Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
FanimeCon 2007 Report Part 2
Sunday came out the same way as Saturday - a trip to Starbucks over at the Hilton. Yes, I was willing to shell out a bit more at the Hilton Starbucks than at any other Starbucks, but hey it's Starbucks. And Starbucks has the best coffee cake in my book. In fact, I bought coffee cake in both my visits.
Around 12 I went to the Bleach gathering. There I talked to BSaphire more, and she asked me to do a few things for her, which I did. I also attended The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya gathering, and I had a blast watching all the Kyons getting abused...like the anime.
Finally, I've reached the 2PM Darkain.com photo-shoot. I pay the man my $20, and we walk around the area a bit. If you've seen the photos, you can gain a sense of where I walked with him. The funny thing was that I was taking him places that he wasn't familiar of - like across the street. I ended up back in the Marriott where I grabbed a bite to eat before going up to the Charity Auction. I was able to obtain a few items, although I did let that hand-forged FanimeCon katana signed by all the guests slip out of my hands - if I could afford $200+. Then I went to the 4PM 2nd Ouran gathering, and took a few pictures with the group, and went up to the hotel to head out to the Cosplay Masquerade. The cool thing about this year's Masquerade was it was at the CPA (Center for Performing Arts) and both the con and the CPA were across the street from the Crowne Plaza.
My bro Shiro comes along with me and stands in line with me. What's funny though was that I took all that effort to jaywalk across Almaden Blvd to find out there was a line. We get in about 6, but Shiro tells me he has to bail before his mom picks him back up in the hotel. I stay the whole entire time until right after the opera lady performed (I was the one who started both standing appaluses because he was freakin' awesome), then bail out to find something to eat. After eating at Original Joes, I went back to the con and went to Yaoi Let's Make A Deal. By then, all my cash was gone and I wasn't willing to pay a 1.50+ surcharge, but this couple was kind enough to buy two tickets for me, although none of us won.
Later that night, I finally sat in the viewing room for anime for at least one episode for the first time at the con. Ironically, it was Ouran High School Host Club. After that, and doing a few other things, it was time to sleep one last time before heading home. Back at the hotel, I found out me and Demitri had switched rooms, so it was all good.
Monday. After packing up, I went back to the Dealers Room to find last-minute items to buy with a check card. Luckly, I got the Black Lagoon box set for cheap, and that was the last time I bought. I was cursing at myself when the dealers told me "30 dollar purchase" and I was like "F that!"
Our car took off early, while the rest went back to the Dealers Room like what I did earlier in the morning. We arrived in Sacramento around 12:3oish, 4 days and 1 hour after I had left from the same exact location to Fanime.
That's my FanimeCon 2007 report. It was an honor in attenting Fanime, meeting all the wonderful staff, meeting new friends, and giving me an experience that I do not want to forget.
As for FanimeCon 2008, I plan to staff there. But everything else is still up in the air. Come back to me early in 2008 and I might give you a couple of answers.
(Note: I am missing a ton of details that I have not come back to me, so when they come to me I will add them in the appropiate spot.)
Around 12 I went to the Bleach gathering. There I talked to BSaphire more, and she asked me to do a few things for her, which I did. I also attended The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya gathering, and I had a blast watching all the Kyons getting abused...like the anime.
Finally, I've reached the 2PM Darkain.com photo-shoot. I pay the man my $20, and we walk around the area a bit. If you've seen the photos, you can gain a sense of where I walked with him. The funny thing was that I was taking him places that he wasn't familiar of - like across the street. I ended up back in the Marriott where I grabbed a bite to eat before going up to the Charity Auction. I was able to obtain a few items, although I did let that hand-forged FanimeCon katana signed by all the guests slip out of my hands - if I could afford $200+. Then I went to the 4PM 2nd Ouran gathering, and took a few pictures with the group, and went up to the hotel to head out to the Cosplay Masquerade. The cool thing about this year's Masquerade was it was at the CPA (Center for Performing Arts) and both the con and the CPA were across the street from the Crowne Plaza.
My bro Shiro comes along with me and stands in line with me. What's funny though was that I took all that effort to jaywalk across Almaden Blvd to find out there was a line. We get in about 6, but Shiro tells me he has to bail before his mom picks him back up in the hotel. I stay the whole entire time until right after the opera lady performed (I was the one who started both standing appaluses because he was freakin' awesome), then bail out to find something to eat. After eating at Original Joes, I went back to the con and went to Yaoi Let's Make A Deal. By then, all my cash was gone and I wasn't willing to pay a 1.50+ surcharge, but this couple was kind enough to buy two tickets for me, although none of us won.
Later that night, I finally sat in the viewing room for anime for at least one episode for the first time at the con. Ironically, it was Ouran High School Host Club. After that, and doing a few other things, it was time to sleep one last time before heading home. Back at the hotel, I found out me and Demitri had switched rooms, so it was all good.
Monday. After packing up, I went back to the Dealers Room to find last-minute items to buy with a check card. Luckly, I got the Black Lagoon box set for cheap, and that was the last time I bought. I was cursing at myself when the dealers told me "30 dollar purchase" and I was like "F that!"
