(Sorry for the delay, folks. We’ve been experiencing a bit of backlog lately. Please do bear with us. Thank you! ^____^)

The finals of the first ever J-Pop Anime Singing Competition Finals were held last Saturday, July 25, at the Market!Market! Activity Center. It was the culmination of a Philippine-Japan friendship event organized by the Japanese Embassy with the help of the Japan Foundation, and the event was further supported by the Nihongo Center Foundation, TOEI Animation Philippines, HERO TV, Ayala Malls, and 103.5 MAX FX. The event is one of many that are meant to celebrate Philippines-Japan Friendship month – evidently, one of the most important cultural events in the country for Japanophiles.

We first heard about the event from the wonderful magnetic_rose and, given we had at one point or another entertained the idea getting up on stage and belting out some of our favorite JPop and/or anime tunes (we most definitely have done that in the shower), it was virtually impossible for us not to attend this particular event. These people, in their own way, were living the dream.

We arrived at the venue just a little before two in the afternoon, and one of the first things we had noted was how well-planned the event seemed to be. The Market!Market! Activity Center allowed as many people as possible to enjoy the event without the risk of overcrowding; people on higher floors can enjoy the shows just as much as the people closest to the stage (which had the most adorable background ever).

There were a few sponsor booths there as well, with TOEI being our favorite, and the Mini-Manga Library being a very close second, but they were situated and decorated in such a way that there would be no doubt whatsoever with regards to the actual focus of the event – which, of course, is the music. And the music in general, by the way, was fantastic. Just a handful of minutes after we arrived, the show started, and then all ten finalists picked out of the eighty-five hopeful groups were each given their turn to perform onstage. It didn’t matter that we couldn’t get too close to the stage; the performers were all talented and remarkable, and everyone – the finalists, hosts, judges, and audience alike, all enjoyed themselves immensely. While we were, in fact very happy with the sets of guest performers Makoto Inoue and SITTI, we still found ourselves waiting impatiently for the results of the competition.

It was no surprise at all that WHAT IS?! (yes, the name of the band includes the punctuation marks) and their rendition of the Gurren Lagann theme “Sora-iro Days” won top honors, followed closely by Hero’s Choice and other crowd favorite BAGE. Third place went to Sakura Beat, who performed the L’Arc en Ciel classic Driver’s High. The winners all won free Japanese Language Lessons care of the Nihongo Centre Foundation (we wail in envy NOW) and gift packages.

The event proper wrapped up around half past four, but that didn’t mean that the fun is over and done with. Following the music show was a film showing of classic anime – the black and white kind. We would have wanted to stay and watch the whole showing, but sadly, we needed to go. Nevertheless, this was one of the most fun events we’ve had the pleasure of attending, and we can’t wait until next year, when they’re planning to have yet another J-Pop Anime Singing Competition.

Maybe we’ll even try out next year. :3

In the meantime, you can view all our photos that we took at the event over at our Multiply album! ^_^