It has been a year since I had come back to Singapore. So much has happened within that year, but none of that seemed to matter anymore as I stepped off the plane. Already, I could feel the familiar blistering heat and humidity fill my lungs. The events of the year slowly melted away like ice cream in the hot sun I was feeling. All the familiar sights and sounds of Singapore hit me in the face like the hot breeze. It felt like I had never left.
Indeed. It was raining. Just as it had when I arrived last year. But unlike the bone-chilling miserable rain in Vancouver, Singapore’s rain was comforting, like stepping into a warm shower. It was good to be back.
I was jet-lagged. The flight didn’t do well for me. It was mid afternoon, and already I was ready to go to sleep. I didn’t have an appetite for food, but knew I had to eat anyway. My first meal in Singapore was of course, my favorite – roasted chicken rice. Roast chicken (at least the asian style) doesn’t exist in Vancouver. We have roast duck, and Hainanese chicken, but no roast chicken. It was a savory delight for me as I slowly ate. After socializing a bit, I had collapsed on the bed and fallen asleep while more family members poured into the house to welcome my wife. Not too long after, it was the next morning. I think the flight had tired me out too much. I could feel an itch in my throat like I was catching something.
They say the grass always seems greener on the other side. I think for the most part, it is. And I was about to participate in what I would consider a healthy green patch of grass: AFA X.
Proof that I was there.
It was thanks to Zh3us again that I gained entry into AFA X. The thing is, the timing of my flight with AFA wasn’t planned. It was purely coincidental, or perhaps it was destiny. I wasn’t even aware that AFA X was happening this early. My wife had booked the air tickets a few months back, and even she had no idea when AFA was.
I was a bit surprised when Zh3us said to meet him early in the morning at Suntec. I had thought we would meet up some time after lunch or something. I had no idea what was planned. I was still too jet-lagged to figure it out.
The reason we arrived early.
It was the first time I’d ever arrived at a convention so early in the morning. I’m glad I did. Already, a show was starting. They were running The Disappearance of Suzumiya Haruhi. Since I had never seen the movie, I was more than happy and excited to watch.
Unfortunately, it had made several references to the 2nd season, which I had not had time to watch, so during those short segments, I didn’t know what was going on.
But it was still a fairly standalone movie.I was still tired. I had to concentrate pretty hard to read the subtitles. Zh3us was coughing beside me. Apparently, he caught something a while ago. He was coughing pretty hard too. He offered me a Fisherman’s Friend which I took without hesitation. Ironic how the movie started off with everyone at school falling incredibly sick.
Zh3us also brought some dolls with him. Honestly, this was the first time I had ever held an anime doll in my hands. They’re heavier than I thought they’d be.
After the show ended, I quickly turned around to see just how crowded the place was. This was day 2 already. I missed day 1 since I was still on the plane at that time. I was surprised to see this many people up and about so early just to attend AFA. Dedicated fans.
After the show, we went to lunch at Suntec’s food court. Of course, I had roasted chicken rice. Coming right off the plane, I still wasn’t fully adjusted to the culture shock I was experiencing. While standing around waiting to meet Zh3us, I was feeling out of place since most of the people I saw there were cosplaying, and I was just some ordinary dude… asian, but foreign. Someone brought Tooko Amano. Since I owned her as well, it was somewhat relieving to see a “familiar face”.
I was a little bit weirded out when Zh3us pulled out a dollfie. The rest of the crew seemed unfazed. Already, last year I was a little weirded out when the crew pulled out some nendoroids during lunch to take photos. I mean, it’s a very different experience to see photographs of nendoroids near food vs actually being there watching them being taken.
This year, my reaction was compounded, because of my current state of mind. Sitting at this food court with my comrades, out come these dolls that they nonchalantly begin photographing, posing, and playing with, while surrounded by all these other onlookers. I could sense some of them staring jiiiiiii~ I didn’t know what to feel.
I decided to just go with it, not be judgmental, or self-conscious, and enjoy myself. And enjoy myself I did. It was an amusing experience.
