Japanese visual kei singer Miura Ayme performing for the first time, Cosplay Workshops and Competitions in store, plus the Official Launch of Ani-One Philippines!
The highly anticipated comeback of The Best of Anime (BOA), a prominent and renowned Japanese anime and pop culture convention in the Philippines, is set to dazzle fans once again on Saturday, September 16th!
This year’s gathering is aptly titled “The Best of Anime 2023: The Reunion,” where our primary objective is to delight our dedicated supporters and all aficionados of anime. We plan to achieve this through a captivating array of activities and exceptional performances, while also taking a nostalgic journey back in time to revisit cherished memories. This reunion holds special significance as it marks our triumphant return after a three-year hiatus enforced by the pandemic.
BOA2023 showcases a full lineup of returning and fresh musical performers
The Best of Anime 2023 is gearing up to present an impressive roster of musical talents that promise to captivate audiences of all ages. We’re excited to bring back some of our all-time favorite performers and introduce fresh, new acts into the spotlight!
UchuSentai:NOIZ is a band celebrated for their eccentric and distinctive attire, as well as their electrifying music and dynamic live shows. The band is currently comprised of ANGEL-TAKA (lead vocals), MASATO (guitar and vocals), KOTARO (guitar), KYO (bass), and YAMATO (drums). Currently, they are embarking on their 20th-anniversary tour across Japan. UchuSentai:NOIZ gained recognition in the Philippines for their captivating renditions of popular Pinoy songs like “Narda,” “Liwanag sa Dilim,” and “Pinoy Ako.” In 2016, they even took part in the ABS-CBN reality talent show “I Love OPM,” reaching the quarter-final stage. UchuSentai:NOIZ made their debut at The Best of Anime in 2012 and have graced the event with their presence four more times.
STARMARIE is a Japanese idol group renowned for their enchanting music and charisma that has captured the hearts of fans since 2008. The group currently consists of Nozomi Kishita, Shino Takamori, Hiroka Matsuzaki, Maya, and Monya Nakane. They have released four albums and 12 singles, and their talents were featured in the ending theme songs for “Cardfight!! Vanguard G” and “Cardfight!! Vanguard G NEXT” in 2015 and 2017, respectively. STARMARIE made their debut appearance at The Best of Anime in 2013 and have been part of the event five more times.
Miura Ayme is a celebrated artist who transitioned from being the lead singer of the visual kei rock band Ecthelion from 2013 to 2015 to forging a successful solo career starting in 2018. In 2019, he took on the role of “Asmodeus” in the otome video game and anime series “Obey Me!” and lent his vocals to the opening theme songs as a member of the Obey Me! boys. Miura Ayme has enthralled audiences across the world, including the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom, and this marks his eagerly anticipated debut performance in the Philippines.
Chicken Blow the Idol is a Japanese rock idol group that initially formed in 2017 and recently reemerged in 2022 with members Kazahana Assa, Touwa Mayoi, Akari Mikan, and Tsubomi Ruko. Their unique concept revolves around timid girls blossoming into idols on stage, using music as their weapon of choice. They combine the idea of a “weak punch” (also known as a “chicken blow”) with school uniform-like costumes and youthful rock music.
Pastel Mix is a J-pop cover idol group hailing from Davao City, known for their vibrant performances of songs from popular idol groups like AKB48, Love Live!, Walküre, Babymetal, and more. Initially forming as “Nyan nyan” in 2008, a cover group dedicated to the renowned Japanese girl group Buono, the group has since evolved and rebranded. While they initially made waves in pop culture events in Mindanao, their talent and energy have won them fans across the Philippines.
The Best of Anime 2023 promises to be an unforgettable showcase of diverse musical talents, offering something for every fan to enjoy.
BOA2023 offers Cosplay workshops, Competitions, plus other surprises!
Beyond its captivating musical acts, The Best of Anime 2023 has a plethora of engaging activities lined up throughout the day, promising an experience that is truly worth your time. From enlightening Cosplay Workshops to Fan Meet sessions, thrilling Singing and Dancing competitions, and dazzling Cosplay showdowns, there’s a treasure trove of surprises waiting for you!
One of the highlights features AC Hernandez, an esteemed alumnus of the World Cosplay Summit Philippines. He will generously share his expertise in crafting sword props using everyday materials, taking you through the entire process from pattern creation to construction. Hernandez will elaborate on the advantages of crafting your own cosplay props, emphasizing the long-term benefits of the DIY approach. Notably, Hernandez is one-half of “Team Namikaze” with Jin Joson, recipients of the prestigious Brother Award for Best Costume, a major accolade at the WCS held in Nagoya, Japan in 2021. Catch AC Hernandez as he takes the stage to discuss his cosplay journey and delve deep into the fundamentals of sword prop crafting at the “WCS Philippines Alumni Corner: Prop-Making Basics – Swords” cosplay workshop!
