Tag: Theme Cafe

Posted on

Soiree Fortuna Opens Cafeterium Chaldeas’ Universe to Others

After a long period of preparation which also passed through the pandemic lockdown, Cafeterium Chaldeas hosted its first major cosplay ball Soiree Fortuna at Pavilion de La Castellana in Intramuros, Manila last Sunday, December 3.

Soiree Fortuna welcomed cosplayers dressed up as characters not only from the namesake Chaldean dimension (Fate/Grand Order) but also from other franchises such as Genshin Impact, recognizing the immense popularity of both titles.

More than 20 guest cosplayers played their role in the Grand Summons as characters from various gacha games:

  • The Fool – Venti, Genshin Impact (Himmel del Lyria)

  • The Magician – Da Vinci, Fate/Grand Order (Aki Kagawa)

  • The High Priestess – Yae Miko, Genshin Impact (Geneva)

  • The Empress – Ningguang, Genshin Impact (Angela Firmalo Limen)

  • The Emperor – Zhongli, Genshin Impact (ReiChuu Owo)

  • The Hierophant – Wonder, Persona 5 (Cholo Tolentino)

  • The Lovers – Elysia, Honkai Impact 3rd (AC Cosplay)

  • The Chariot – Leona Kingscholar, Twisted Wonderland (Korin)

  • The Strength – Kaeya Alberich, Genshin Impact (ELIJ)

  • The Hermit – Keine Kamishirasawa, Touhou (Haru)

  • Wheel of Fortune – Scaramouche/Wanderer, Genshin Impact (Miri Kirkland)

  • Justice – Al-Haitham, Genshin Impact (Zen)

  • The Hanged Man – Kadoc Zemlupus, Fate/Grand Order (Geoff Sese)

  • Death – Sandalphon, GranBlue Fantasy (MakeItRhaine)

  • Temperance – Noshiro, Azur Lane (Hani Cosplay)

  • The Devil – Belial, GranBlue Fantasy (Amon Rei)

  • The Tower – Blade, Nu: Carnival (Mori Altin)

  • The Star – Mika Kagehira, Ensemble Stars (Akiwa)

  • The Moon – Veliona, Honkai Impact 3rd (Rei)

  • The Sun – Seele, Honkai Impact 3rd (Patorishia)

  • Judgement – Ganyu, Genshin Impact (Yana)

  • The World – Snow, Promise of Wizard (NAMI)

  • King of Heroes, Gilgamesh from Fate/Grand Order (Neroximus)

Given that this is a cosplay ball, each Grand Summon was picked as a partner during the event, with each guest enjoying their time with them. This is on top of several participants who are altogether recognized as Masters, channeling the role originated in the Fate/ series.

Masters are treated to sumptuous treats (such as the meatloaf which became a name for itself), good music (with the help of DJ NicDroid) and an unforgettable experience (as captured by its multimedia partners).

Sandalphon, Ganyu, Kaeya and Wonder were also summoned to perform on stage, which is then complimented by the audience’s appreciation to each of the performers. Not only that, some Masters are recognized for playing their part, cosplay-wise:

  • Arianel’s Blessing
    The Master who has shown grace and aesthetic through cosplay and makeup.
    Judge: Ms. Liz Bocobo of Tear Aesthetic Haute
    Winner: FreeXa

  • Elegance Award
    The Master who perfectly showcased their character’s grace and elegance
    Judge: Mr. Julius Patrick Apud, Chairman, Elegance Photo Consortium
    Winner: Xia Chi

  • Supernova
    The Master who joined The Trail of Stars Cosplay Catwalk, perfectly presenting themselves as their character on stage
    Judges: Katiecakey, Ms. Reesh of RaiChi Studios, and Araya of Cafeterium Chaldeas
    Winner: Katharsis Qos

  • Altair and Vega
    The King and Queen of Soiree Fortuna
    Judge: Katiecakey
    Winners: Chiaki Momo (Altair) and Arisu Al-Asim (Vega)

Soiree Fortuna is the third installment of Cafeterium Chaldeas, a group of day job professionals aiming to bring guests joy through organizing fun yet sustainable events. Originally organizing Fate-centric events, the group yearned to create fresh event formats where cosplayers can enjoy themselves together. Soiree Fortuna aimed to become a magical night for its guests to express their creativity, passion, and love for the community.

keepsakes. has been present in previous Cafeterium Chaldeas events, both of which have been recorded in the posts below.

I ate burger steak in another dimension

Playing board games at Chaldea

Special thanks to Cafeterium Chaldeas for having keepsakes. as a media partner for Soiree Fortuna, and to Exosia Project for providing the photos included in this post.

Posted on

Genshin Impact Fan Events in Metro Manila 2022

I have not written anything substantial in this space for a long time, so it’s already time to whip up something special. Remember the time when I was roleplaying at three Fate/Grand Order theme cafes? (Links below) I’m sorry to say that’s the thing of the past, because at this time and age, ang buong Pilipinas ay Genshin Impact.

