Weekend wraps

A FARMERS ’ market, a cosplay convention and a folk-dance competition; they were happening all at once in three of the city’s largest shopping malls over the weekend. An iconic meme would truly have it...’and the crowd goes wild’.

Of these three, the farmers’ market was at best, the most sobering one, if compared with more than a thousand strong participation in the other two events. This catered mostly to early morning joggers and fruit sample the bounties of fresh vegetables and fruit that is likewise not without its always-available assortment of pies (esp. Durian pie), juices and coffee. Though there’s not much fanfare there, just serious market stuff for the Sunday crowd, the regular affair is still always awash with free hot chocolate for those who feel the the perpetrators were reportedly former laid to rest yester-unharmed rests now on the shoulders of theof responsibility, their time, effort and re- ernor was on his way to Wao town in the

Meanwhile in another part of the metro, a Cosplay uninitiated (like myself) the practice of engaging in dress-up as a comic book, video game or TV show in Japanese anime) was originally coined in Japan media producer Noboyuki Takahashi.

EDITORIAL

EDITORS’ NOTE: both adult and young categories, was tops not only in its lavish traditional costuming but more important, in the highly-spirited audience participation as well. From the looks of it and from the fact that a 25k cash awaited the winner, this other adjunct to the ongoing Araw ng Dabaw celebrations had contingents from neighboring areas joining in. Another clue was in the two or three huge passenger buses parked near the venue.

When it became famous the world over however, it became known only by the two English words from where it was based on (costume + role-play), thus Cosplay. In contrast to the farmers’ market where activity was more subdued, the energy at the venue here has reached roof level; mostly gained from the overwhelming presence of totally-mixed generations ranging from boomers to millennials to Gen Z. Noticeably, the majority of the people had come in Anime accents or garb of all colors.

Though literally cordoned-off to just occupy the entertainment portion area of the mall, those inside the periphery might as well all be tagged as active participants to a grand party indeed, where the festive spirit is practically that of all friends merely having fun. The highlight of the affair might likewise also be the parade of the costumed participants of all ages, with parents and relatives accompanying their little dressed-up tykes up the stage for a brief presentation. Camaraderie all around.

In all, with still other major event yet to unfold as of ‘spektakel’ is truly in the air as the city celebrates its 86th founding anniversary. Happy Araw ng Dabaw everyone!