I spent some time watching Kodomut fixing Nanoha’s hair. It was about time I finally met him too.
When I first saw him he asked me “Do you know who I am?”
I shook my head briefly. “He’s the guy you asked about when you SMS me.” Zh3us replied.
“Did you like my Black Rock Shooter photoshop?” I asked Kodomut. He nodded and smiled with a thumbs up. It was great to finally meet him after he blew us off to wash his nendoroids last time. j/k for reals.
After sitting around and chatting for a while, we decided to head back to the show. More people had gathered, as if there wasn’t enough people already. Like last year, there were cosplayers everywhere. My feelings of not belonging slowly subsided as I began taking pictures of these cosplayers, and was surrounded by my comrades.
Nobody looked familiar to me. But how could there be, with so many people around. Even if there were familiar faces, they might not have been wearing the same costumes anyway. In a way, everyone was faceless, but not.
An impressive line of cosplayers carrying large weapons went up the escalator. That’s when it finally sank in I was at AFA X!
In almost a frenzy, I was excited to go in, and take pictures of every cosplayer I saw, and take in the familiar sights and sounds that had left me a year ago. I felt great, I felt at home.
Visiting the GSC booth and seeing some of my favorite nendoroids pleased me. While I didn’t bring my DSLR, my little compact camera was sufficient for the task. (I’m not making a photo book after all!)
Seeing a couple of my preorder nendoroids on display made me pretty excited too! Initially, I had no idea why Haruhi was wearing such a different outfit, after seeing the movie, I now know, and have a better appreciation for her. She looks much better than her version1 nendoroid counterpart!
I’ve started to become a fan of nendoroid petits. I wasn’t much for them before, but I’ve come to think that they’re very cute. Sometimes cuter than full sized nendoroids. Interesting that this was how I felt about regular nendoroids before… GSC, you really know the psychology of attracting consumers!
I had originally passed on BRS Nendoroid, but after seeing her in person, I regretted not purchasing her. Fortunately, according to my comrades, she was in abundant supply, especially at the show. I didn’t end up buying her though.
I took this photo specifically for insanekitten. She’s a huge fan of Kino no Tabi.
Wandering the show floor, I stumbled on this sight. It was a sign that Danny was around somewhere, I’m sure. Last year, I didn’t get a chance to meet him because I was pretty sick after the first day of AFA. I did manage to take a blurry picture of him on Day 1 as he was making his escape. (and Alodia too! Two birds in one shot!)
We wandered around some more and found ourselves back outside to take pictures with the cosplayers. Many of my readers will have no idea who the above character is. I could not resist taking a picture of her (I left my comrades as they continued moving forward, just to take this picture). A jar of cookies for those who know who she is.
When I caught up with my comrades, I snuck a picture with this cutie. Any guesses on who she is cosplaying as? One of my comrades got really excited when I showed him this picture. “Whoah! Where is she?!” I pointed to the escalator. She was making her way up. You could see her sexy figure with that sexy school uniform. “Yow! Gotta go!” and away he went. I don’t know whether or not he managed to get a picture with/of her though.
One of our very own cosplayers. Lots of people started taking pictures as soon as we started. Awesome job! 😀
A pretty well done cosplay of Cloud, with a very small sword.
Very well done Sailor Moon cosplayers. I noticed that group cosplayers look the most spectacular.
rawr!
After some wandering, our group split up for a bit. Some of us ended up in the other hall. It was an empty hall, with no lights on, but lots of cosplayers simply wandering around, and getting their make-up fixed… or something.
Hanging out with my comrades in this dark warehouse-like hall felt surreal and strange. You could see from one end of the hall to the other, with all these people scattered around, especially along the edges of the hall. Some sitting, some looked like they were sleeping.
It was like a break-time area or something, but not really, since some pictures were also being taken. It almost felt like a separate, lonely convention in and of itself. They turned the lights on after a while.
She didn’t disappear after all!
Cookies for those who know who this character is. I do. That’s why I took a picture of her.
