Anime, Cosplay, and Crowds: Our Day at Otaku Pop Fes

We spent our weekend a little differently this time because we attended Day 2 of Otaku Pop Fes 2026 at Okada Manila, and it turned out to be an interesting experience, especially if you have a child who enjoys anime, games, or anything related to Japanese pop culture.

What Otaku Pop Fes Is All About

For those who are not familiar, Otaku Pop Fes is a two-day event that brings together anime, gaming, cosplay, and live performances in one place. It’s actually one of the newer large-scale events in the Philippines focused on Japanese pop culture.

The event is divided into two main areas:

• The Ballroom – where you can find anime exhibits, merchandise booths, and stage activities
• Cove Manila – where cosplay, performances, and concerts happen

So it’s not just a convention….. it’s a mix of expo + concert + cosplay event all in one.

What We Experienced on Day 2

Since we went on Day 2, the energy was already quite high. You’ll immediately notice people dressed in different costumes, from simple anime-inspired outfits to full-on detailed cosplay.

As a mom, I found myself observing more than participating and honestly, that’s okay. It’s one of those events where you can just walk around, look at booths, and let your child enjoy the atmosphere.

There were:

• Anime and game booths featuring popular titles
• Official merchandise and collectibles
• Stage programs and activities
• Cosplay competitions and photo opportunities

One thing I noticed is how passionate the community is. Even if you’re not super familiar with anime, you’ll still appreciate the creativity and effort people put into their costumes.

Mommy Perspective

If I’m being real, this kind of event is more enjoyable if you or your child is already into anime or gaming. For parents like me who are just there to accompany, it’s more of a “support role” experience, but still worth it in a different way.

What I liked:

• It’s a different kind of bonding experience
• You get to see what your child is into
• It’s a safe space for creativity and self-expression

What to expect:

• A lot of walking
• Crowds, especially in popular areas
• High energy, especially near the stage and cosplay zones

Final Thoughts

Otaku Pop Fes may not be for everyone, but if your child enjoys anime, cosplay, or gaming, this is something they will definitely appreciate.

As a mom, I’ve learned that sometimes, you don’t need to fully understand what your child likes. You just need to show up, be there, and experience it with them.

And honestly, that alone already makes it worth it.