#okunfiesta3

The day-long event began when its doors opened at 11am. As in previous years, the booths were divided mainly into the Exhibitor Zone where a variety of anime and cosplay merchandise were sold and the Artist Alley where individuals and groups sold their fan arts and also accepted commissioned works. There was also a small Food Zone where attendees can buy snacks and drinks.

The Sponsor Zone showcased the booths of the sponsors and featured guests including fanartist surfaçage, cosplayer and crafter Lyron Aquino and otaku media blogger Christian Mack who each had an hour of talk at the adjacent stage area. The Japan Foundation Manila also had a booth which gave us a sneak peek at the lineup of the 20th Eiga Sai this year. The Anthem of the Heart (2015) directed by Tatsuyuki Nagai and another anime film will be screened.

Among the guests, we were able to attend the talk of artist and illustrator surfaçage. It was actually her first personal appearance in a convention at O-Kun Fiesta! Before she started her talk, she told us 3 things people get wrong about her. First was how to properly say her name. Second was her gender - people were always surprised to know she's a girl! Last was her nationality - she is proud to be a Filipino. Here is what we shared to us in her talk, "Things I Wish Someone Told Me 10 Years Ago":

Walang Matutulog. Being an artist is super hard work.

Draw what you want.

Learn how to turn down people.

Set a schedule. This referred to two things: setting time for drawing practice and determining the right time to post your works in social media.

References are not cheating. It is okay to use references as long as there is no outright copying.

Don't be too hard on yourself. Her intrinsic motivation was to make herself a better artist.

Learn to take criticism. There will always be someone better than you.