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.
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.
October 20, 2019. It was a sunny Sunday, as hot as the previous Sundays I have outlived with my trusty foldable umbrella.
I happen to arrive at the terminal too early. My itinerary says that I need to be there by 4:00 pm for the rayshift. I have three hours to do something as I wait, so I went off to the “nearby duty-free” to get some snacks.
Last night was mad as hell. I was in a club that has too many blinking lights and liquor on the side. Dizzying, if I say so myself. I didn’t drink any liquor, just a can of Red Bull that I kept refilling with water afterward.
The upside of it is that I get to meet the people who are part of my 10-year otaku journey, but I felt that I’m too weak to party in a club. I’m a Tito now, and Titos of Manila don’t party like a rockstar, we’re into the casual side of things.
My kind of chill is when I get to talk to people from the other dimension. The “other dimension” happens to be Chaldea, and that’s where we are transported to.
The Entry
It was busy at the immigration. Well, I wasn’t informed that there’s immigration at the other end. I thought I had my trip checked in and taken care of!
Turns out that it’s a different kind of immigration, where they give passports as you step there. This must be some kind of new policy being implemented in Chaldea. I believe they didn’t have this system before. Maybe I can request for a multiple-entry visa next time.
Finally, we arrived at our destination – the sign says “Alice Tea House.” There, we are welcomed by around 10 servants. I failed to count all of them correctly because you can easily feel the heavy aura emanating from each of them.
It kinda felt awkward to move forward, because each servant has its own quirk, some of them I have no idea of. I was slowly sneaking to the side, and then…!
In a split-second, someone caught me.
One glance to the left, and I saw Kiyohime, smiling as she grabs me forward. It is Kiyohime, but I sense a familiar feeling. Maybe it’s just me.
But it’s still the Kiyohime we know – “the lady which comes to you ten times a roll.”
The Party
As things have settled down, I saw myself in a table with my friend Ariel, Nero Claudius… and yes, Kiyohime… beside me. I was still shocked by what happened earlier that I did my best to avoid looking at her in the eye.
As for Ariel, the poor guy had responsibilities back at our country that he did not dress up as an actual Chaldean master. Life sometimes forbids us to go all out, but there is a reason for such. Wait, I did not dress up as an actual Chaldean master too, so fair enough.
This has been my third trip to Chaldea – the first one brought me to a dreamland somewhere in the middle of eastern and western borders with desserts and a delicious burger steak at the side. The second one was in the far southwest which matured me by around two years because the look and feel of coffee is everywhere.
The session is about to start. We’re just a few feet away from Merlin, the damned wizard we have loved to hate. First, I saw an innocent Merlin, then an atrocious Merlin in my next trip after. I was hoping that Merlin has sorted himself out this tim–
Someone hurled a small plushie at Merlin, and they were enjoying it. He must have been behaving after what happened last time. Even Edmond Dantes has to intervene a bit. Well, he is our border security. He followed us all the way to keep watch on us.
The Games
Back at the table, we have a stack of Jenga blocks in front of us. It has been decided already that we will play Jenga even before we knew it.
I went with the flow and casually played along. In fact, we played well so much that we have built the second-highest Jenga tower in that session. (Hoping that the witnesses captured that moment in full detail.)
We only got beaten by the table beside us – you see, all of them are standing, staying away from the table as much as possible. One bad move and it all goes tumbling down.
At that table is Okita Souji. I believe seeing her the night before, but that might be a doppelganger who loves to party. My Okita cannot be a party monster. Again, it must be me. I’m never gonna look at those damn flashing lights.
Actio punctorum
I almost forgot to tell you that playing games with the servants ain’t free. As part of the package, I was given some pocket travel money, or actio punctorum (which translates to “Action Points” or APs). AP is now the new form of currency for quartz, recalling my first visit. The pocket money I was given was quite measly; it was not sufficient enough for me.
As for Kiyohime, the ever-supportive, clingy (yes, no doubt) maiden referred me to the shop’s money exchange. Kiyohime told me that if I played her games thrice, she will give me a memento whether I win or lose.
With that enough motivation, I proceed to place in a hundred in the desk. It’s a good thing that the shop has its own money exchange, and the exchange rate for APs is 1:1. That was the biggest mystery of the board game party: How in the world they were able to maintain such good exchange rates?
During the course of the session, I had to meet the likes of the calm beast Kiara Sesshouin and blunt ruler Jeanne d’Arc, who provided me the same memory game with different difficulties. By the way, it’s my first time to meet Kiara in person, without any research in my index of servants (I kept my index away from my hand as I enjoy the occasion).
Compared from Kiara’s casual one-rounder memory game, the ruler asked me to lit up a lighter and keep it lit until I finish two rounds. I thought it was hard, considering that too much heat can burn you (just like how the ruler was burned at the stake – slow and painful, as dreaded as the dark ages when she was alive).
The Gacha
After completing a game of slap-jack with servants and fellow masters, I went back to the currency exchange, only to realize the dreaded stall beside it.
Oh yes– I mean no, it’s the gacha.
I’m not into luck that much, but if there’s one thing that I am weary to push my luck into, that would be the gacha they are offering there. Sure, there are sure good keepsakes from it, like a photo book of all the servants which is also ready for purchase.
I just never knew the salt has manifested itself there in physical form with a bundled QR code. Yes, they now use QR codes in Chaldea.
Setting no expectation of winning or losing anything, I exchanged my wins into the lottery. After perhaps placing a hundred worth of APs, I got stickers, photos, and pieces of rare treasure they refer to as “Bond CEs,” around four of them. If I appraise the value of the items I got, it’s around triple the APs I exchanged, which is a great deal.