Our car took off early, while the rest went back to the Dealers Room like what I did earlier in the morning. We arrived in Sacramento around 12:3oish, 4 days and 1 hour after I had left from the same exact location to Fanime.
That's my FanimeCon 2007 report. It was an honor in attenting Fanime, meeting all the wonderful staff, meeting new friends, and giving me an experience that I do not want to forget.
As for FanimeCon 2008, I plan to staff there. But everything else is still up in the air. Come back to me early in 2008 and I might give you a couple of answers.
(Note: I am missing a ton of details that I have not come back to me, so when they come to me I will add them in the appropiate spot.)
FanimeCon 2007 Report Part 1
Here we go...the full FanimeCon 2007 Report, broken into two parts. Part 1 is now, Part 2 will be sometime today.
It all starts out when I arrived in San Jose about 1:30ish. That took us enough time to actually walk to the convention center, get all our badges, and walk around before checking in. When we got to the covention center, it was already 2 and I was able to catch the first Ouran High School Host Club gathering. But I wasn't in my Ouran uniform. I said hi to Imari-chan and told her that I would be in the Sunday gathering. We got our badges, and we were told to meet back at the hotel by 3. So I went into the Dealers Room to check in and see if my FanimeCon katana was in. It was, and I told them to hold it until Monday. Anyways, after we got situated, I decided to change into my cosplay, and went back to the con in my cosplay uniform. I actually do remember someone asking me to pose so that they could take their picture.
We attended Opening Ceremonies, and I was impressed with the line-up of guests that were on hand. One of them was Hiroyuki Yamaga, the president of Gainax (you know...the company that created such hits as Evangelion and FLCL). Anyways, we were the first ones in and we got the chance to sit 2nd row - the only people that were in front of us were the guests themselves. I was sitting near and behind the freakin' president of Gainax. After Opening Ceremonies were over, I was able to shake the hand of Hiroyuki Yamaga and told him how much of an Eva fan I was (and Evangelion is #1 in my Top 10 anime). So far, that was the best, and probably will be, the best moment from Fanime 2007.
Later that night, I found myself scouting the area to find something to eat, just because Friday is the time when not everyone is there and not everyone is cosplaying 24/7. Eventually I found myself at Johnny Rockets and a nice dinner. I went back to the con to go participate in the FanimeCon Texas Hold'em Tournament. I got busted out by someone who I had going into the turn and catching a 3rd 8 on the turn, giving them trip 8s over my pair queens. I then went back up to the hotel room to change out. After that, it was off to the rave and the 18+ rooms. By then, BSaphire wanted me to help her out and keep the rave in check, so I helped out and was checking for badges. I also went into the Yuri and Hentai rooms that night, and I must say I had a wonderful experience with that. I got up into the room about 2 and crashed for the night.
Saturday. The morning started out with me, Ryann, and Michelle looking for a Denny's. Since there wasn't one, we ate at Starbucks. Then I had to head back and wait for my bro Shiro who was arriving that morning. I told him to get there early so that he can go through reg and go check-in for the karaoke contest. (I already checked in yesterday, but I still had the CD since DAYS wasn't on the karaoke list). But the reg line for Saturday was long as hell, and well...Shiro didn't make it in time to check-in for the karaoke contest. The people in the room felt bad for him, because well...it's the reg line. I was able to get the CD before the cut-off time. 1PM swings along, and I'm 4th up in the contest. I go out there, get loose, and just have a good time. After that, it was off to go get something to eat...at the Fanmaid Cafe with Shiro. We talked and had a good time. After getting an early meal in from McDonalds, I met up with a person I met up at the forums that was going to do a short photo-shoot. I didn't take too long, and I thanked him. I haven't seen the results yet, but I'm looking foward to.
Fast foward to 6PM. After waiting to see the results of the Prelims, I found myself out of contention; Ryann too as well. I was waiting for her so that I could tell her that we were going to the B&W Ball together. I did go, but only for the first hour. The best memory from that was that someone early on grabbed on my tie (like what Haruhi would do to Kyon...a lot), yanked me to the middle of the dance floor, and danced with me (which we did). Unforunately, I did leave early because...well space ran out quickly. It was a common issue with both the B&W Ball and the Rave that it was in a small space. I went back to my room to save before heading back down here for the night. I found myself at the Texas Hold'em Tournament, but I was there longer. I managed to salvage a 4th place finish, but I still think about that final hand when I went all-in with pocket 3s, only to get called with someone who held pocket jacks. Oh well, at least I got Ryann a Gaia Online tee because she said she didn't want to buy anything from the Gaia Online booth in the Dealers Room. I also went to the rave and more 18+ rooms. I found myself crashing early because tomorrow would be a big day for me.
It all starts out when I arrived in San Jose about 1:30ish. That took us enough time to actually walk to the convention center, get all our badges, and walk around before checking in. When we got to the covention center, it was already 2 and I was able to catch the first Ouran High School Host Club gathering. But I wasn't in my Ouran uniform. I said hi to Imari-chan and told her that I would be in the Sunday gathering. We got our badges, and we were told to meet back at the hotel by 3. So I went into the Dealers Room to check in and see if my FanimeCon katana was in. It was, and I told them to hold it until Monday. Anyways, after we got situated, I decided to change into my cosplay, and went back to the con in my cosplay uniform. I actually do remember someone asking me to pose so that they could take their picture.
