2019 was the last year we have last heard of “The Best of Anime” which was one of the most sought-after anime events here in Manila, Philippines. This 2023, Primetrade Asia Inc. broke their silence last July earlier this year as they announced the return of the said event.
The Best of Anime: The Reunion happened last September 16, 2023 at the SMX Convention Center and was only happening for a day unlike its previous years. Yet, the organizers have packed the whole day with tons of activities and performances from returnee guests and new talents to introduce to the ever-growing anime and cosplay community.
The event started with the performance of local J-pop Cover Idol group PASTEL MIX (PHL) who came all the way from Davao City. Attendees and their fans can be seen enjoying as they light up the audience area with their own lightsticks. 
Right after the girls’ performance, the stage gets heated up with the Anime Sing-off, Anime Idol Dance Battle, and the All-Star Cosplay Competition which happened later that afternoon.
In between those awesome competitions, the program was mixed with performances, segments, and short interviews with the events very special guests. From the returning Japanese Idol Group STARMARIE and a special performance from one of their members Monya, cosplayer Reika, and AC Hernandez who had his own segment about his experiences in the World Cosplay Summit and cosplaying in general. We were also greeted with an awesome performance from first-time guests, Japanese group Chicken Blow the Idol wowed the audience with their awesome lineup of songs.
While all of these performances were happening at the main venue, fan meets and workshops were also happening in the meeting rooms just outside the main function halls. From makeup tutorials from Reika herself, to fan meets with UCHUSENTAI NOIZ and the other guests we mentioned earlier.
One of the event’s partner, Ani-One Philippines also had their own segment where they announced the official launch of their Official Youtube channel and revealed tons of titles of series that will be available for the Philippine audience to stream!
The evening performances were the most awaited for that day which was hyped up by Seiyuu and Visual Kei artist Miura Ayme and followed by none other than UCHUSENTAI NOIZ who is a returnee and also a regular of the event. Angel Taka wraps up the event with an encore performance cosplaying our very own icon, Jollibee, where fans chanted “Chickenjoy” after making a catwalk before performing “Pinoy Ako” by Orange and Lemons which is only one of their iconic renditions of Filipino songs which made them known here in the country.
Setsu-Ani is proud to be one of the media partners for the awaited reunion with The Best of Anime this 2023. As what others have mentioned to Ms. Irene (during her short speech during the awarding ceremony for the competitions)we also missed The Best of Anime and it was refreshing to see it again live in the events scene. Ms. Irene has yet to reveal and plan her next lineup for BOA 2024 but she has heard our warm responses and feedbacks about their return.
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