More cookies if you know who the above is (exactly).
I found this Ryu to be well played. While he’s not as well built as Ryu, he fits the role pretty good.
The day moved on, and like last year, I had not been able to capture a pic of a Konata cosplayer. “I just want one picture, and I’ll be satisfied!” I had caught sight of one last year, but she was on her way out, so I couldn’t take a picture of her.
This year, I was fortunate to see one socializing with her friends. While it probably wasn’t very nice of me to interrupt her and ask her for a picture, I was somewhat desperate. With a bit of hesitation, she agreed, and of course, after I had taken my picture a few others started approaching her. Gomenasai! >_<;
As soon as I walked away from Konata, I found this beauty standing in the corner, looking like she’s either waiting to meet up with someone, or waiting for someone to take a picture of her. Awesome costume. I really liked it!
Cookies to the non-gamer who knows who she is.
The day was rolling to a close. I decided to do one last run in the expo, and caught sight of the Collateral Damage Studios booth. I introduced myself to KC, who was the studio manager/project coordinator. After some somewhat formal exchanges, and after realizing who I was, KC motioned someone who was sitting at the booth to come over.
“Hey, c’mon over. It’s Radiant Dreamer. Your idol.” I was a little embarrassed to hear that, yet very flattered. I did not know I was idolized!
The person I was introduced to was Jun AKA “i-pup“. I was very surprised, and also very happy to meet one of my readers. We had a great conversation for a little bit, and was happy to learn that he had joined the CDS team.
“Wow! Congratulations! I actually didn’t know you drew!” I said, shaking his hand. He turned to the table, and pulled out a beautiful shot glass.
“Would you like to have this free gift?”
Without hesitation, I said “I would love it.” I didn’t know at the time that Jun was the one that did the artwork for it. “This looks so cute! Black Rock Shooter! I get it!”
Jun began talking about the process of how the BRS shot glass came to be, with initial drafts looking more tsundere than moe. After some conversation, it was time to go and check out the scene some more.
The show was winding down, and some of the merchants were already trying to peddle their wares for discount. I found an East Indian merchant selling BRS Nendoroids and Figmas. $55 for BRS Nendoroid? “How’s $45?” no deal. “Show’s ending. If you want a buyer, you got one right now.” no deal. I walked around for another half hour or so, and when I returned, the two BRS nendoroids he had were gone. Either they were sold, or he put them away. Regardless, no BRS Nendoroid for me.
Back outside, I saw Ryu posing with Dan. I just HAD to get a shot. Dan is my IDOL!
Yosha!!! Ora ora! Doshita doshita!!! Yoyuusu!!
This Dan looked like he’d been out all day, and appeared a little worse for wear.
There were A LOT of Miku cosplayers this year. Last year, I only saw a few. This one even dyed her eye brows!
A view from the other side of the convention hall. You’ll recall Kodomut did some shots here with Nanoha.
It was fun watching him strip Nanoha down and made her more revealing. I think he kept those shots for himself… Kodomut was adamant that he wasn’t going to get one of these for himself, but the way I saw him play with Nanoha makes me think otherwise.
“Are you attending CGM Night?” several colleagues asked. I was too out of it to think. Not only that, I haven’t been on the scene often enough to even know. But I didn’t really ask.
“Maybe… when is it?”
“Tomorrow night.”
“What’s happening?”
“A gathering of some sort, with some discussion and stuff. Danny Choo’s arranging it.”
That was interesting to hear. I didn’t know what CGM Night was. Probably because I never really cared to pay attention. I still don’t know what it stands for… Comrade Gathering Meetup?
“Ah. Cool. I might show up… depending on how I feel.” I said. Ex14 looked a little disappointed.
The guide pamphlet for AFA X. I’m a little sad that I missed most of this, but at the same time, it’s not exactly cheap tickets.
“You didn’t buy anything?” Kodomut asked.
“Hmmm… last year I did come out with a lot of stuff… but not this year.” I said thoughtfully. And then I remembered. “Oh wait, I did buy this!” I reached into my sling bag and pulled out a CD.
