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 >.<