Genshin Impact looked attractive because of its good character designs, catering to everyone’s varied tastes. Events in the Philippines cannot escape the groups of Genshin Impact cosplays. I even got into a Genshin Impact maid cafe myself! (Thanks, OtaCute)

This year, I have listed two Genshin Impact fan events to be held in the next few months: Genshin Mania PH’s Cafe Teyvat and Primo Stella from The SVC and Pygmalia. I’ve already reserved my slot for the Cafe Teyvat which is set to happen at Smile To Go Araneta City on August 14. Meanwhile, Primo Stella has just revealed its date and venue: November 19, 2022 at the Guadalupe Commercial Complex.

Perhaps the similarity between these two events is each venue’s access to the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3 Araneta-Cubao and Guadalupe Stations). I’m just one month away from feeling the Teyvat experience – except that I have NOT yet played Genshin Impact at all, considered a sacrilege among the Genshin Impact elite (if there was one).

By the time you’ve seen this, Cafe Teyvat has concluded, so here’s a quick vlog from the event:

There is also another fan event happening this October, organized by The Union for the benefit of Josefheim Foundation in Antipolo City, it’s called “An Interlude Between Journeys,” happening at 1588 Benitez Place in Manila on October 29. Those who have been to the second Hypnosis Underground event should be familiar with the venue.



Now that I am back to blogging after ending my writing stint at Anime Corner (I am still finishing some commitments as I take a back seat), I promise no promises and let you know what’s on my mind and what’s happening in the community. Until then, I hope you come back here soon.

Now, read my other stories on theme cafes:

“Opening up” in another singularity

I ate burger steak in another dimension

Playing board games at Chaldea

Posted on

HoYoFest 2021: Tears of Themis Cafe in the Philippines

After another grueling week of handling online events, I finally took a long rest. I then checked my Facebook to see what’s up. It’s HoYoFest, MiHoYo’s special event for its fans in Southeast Asia.

The Moon Rabbit Cafe in San Juan is the lucky restaurant to represent HoYoFest in the Philippines. I’ve seen and shared their posts on Facebook. What brought me to decide to have my lunch there is a post from a cosplayer I’m following.

Just look at them in the photo, Jay. Ang sweet naman.

As soon as I woke up (late, as my body needs to recharge), I got myself up, booked my ride to the cafe and spent time outdoors as I’m just in time for the next session. Several people have reserved the cafe in order to get official merch, too.

HoYoFest 2021: Tears of Themis Cafe in the Philippines - Moon Rabbit Cafe

Meanwhile, I, as a walk-in diner, just want to take lunch in a themed cafe. Working hard left me no choice but to play hard or else my sanity’s gonna tilt. It’s darn time to have some rest and recreation.

As a walk-in diner, it took a bit of time until the doors were opened for me to dine in. I kept myself busy by then. When I’m allowed to get inside, I am greeted with a nice, welcoming ambiance befit for a themed cafe.

The Cafe

HoYoFest 2021: Tears of Themis Cafe in the Philippines - Ceiling

The current theme is MiHoYo’s otome game Tears of Themis, which is something my Animazing Show co-host IK is gushing for. Long story short, it’s a Romance x Detective x Adventure game first released in Mainland China in July 2020, and worldwide one year after.

HoYoFest 2021: Tears of Themis Cafe in the Philippines - Decals

I’m not a gamer myself, so the best way for me to appreciate the cafe is to look at the character designs. Posters are scattered around, hanging chibi illustrations are in the ceiling, and there’s a lot of post-it’s in two designated areas.

HoYoFest 2021: Tears of Themis Cafe in the Philippines - Post-its

The Food

Of all the four featured dishes, I ate two. I was inclined to order the orange spare ribs dish but my eyes are looking at the other dish: Ama’s homemade meatballs.

I believe I finished eating the rice first then the meatballs. Forget the rice – the meatballs are flavorful. Dip it in ketchup, it gets a bit more flavorful. Did I forgot to mention that if you eat the meatballs together with the pickled ginger, it tastes different versus the ketchup?

HoYoFest 2021: Tears of Themis Cafe in the Philippines - Meatballs

Complementing the set is the hazelnut coffee and the sweet mango pudding. Just the right touch.

The Cosplays (Yes, there are!)

Moving on, just before I partake into this meal, I got to talk to cosplayer Lix Tsu and her friend Aizi. Reserving a dine-in schedule takes time, and for Lix’s friend who is based in the province, it takes a lot of effort to confirm a slot.

HoYoFest 2021: Tears of Themis Cafe in the Philippines - Lix and Aizi

I feel for the staff assigned for the reservations, because I also called to book my slot last-minute as well (as in ‘yung last minute na).

HoYoFest 2021: Tears of Themis Cafe in the Philippines - Mitsuru

I also saw a familiar face: cosplayer Mitsuru, cosplaying as private detective Luke Pearce. Complete with a bouquet of flowers for you. (Prompt: Aiiiiyeeeee)

I’ve taken some photos of the best post-it’s from the cafe, which are posted on Facebook along with the rest of the photos from this post.

Lastly, I picked up the orange spare ribs on the way back home, just in time for the Animazing Show episode with Kamiya Juu. That was one heck of a day for me.

By the way, since HoYoFest is a Southeast Asian event, have you seen this cosplay from Larissa Rochefort at their HoYoFest cafe? Also, have you taken a look at my other food posts?