THE grounds of UP Cebu last Feb. 18 seemed like an entirely different world as people gathered for the UP Otakufest, a cosplay and hobbies event.

Held annually at UP Cebu, this event started in 2008 and is led and organized by UP students with the support of the alumni. Most members of the organizing team are from Nichibunken, a Japanese cultural organization in UP.

Though “Otaku” is a Japanese term, this is an event that’s open to various genres and hobbies; and celebrates different characters from heroes to villains, for example, from alternate universes. Basically, everyone is welcome.

Cosplayers roamed the grounds last Saturday dressed in elaborate costumes and embodying characters, with fans, with their cameras, ready to snap a photo of their favorite cosplayers.

With the event focusing on the growing technological revolution, this year’s theme is The Matrix and serves as a way of celebrating the digital age. Apart from that, this year’s Otakufest aims to revive previous segments like online gaming segments, for one.

Apart from the cosplay competition, some of the event’s highlights included the recently added segment spicy ramen eating contest, Dota competition, Asian pop dance competition and Japanese singing competition.