Celebrating Anime, Music, and Cosplay at Okada Manila
For two days, Okada Manila hosted Otaku Pop Fes 2026, becoming the stage where Japanese excellence and Filipino warmth collide in a celebration of anime, music, and cosplay.
Words Marc Nathaniel Servo
Photo courtesy of Okada Manila
May 18, 2026
Bringing together anime fans, creators, and performers for a world-class cross-cultural and leisure moment, Okada Manila hosts the two-day Otaku Pop Fes 2026 at the Grand Ballroom and Cove Manila.
The Otaku Pop Fes debuted in April 25 to 26 as a huge celebration of anime, live music, and cosplay, bringing together the otaku community through wonderful exhibits, cosplay events, and high octane musical performances driven by fans.
Inside Cove Manila
An exclusive reception is held at Okada Manila for its opening, graced by media partners, sponsors, and Japanese officials and executives.
Among those present were Mr. Akinori Osaki of CyberE Inc., Mr. Shigehiro Matsuda of the Japan Information and Culture Center and the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, Mr. Nobuki Sato, President and Chief Operating Officer of Okada Manila, and Ms. Ayee Calma of CBZN Perspective.
Inside the Grand Ballroom
Built with both countries’ culture at its core, Okada Manila, in its Forbes 5-star glory, carries the goal of becoming a communal space for Filipinos and Japanese alike.
“As an integrated resort shaped by both Japanese excellence and Filipino warmth, Okada Manila is a natural home for an event like Otaku Pop Fes,” Mr. Sato of Okada Manila shared.
Mr. Nobuki Sato of Okada Manila
Throughout the festival, otakus enjoyed various booths, performances, and fan-driven activities that surely spurred their anime spirit.
At the Grand Ballroom, several anime and game booths, themed attractions, and cosplay showcases featuring titular shows like Dan Da Dan, Tokyo Revengers, Spy x Family, and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End are exhibited, as fans enjoy interactive activities and photoshoots that brought them closer to their favorite characters and stories.
South Korean Girl Group UNIS
For live music performances, the Cove Manila showcased its expansive indoor venue — distinguished by its mesmerizing UV-protected glass dome.
The artist lineup includes DJ Kazu, Eir Aoi, Hiroshi Kitadani, and South Korean girl group UNIS, fueling the excitement in the festival.
With the Otaku Pop Fes Cosplay Cup, cosplayers are given the opportunity to showcase their creativity and craftsmanship through detailed costumes and performances inspired by their favorite fictional characters.
DJ Kazu
With titular names like Zackt, Roxanne Kho, Lia Bear, Awie, Prince De Guzman, and Myrtle Sarrosa, the event became an exciting meeting for the community, as they held meet-and-greet sessions for their fans.
In this festival, Okada Manila proves its worth as a seven consecutive years Forbes 5-star destination in the Philippines, known for its unique service philosophy that combines Filipino warmth and Japanese excellence.