I had met the artist at his booth, and was pretty happy to meet him. I had never heard any of his music before, but figured that it was probably good.
“Zaneeds…” Kodomut looked at the CD briefly, and then pretended to silently tuck it into his jacket pocket. We laughed.
“Ex14 told me Zaneeds is pretty good.” I said. Indeed one of the reasons why I bought his CD at that moment was because EX14 said he was good. Also, I figured an indie composer may someday need some artwork. I would love to work with someone like him, and got an opportunity to chat and exchange business cards with him.
It started getting late. Zh3us had gone to watch the concert, so the rest of us packed up our things and headed out to dinner. You could say this was the first official dinner I had after landing in Singapore. Glad that it was with my comrades.
Surprisingly, there’s no Carl’s Jr. in Canada… at least not yet. Wikipedia claims they’re trying to expand into Canada. Not that it really matters to me right now – their main burger tastes almost exactly the same as a Whopper from Burger King.
A pic with the comrades. The person giving you a big “fuck you” is none other than Kodomut. Look at the way he precariously dangles his dslr on the top of that napkin dispenser! The dude’s got attitude!
After dinner, we split and went our separate ways. Ex14 went with me to the MRT. We chatted on the train for a bit, and it seemed we shared a lot of interests, especially in gaming. Before we split, he asked me again:
“You going to CGM?”
“I don’t think I will be… I think I caught something… my sore throat is getting worse…”
“That’s too bad…”
Branded
The day drew to a close. I had spent 12+ hours of my first day in Singapore well, but I paid for it dearly when I felt my throat get worse. I’m sure it was a combination of the exhaustive few days and catching something from Zh3us. In the end, the day was worth it. Little did I know, much more excitement was about to take place the following day.
Omg, srsly awesome pictures on Radiant no Tabi. You make me want to go to this everytime I look at your photos of this convention! Must make a plan one year to do so… Maybe next year? Never been to Singapore so it would definitely be an interesting adventure.
Thanks for the Kino pic! I actually own that little cute set, very highly recommended if you like Shana, Kino, or Taiga (I dunno who that other girl is…) !
Ahah! So NOW you come around to the BRS Nendoroid… watch out that you don’t fall for her other comrades once you get her.
Very nice cosplays you encountered. I don’t know the first one you asked about but I recognize you used to own a figure of her that you sold off. 2nd question you posed looks like a girl who is from Range Murata’s works, but I have no clue what specific chara. Very awesome Kid costume you captured! The Dan is also a pretty rare get – kudos on that!
All in all looks like you had tons of fun; looking forward to seeing what you encountered the next day…
“Radiant no Tabi”? I like the sound of that! 😀
Singapore is an expensive trip. Be prepared to spend more than you’ve ever spent going to any other convention! (unless you’ve been to Comiket)
I had the opportunity to obtain the Kino set before, but I wasn’t interested in Petits at that time…. I’m still not!!! for reals.
I know that GSC made way too many of them. They’re all over the place, so I don’t really have to worry when and where I get one. Plus, I don’t want to be a BRS whore. Not really interested in her friends. Don’t like the character designs.
These cosplayers are commonplace at AFA. There are some REALLY excellent ones in competitions and all. Still, it’s already like 10x better than AE, imo.
I don’t know why, but I felt that you of all people would know who that first cosplayer was cosplaying as. I guess I was wrong about you… -_-
And 2nd one, yes. But I haven’t sold her yet… I think…? Good work identifying Kid. 🙂
Definitely stay tuned!
Wow, looks like you had a great day! Reading this post adds to my impatience for Ohayocon to roll around, haha.
It was indeed a great day. Wow. You’d think that after having attended the previous year, that it would be less of an impact, but it wasn’t. It was just as good. ^_^
Ahaha nice meeting you too!
Ranka doll and Nendo Tooko are mine BTW… XDc
It was totally cool hanging out! I had no idea Ranka belonged to you! I really thought it was zh3us’! O_o;
No wai! I only own the Nanoha stuff.