We attended Opening Ceremonies, and I was impressed with the line-up of guests that were on hand. One of them was Hiroyuki Yamaga, the president of Gainax (you know...the company that created such hits as Evangelion and FLCL). Anyways, we were the first ones in and we got the chance to sit 2nd row - the only people that were in front of us were the guests themselves. I was sitting near and behind the freakin' president of Gainax. After Opening Ceremonies were over, I was able to shake the hand of Hiroyuki Yamaga and told him how much of an Eva fan I was (and Evangelion is #1 in my Top 10 anime). So far, that was the best, and probably will be, the best moment from Fanime 2007.
Later that night, I found myself scouting the area to find something to eat, just because Friday is the time when not everyone is there and not everyone is cosplaying 24/7. Eventually I found myself at Johnny Rockets and a nice dinner. I went back to the con to go participate in the FanimeCon Texas Hold'em Tournament. I got busted out by someone who I had going into the turn and catching a 3rd 8 on the turn, giving them trip 8s over my pair queens. I then went back up to the hotel room to change out. After that, it was off to the rave and the 18+ rooms. By then, BSaphire wanted me to help her out and keep the rave in check, so I helped out and was checking for badges. I also went into the Yuri and Hentai rooms that night, and I must say I had a wonderful experience with that. I got up into the room about 2 and crashed for the night.
Saturday. The morning started out with me, Ryann, and Michelle looking for a Denny's. Since there wasn't one, we ate at Starbucks. Then I had to head back and wait for my bro Shiro who was arriving that morning. I told him to get there early so that he can go through reg and go check-in for the karaoke contest. (I already checked in yesterday, but I still had the CD since DAYS wasn't on the karaoke list). But the reg line for Saturday was long as hell, and well...Shiro didn't make it in time to check-in for the karaoke contest. The people in the room felt bad for him, because well...it's the reg line. I was able to get the CD before the cut-off time. 1PM swings along, and I'm 4th up in the contest. I go out there, get loose, and just have a good time. After that, it was off to go get something to eat...at the Fanmaid Cafe with Shiro. We talked and had a good time. After getting an early meal in from McDonalds, I met up with a person I met up at the forums that was going to do a short photo-shoot. I didn't take too long, and I thanked him. I haven't seen the results yet, but I'm looking foward to.
Fast foward to 6PM. After waiting to see the results of the Prelims, I found myself out of contention; Ryann too as well. I was waiting for her so that I could tell her that we were going to the B&W Ball together. I did go, but only for the first hour. The best memory from that was that someone early on grabbed on my tie (like what Haruhi would do to Kyon...a lot), yanked me to the middle of the dance floor, and danced with me (which we did). Unforunately, I did leave early because...well space ran out quickly. It was a common issue with both the B&W Ball and the Rave that it was in a small space. I went back to my room to save before heading back down here for the night. I found myself at the Texas Hold'em Tournament, but I was there longer. I managed to salvage a 4th place finish, but I still think about that final hand when I went all-in with pocket 3s, only to get called with someone who held pocket jacks. Oh well, at least I got Ryann a Gaia Online tee because she said she didn't want to buy anything from the Gaia Online booth in the Dealers Room. I also went to the rave and more 18+ rooms. I found myself crashing early because tomorrow would be a big day for me.
**bleep**ing Google Earth lied to me.
I keep forgetting to post thist story.
Saturday morning, me, Michelle and Ryann (I think that was the two that went with me) go out to find a place to eat in the morning. Google Earth told me that there is a Denny's on the corner of S 1st Street and E San Salavador St.
Actually, there isn't. It took me asking someone at the Ramada Inn to figure out that the nearest Denny's is in driving distance, not walking distance. So we ended up going back to San Carlos St and headed to Starbucks inside the Hilton.
**bleeping** Google Earth lied to me.
Saturday morning, me, Michelle and Ryann (I think that was the two that went with me) go out to find a place to eat in the morning. Google Earth told me that there is a Denny's on the corner of S 1st Street and E San Salavador St.
Actually, there isn't. It took me asking someone at the Ramada Inn to figure out that the nearest Denny's is in driving distance, not walking distance. So we ended up going back to San Carlos St and headed to Starbucks inside the Hilton.
**bleeping** Google Earth lied to me.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
More highlights of the Masquerade
Fuck yeah, let's all go to Candy Mountain!
Another epic win.
Final Fantasy group therapy...yeah, that'll work...
And finally, bringing some SoCal flavor to the Yay Area...
Monday, May 28, 2007
First pictures up.
These are the photos from the Darkain.com photo-shoot that I did Sunday. I am very pleased with the results. I hope to make more of these in future conventions, specially at Fanime 2008. I haven't committed to it yet though. I'm going to let the rest of the year ride out, and I'll see where I end up this time next year, or near it.
Also, Ouran gathering pic...
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