It’s that time of the year again for anime fans, cosplayers, and fans of Japanese and Asian culture to ready themselves for one of the most awaited anime-related events in the country. The Best of Anime (BoA) 2016 is set to excite Asian culture fans on Sept. 17 and 18 at Function Rooms 2 to 4 of the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
Now on its seventh year, the BoA 2016 is one of the biggest and most exciting events on anime, cosplay, and Japanese culture. The event aims to promote Japanese culture and music through exciting activities and exhibitors that promise to offer anime fans exciting finds. It’s two whole days of guest performances from some of the hottest acts from Japan and the Philippines, meet-and-greets with Japanese artists and local and international cosplayers, exciting contests and challenges, fun workshops, and meeting fellow otakus.
This year’s BoA is set to be extra exciting with performances of artists sure to entertain otakus. Visual kei group Uchusentai:Noiz is back this year. Known for their energetic music and wild costumes, they have also gained a following in the country for their participation in It’s Showtime’s “I Love OPM” segment and their covers of Filipino rock hits “Narda” (by Kamikazee) and “Pinoy Ako” (by Orange and Lemons).
Meanwhile, first timer INKT is ready to perform hits such as “Trigger”. The indie band is headlined by Koki Tanaka, a former member of the multi-awarded band KAT-TUN, and is known for the creative vibe in their music. A huge star in Europe and the USA, Haruna Luna is also set to take the stage to sing her songs such as “Overfly” and “Kimi Iro Signal”. Known for her sweet looks and deeply soulful voice, she is also one of Japan’s rising fashion models and has graced the cover of many magazines.
Local music fans have something to look forward to with some of the hottest acts on the local music scene gracing the event. Described as “The Country’s Answer to Paramore”, Grace Note is set to perform songs from their latest album Transparent. The band has opened for international acts Nelly Furtado and Second Hand Serenade. One of the most unique groups in the country, Tanya Markova will also perform. Known for “Picture Picture” and the unique blend of elaborate costumes and a refreshing feel to their music, the band will showcase their style that can only be described as “happy goth meets shock pop”. Now on their 10th anniversary, Callalily will continue to excite anime fans with hits such as “Stars”, “Magbalik, and Pasan”.
The BoA 2016 is also the opportunity to meet and greet amazing cosplayers, not only from the Philippines but all over Asia. One of the best-known cosplayers in the world Taiwan-based Misa has portrayed various characters from both Asian and Western pop culture, ranging from Harley Quinn (Suicide Squad), Misa Amane (Death Note), Hinata Hyuga (Naruto: Shippuden), and Tracer (Lena Oxton). One of Japan’s up-and-coming cosplayers Jun Kaise will also grace the event. Best known for her portrayal of Buchou from the Sengoku no Musou game, she has won several cosplay awards in Japan. Returning to the BoA is Sara-Tousa Bao from Singapore, who will once again amaze cosplayers with his detailed takes on characters such as Taiga Kagami (Kuroku’s Basketball) and Rin Matusoka (Free!). Known for her elaborate, self-made costumes and props and being a member of award-winning cosplay group Team BaLance, Yau from Hong Kong is one of the most well-traveled cosplayers in the world, with guest appearances in conventions such as Animecon in the Netherlands and Haru Matsuri in Vietnam.
Returning “home” to the BoA is Liui, who got his start as a cosplayer as Hiccup at a previous edition of BoA. He has since been a special guest copslayer in different conventions all over the world. Meanwhile, homegrown cosplayer Suzume has established himself as a consistent part of the Top 50 list of WorldCosplay.net. Current World’s no.1 Cosplayer Chun WX will also grace the event.
BoA 2016 is a co-located event of the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF). Slated on Sept. 14-18 at the SMX Convention, the MIBF is the country’s biggest and longest-running book fair and is considered a go-to event for the book-loving community.