Nanonut. 😀
That’s some awesome coincidence to arrive at the same time AFAX was taking place and Zh3us to prepare a ticket for you.
I find it odd though, I personality have no qualms about taking pictures out and about of figures and what not and seeing most people I follow do the same I have come to think of it as normal. Except for dollfies, I don’t have enough courage to take mine out yet.
Even if was only a little while it sounds like you had a blast while you where there.
I messaged zh3us about a week before leaving when I heard that AFA was happening soon. He got me tix last year. 🙂
I remember the very first time I took a figure outside for photographs. I felt SO self conscious! Search “Alvis Hamilton” on my blog to see those photos.
I took them in the rain, so there were fewer people. But I felt really weird because I was doing something that people don’t normally do.
I think the feeling is the same as with your dollfies.
I was actually in Singapore for ONE MONTH! XD
Dont know what the hell i was doing lol
anyway great you enjoyed yourself =)
plus having company is always another plus, love the face editing XD
lol what WERE you doing? You were at both days, right?
There were so many people around, there might have been a possibility that we saw each other yet didn’t know! :O
Did you wander the show floor on your own??
Na i was most of the time with @Zenical ^^
ye the possibilities of seeing each other was high i guess, since i was in both days and the convention wasnt that big.
haha myself im trying to remember what i did lol
I didn’t get to meet Zenical! 🙁
You’ve forgotten what you did? :O
lol the censored Carl’s Jr pic is hilarious!
lol you look especially good in it, keeping your cool, sipping your drink. 😉
lol, kodo’s is definitely the most bad-ass, with yellow cigar included xD
Sorry you got sick, but at least you had a GREAT time!
Indeed! 😀
I didn’t really notice my sickness until after the day was done. I was so busy catching all the sights and sounds!
It sure looks packed in there. What else was there to buy beside nendoroids?
Art books, t-shirts, dollfie clothes, artist merchandise, the typical stuff.
http://radiantdreamer.net/wp/afax/23.jpg
Is this Kiki from Kiki’s Delivery Service?
Sounds very lucky how you’ve managed to hit AFA X on your Singapore trip! Too bad you didn’t feel well enough to attend the CGM Night as well; it reminds me of how the CGM Night in Tokyo was coincidently fitting in my Tokyo trip this summer, and I only knew about it and applied for it a few hours before I headed for the airport too!
Sounds like there’s a lot of hype for Singapore, but then a lot of fellow bloggers are from Singapore so there’s a strong bond among them, and they use mostly English too compared to other people with common interest in, say, Hong Kong or Taiwan, where we would normally use Chinese instead. Makes me want to plan for a trip to see just how big the AFA really is about myself in the near future 😮
Haven’t watched Disappearance yet, and I haven’t bothered to pick up 2nd season during the Endless Eight incident while it aired so I have a bit to catch up lol… Too bad it stopped airing in cinemas in Hong Kong over the last weekend, and I was a bit too busy to watch it (along with 2nd season). Oh well I did manage to read the novel translations online some years ago so I am not missing out too much; just look forward to the visual rendition of the novel, which will be nice 😀
The odd feeling of seeing people taking pictures of figures and dolls in the open public is understandable, with onlookers staring with possibly not just curious eyes, but perhaps in a negative or discriminating way. The concept of ACG fans or “otakus” is frowned upon in some places, and this labelling can be troublesome.
Ah my cousin is urging me to get off work now ^^; If I have more to write it will have to come later!
Loved the Miku censor as she’s trying her best to block off your face XD
And I too wanna say that the BRS looks pretty cute on the shot glass you’ve been given. Even nicer how it’s a custom made one too! Must have been really touching to be received with one~
And last but not least, the Dan cosplayer is awesome; he’s got *the* attitude to act and feel like Dan!
lol I used a Miku last year too, as a faceblocker, but I think this one takes the cake. XD
I really appreciate i-pup giving me the shot glass. I didn’t know it, but apparently, CDS was selling it at the booth! That makes me appreciate the gift even more. ^____^
I don’t think that Dan cosplayer as exactly the right attitude… he’s a bit… weak? Dan’s got this super confident aura about him that’s not easy to mimic!
