances in Europe, Taiwan and Hong Kong. He will be performing live for the first time in Singapore at STGCC.

In collaboration with local retail chain Action City, Hot Toys will bring in three 2012 Toy Fairs Exclusive limited edition figurines to this year’s STGCC:

• Captain America Limited Edition Collectible Figurine from Captain America: The First Avenger
• Lt. Jim Gordon Collectible Figure from The Dark Knight
• Angelica Collectible Figure from Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

These highly-detailed and movie-accurate figurines are only available at selected international toy fairs such as the San Diego Comic Con, Ani-com & Games Hong Kong and STGCC.

Hot Toy fans will also have the rare opportunity to meet the team of sculptors behind these masterful creations. Based in Hot Toys’ secret base in South Korea, fans will get to meet

• JC Hong, Production Director & Chief Painter, responsible for the jaw-dropping intricate paintwork of figures such as the Bank Robber Joker from The Dark Knight;
• Chief Sculptor Yulli Choi, who has created impressive head sculpts of Terminator 2: Judgment Day’s DX T-800 robot, Black Widow from The Avengers and Harvey Dent Two-Face from The Dark Knight;
• Sculptor Kojun, whose highly raved works include the greatly sought-after DX Batman/ Bruce Wayne from The Dark Knight Rises and Nick Fury and Thor from The Avengers;
• And sculptor K.A. Kim, whose recent works include the three Hot Toys exclusive figurines available at this year’s STGCC, as well as Black Widow and Hawkeye from The Avengers.

They will be meeting fans and signing autographs at the STGCC Walk of Fame on 2 September 2012, 3pm to 4pm.

More information about the exclusive toys selling at STGCC here : Link

 

Influential British comic book writer, Andy Diggle, will be in Singapore for the first time to meet comic fans at STGCC. Currently writing Doctor Who for IDW Comics, which also features the art of Eisner Award-winning artist Mark Buckingham, Andy has penned the storylines of Marvel Comics’ Shadowland and Six Guns and DC Comics’ Batman and Swamp Thing.

Andy is best known for his Vertigo action thriller The Losers, which was adapted into a major Hollywood movie in 2010. Another one of his works, Green Arrow: Year One, is being translated from print to screen in Warner Bros’ forthcoming TV show Arrow, which is expected to air in the US in October 2012.

HuskyKevin, the creator of popular Hong Kong-based brands Husky x3 and Husky Rescue is also attending this year’s STGCC, bringing with him the brand’s latest merchandise, including STGCC exclusives – Aome Husky Clown and Hangout with You Plushier. He has also worked with international brands like Coca-Cola and Nokia to co-organise exhibitions and promotional projects.

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TheCosplayChronicles is happy to be a supporting blog with the Singapore Toys, Games and Comic Convention this year. I’m really happy they brought in so much Eastern Pop Culture personalities to cater to the Eastern Fans!

OMG YES PIKO! According to STGCC’s Facebook update, Piko will be having a talk show and mini Live session with the crowd, no special tickets required!

Don’t forget, STGCC 2012 will take place on the 1st and 2nd of September 2012 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. For more information, go to www.singaporetgcc.com.