Arrival
I wanted to find out why so many preferred to come to Ozine, although there are a lot of internet blogs and comments that I've encountered seems to be negative, I wanted to see why it is one of the most attended events. I went on the last day, it is the only open time that I had. The traffic was very nice, I took a bus to reach SM Megamall. Traffic was swift.
It was about 12:00 pm and I immediately found the ticket booth after a short walk to the entrance hall, The ticket price is P200 .The line was short it was very easy to buy one, I went inside hoping to find the registration was on the other side, the place was a little crowded and I can see that a lot of booths are on the middle, cosplayers sitting and standing, a gaming station, exhibitors, food stands, and the huge guests area. The atmosphere was warm, when we were about to exit near the registration, they said we have to go back to where we came from, exit there and go back on that side again. we did that and registered, I was numbered 38, I gave them my song number but they told me that it has to be given to the Technicals infront of the stage, they also informed me that the competition starts 5:30pm. I was hungry so we had to go to lower ground to get to food court. The food court was expectedly super crowded but blessed be we found seats, I had my bento (lunch) with me so we didn't have to buy food.
Entrance to unexplainable hell
It was about 1:30pm when we got back to the venue. The singing contest was going on, we watched the program,including the Auction about the taurpaulins which was bought 5k+, I was seriously stunned, most people are actually buying taurpaulins that high of a price! the place is a a super business area. I loved the rare displays of Figmas and the cute Nekomimi ear as well as the Kawaii Bags, accessories and rare items.
As time passes 3:00 pm, the crowd gets bigger and atmosphere gets warmer, I was on the watch for the program for the start of the competition, had photographed by a lot of wonderful people, made friends, and those who appreciated my efforts. Then I sat down but the event area started to get even more crowded than ever that we weren't able to find any place to settle down, so we stood up, but I started to feel nauseous until up to 5:00pm that my partner decided that I retreat back home because I'm not getting better. The program took so long, quite draining for a person like me.
Regarding the rules where they said that the cosplayers aren't allowed to loiter outside halls unless they have business outside, and fast., well some did, and even took photographs, honestly speaking, if cosplayers DO follow the rules they would be stocked like a canned of tuna inside the Hall, it is incredibly crowded inside and I noticed, as the place gets warmer, the venue starts to decrease oxygen supply. When I found my tagged pictures, I noticed that in certain parts of the venue, the lighting was really bad, explains why most of the cosplayers accumulate mostly where the parts where lights was great,making it difficult for people to move. I observed at everybody's faces, They are all frowning. They do smile in front of cameras but mostly frown, especially on super crowded areas.
I still kept asking the question if why most people prefer this kind of venue and situation?
Is this what most people look for in a cosplay convention?
On the comfort room, I heard most cosplayers argue with the security guards, "nagtatagal kayo para sa mga customers ito andaming nagaantay" and cosplayers would answer "pero customers din po kami ate" "kumakain din po kami ng pagkain" "parang trato nyo samin di tao" etc. etc. I was not allowed in some Comfort room and asked to transfer for how many times. It is truly frustrating.
Conclusion:
Ozine is one of the biggest event held in the country,many people gather so expect a super crowded area, a lot of cosplayers gather and you will see a LOT! If given the same venue, Megatrade Hall, expect stricter rules by the Security, well unnecessary discrimination, which I don't get why, stressful environment and physically challenging situations.
This view may vary from person to person,as for me, I'd prefer a pure Cosplay type event, spacious and crowd friendly environment.
With regards to this article, I wish to know, your answers to these questions:
Why do you go to Ozine, despite the fact that there were issues about the rules?
What do you think about the recent Day 3 Ozine? It's difference from the other past Ozine events?
What's your reaction of the overall event?
Your point of view is very important.
reply below.
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