Prepare to be awestruck as Reika, a renowned Japanese cosplayer boasting a colossal following of over 1.4 million on Facebook and 210 thousand on Instagram, makes her grand return to BOA2023. She stands among the world’s top cosplayers, with a portfolio that spans over 600 meticulously detailed costumes inspired by beloved characters from Japanese anime, video games, and more. Reika has been invited to participate in popular anime and pop culture conventions in over 50 countries across the globe. At BOA2023, you can catch her conducting a workshop where she imparts the secrets of utilizing makeup in cosplay to your advantage at the Cosplay Make-up Workshop!
Additionally, prepare to immerse yourself in the art of Japanese swordsmanship with Vis Eterna, a collective of martial artists and enthusiasts of Japanese sword arts. They will offer an enlightening Japanese sword training experience, equipping attendees with the essential skills for handling a “Bokuto” (Japanese wooden sword) adeptly, and demonstrating how to incorporate them seamlessly into your cosplay performances.
For those unforeseen wardrobe malfunctions or wear-and-tear issues with your cosplay outfits, fret not! The Emergency Cosplay Repair area will be at your service, ensuring you can maintain your impeccable appearance throughout the event.
After careful evaluation of numerous entries, the finalists of The Best of Anime 2023’s Anime Sing-Off, Anime Idol Dance Battle, and All-Star Cosplay Competition will finally converge to determine this year’s champion in each category. The Lolita fashion design brand, Fancy Moi, will be on the lookout for the most creative and unique designs on the cosplay catwalk during the Fancy Moi: Lolita Fashion Competition. Winners in each competition stand a chance to secure cash prizes, plaques of recognition from BOA2023, and gift tokens courtesy of our generous sponsors and partners!
Lastly, an exciting announcement for anime enthusiasts: ANI-ONE PHILIPPINES is launching exclusively at The Best of Anime 2023! ANI-ONE, the anime streaming platform under Hong Kong-based content distributor Medialink Entertainment Limited, is set to unveil its latest branch tailored to cater to every Filipino anime fan. ANI-ONE Philippines will offer the best and freshest titles, including fan favorites like Code Geass, Millionaire Detective Balance UNLIMITED, Strongest Sage with the Weakest Crest, and more, all with Filipino subtitles. In the near future, they’ll also provide anime content in Filipino dubbing. The official launch of ANI-ONE Philippines will be filled with exciting announcements, special raffles for lucky fans in attendance, and a host of other surprises! Additionally, they will offer official and licensed merchandise featuring their popular properties, thanks to Sunrise Pops!
Around 30 exhibitors to showcase products and more!
An anime and pop culture extravaganza wouldn’t be complete without its exhibitors, and The Best of Anime 2023 takes immense pride in presenting an impressive lineup of approximately 30 exhibitors who will be an integral part of this event. Among these notable exhibitors are Aezer Enterprises, AXGG, DarkSweetSoul, Fancy Moi, FiberFairy Pilipinas, GMA Store, Infinus Corporation, Kawaii Art Circle, Kentaro Collectibles, KFB Web Development Services, Micari, Minty Jade Studio, MOERU, Mugiwara Shop Clothing, Project Okaeri, Settohime x Caviteatas, SPLATT MNL, The Costaku Shop, YABAII, and many more!
Moreover, our Artist Alley will shine a spotlight on several talented artists and illustrators who will be showcasing their exceptional creations. These gifted individuals include Bebecats, Dankreationz, Franberry Art, Gummy Studio, Hannabi Art Store & Abunnypunny Arts, Isabelbobelart, Kannalii, Nandemocreative X Random Artist, Sana Own, Satomirin X Shuwappy X Buggy Blue Crafts, Sinners’ Bakery, Skekaaa, and Stacey Burgos!
Mark your calendars for The Best of Anime 2023: The Reunion, taking place on Saturday, September 16, 2023. The event venue is Function Rooms 1-3 of SMX Convention Center Manila, situated within the Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. This exciting gathering is proudly organized by Primetrade Asia, Inc.
To secure your entry to this spectacular event, we encourage you to purchase your tickets in advance online through SM Tickets. Simply follow this link: smtickets.com/events/view/11993.
Don’t miss out on the anime and pop culture celebration of the year!