YOU GET COOKIES!!
And in response to CGM… hope you like my new post! ^_^
AFA is definitely worth the trip. It’s different from the comic convention in Hong Kong – there’s merchandise and comics to be bought, yeah, but AFA seems to have a lot more emphasis on the culture and the bonding of like-minded people. The cosplay is awesome.
Mind you, I only have a few relative things to compare to – Vancouver’s own Anime Evolution, which is comparatively weaksauce, and the comic convention in Hong Kong from a decade ago. O_o;
I think the hype from Singapore definitely has to do with the number of bloggers. But then again, it’s reflected in how infused the Japanese Anime culture is in Singapore. It’s still niche, but Singapore has definitely embraced anime a lot more than other places outside of Japan. Singaporeans also play hard. I think they play a lot harder than any other society I’ve been to. It’s a very different kind of play – very focused, and unstoppable kind.
I don’t think I’ll ever be able to shake that odd feeling. I’m too self conscious. Perhaps in a society of full acceptance, then I’ll ease up.
lol i eat carls once every week. i would say they are better than BK (they look much better).. but not as good as IN N OUT burgers. IN N OUT is probably the best fast food burger you can get in California and probably better than some mom and pop resturaunts as well.
Once a week? I do that with McDonald’s. I’d probably hit Carl’s Jr a few times if they actually did have one in Vancouver. I think BK’s standards are different in Singapore, but I could be wrong. I can’t say I’m super fond of BK. Eating it tends to make me feel sick after.
In N Out sounds familiar. I might have seen it in the states before. I’ll give it a try the next time I see it.
Wow yeah you sure kept this under wraps! LOL
The pictures and whole event really look spectacular conventions and such here in the UK will never (at least i dont think) reach the level such as this
Really appreciate the amount of photos youve shared, and makes me wish to attend one some day XD
lol yeah, I had my reasons to keep it under wraps. 😉
I don’t think anywhere besides Asian countries, reach that kind of level. Maybe AX comes close? Not really sure.
My main purpose of taking all these photos is to share it with everyone. Maybe someday, we’ll both go to AFA together and meet up! 😀
Wish I could have joined you guys >.<
The Miku censor tickled my funny bone, but when you blurred the pic for the shot at the table I totally lost it! Well I'm glad you enjoyed your time in Singapore, I can only hope to catch up you for next year if you do manage to make a trip down to Singapore again.
ha with the figure shoots you'll get people giving you weird looks but I think if you go on more than one occasion you'll slowly get accustomed to it and the weird feeling will subside.
Also it was a pleasure meeting you at STGCC, if only you had a little bit more time in Singapore T.T
Yeah, you arrived just slightly too late. I don’t think you told me why that happened. It would have been sweet to hang out together for a while. 🙂
The last pic seems to be a favorite among some people here. lol
The weird feelings probably do subside, but that doesn’t stop people from looking. ^^; It’s a touchy topic on self impression… not sure if I want to get into that…
It was great to get to meet you as well! It’s a shame you couldn’t come in with us to hang out for a bit. Yeah a little more time would have been sweet. EOY and all that. 🙁
Is the first one Kiki from that Miyzaki film?
And the second [the one with the headpiece with some wires] one should be The Major from Ghost in the Shell (one of the manga versions).
Yes! Kiki! You’re very good! 😀
And yes, that’s the Hard Drive version of the Major! You know your classics, Akia! 😀
I can’t believe it is only NOW that i’ve seen this post!
Musta been work!
Spoke too much Singrish while you where around heh!
“I shook my head briefly. “He’s the guy you asked about when you SMS me.” Zh3us replied.” OTL
Nice meeting you again! We gotta go this yearly~ (LOL)
hahaha duude! Gambatte! Work is important.
… but so is reading my blog. hahaha! ^^
is okeh, nevahmin lah!