RP theme park operator targets anime fans

By Alexander Villafania INQUIRER.net MAKATI CITY – Philippine theme park operator Enchanted Kingdom (EK) is holding a day-long event that hopes to entice anime fans, cosplayers (costume players), toy enthusiasts and gamers. This is the first time EK will be holding an anime-themed event with the help of Azrael Coladilla who has been coordinating several anime, comics, and toy conventions in the country. In an interview, Coladilla said EK will be preparing dozens of activities, such as live band performances, toy and anime exhibits, and video, trivia and singing competitions. To attract cosplayers, Coladilla said the EK anime festival will grant them free entrance if they register in the event website. Meanwhile, Enchanted Kingdom Assistant Vice President for Marketing Richard Burgos said the festival aims to double the fun for cosplayers. "Here, they can play as their favorite anime character while enjoying the rides we have offered," Burgos said. Burgos said that EK might make this festival a regular activity. The day-long festival, dubbed OtakonEK 2008, is scheduled on September 28.