These, aside from two command seals bestowed upon me. It’s quite rare for me to have two command seals, which I used to play with Kiyohime for one last time and take a selfie with. I finally got her gift (a “Bond CE”) as a bonus.
The rest of the session is spent on playing another game – this time, it’s a dice-puzzle game led by the paladin Astolfo. I seem to have used all of my luck for that day, as I lost to the paladin by around three moves.
The Possession
During the course of my stay, Fou spoke to me if he can harbor in my body, which I nonchalantly agreed. To have someone so cute like Fou to have my body is amazing. We approached Merlin and I let Fou took the wheel.
Fou began to speak in my voice. “You know, I have a secret.”
“…?”
“I’m actually Fou.”
Deep inside I was laughing my ass out as Fou takes over. Look at that scared Merlin, knowing that he did something Fou still cannot understand up to this day.
The Secret
The day has ended and the masters went back home one by one. As for me, I did my best to feel the ambiance of the shop, which led me to have a sip of English Breakfast tea… at night.
The only people who are inside the shop are me and the two skilled tributes at the exchange. They were sent there to tend to the shop’s finances and logistics.
Regardless of the time-space dimension, and no matter how huge the defense funds Chaldea can spend, there are processes that even the servants can’t do by themselves. This is where the two get into action, executing the plan from the sidelines while dodging the overseers. Remember: No one in the higher-ups knows that this trip exists.
These two did teach me a special game that is only available at the shop – Triple Triad. A card has four numbers forming a compass, and each card has varying numbers. These cards will then placed in a tic-tac-toe fashion.
Here’s a catch: If you place your card in an area dominated by higher numbers, your card will now be the card of the opponent. The aim of the game is to increase the number of your cards with this kind of strategy. I wish I could explain this better, as it is a sleeper hit card game inside Chaldea.
Reflection
We eventually took the last trip home, and back to our time-space dimension. I joined the tributes in their dinner before they get back to their hometowns.
Along the way, we saw a couple of people whom the tributes know. Some of them had a fading aura similar to Kiyohime and Ozymandias’, so I know there are those kinds of people who turn up quite normal in another dimension.
That kinda reminds me of meeting Caster Gilgamesh last year – to which I wonder, they must be busy taping the on-going Babylonia TV series. Yes, Merlin was with us, I presume because he had a few lines there.
We’re back in reality, and all that matters is that we can face the next day with smiles on our faces. The board game party has been successfully accomplished.
A lot has changed in Chaldea, and I am looking forward to being alienated again by their antics. I believe they already have an idea of where to disburse next year’s defense funds. Just we wait.
It’s been long since I’m able to take pleasure in the fruits of my labor, and so I did it again — this time, I paid a group of mages to transport me to a different dimension.
I had already paid my dues to the mages as soon as they announced the trip, and setting aside the delay because of the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong, I guess the wait was worth it. The good thing about paying the dues is that I don’t need to go to a local currency exchange as they accept local currency (Php 1 = 1 Quartz).
I am transported to a secret gathering inside Chaldea, and they refer to that gathering as Cafeterium Chaldeas. It’s so secret, they have requested me not to take photos of the figures who have welcomed us in their humble abode. Some of them dressed in their casual clothing, some as either maids or butlers.
It was time for them to welcome us. The Napoleon of Crime, James Moriarty, briefed us on what will happen.
In that gathering, we are the masters for the day. We are given the right to command a servant based on the value we paid beforehand.
Afterward, we are guided to our chosen places. After a few moments, I got approached by a notable figure in Chaldea — none other than Dr. Romani Archaman.
Just as I have been taken to my place, I saw my AniZone colleagues in front of me. I didn’t think that I’ll be placed in that space with friends since I went alone and early from the assigned schedule of 12 on the clock. That got my hope of having a good time up.
In this dimension, I’ve felt I’ve met familiar personas hosting the figures such as Gilgamesh (Caster), Artoria Pendragon (Zero), Illyasviel and even Berserker of Black!
As we wait for our temporary status as masters, Moriarty called our attention. With him is a mug that says “King of the Remote,” and with him is Archer with a small yellow bag. The mug has the names of the servants present, while the bag has a list of orders. Most of the masters there may refer to it as gacha, but I refer to it as a light Russian Roulette, exaggeratedly speaking. I don’t know what will happen to me once I pick my combination.
Sure enough, some masters got the servants from the other table, but it’s quite odd that I got the one with me from the start — Dr. Archaman himself.
The command was for Dr. Archaman to sit on my lap.
“Oh.”
So he did. I was at a loss for words, but I didn’t fail to ask him if he’s OK afterward. I’m good.
That was just mild — the other temporary masters-to-be? Not so much. Look, even Moriarty got so much scared with a combination someone picked, his mustache fell off and he had to grow one again with the power of magic. That reminds me, he called for Merlin to assist him with that.
If I can force someone from that area to speak their narrative about this so-called mini-game, I will do; but I have to keep my composure.
We continued our small talk with the colleagues in the table — joining us is Artoria (Zero) and Dr. Archaman who also offered water to us as we roll — until the time has come that we summon our servants as masters for that day.
The one on my left has successfully summoned Mash Kyrielight. The one on my right was able to summon Artoria (Zero) who is just with us.
Do you know whom I’ve summoned? Gilgamesh (Archer).
The King of Kings. This weakling has summoned the King of Kings! I have been blessed by some kind of luck to summon Gilgamesh (Archer)!
So we met.
Having knowledge of the King of Kings in this universe, I perceived him as a cold person who is much boastful than this loudmouth of a yuppie. I don’t know what approach I will give to him — until I realized he’s keeping it calm. He’s chill about this whole gathering. Gilgamesh? Chill? About this?
Of course, he still does not serve anyone — he’s being served — yet, he chose to take time off his throne and serve me.
Just a few moments after, I just saw Artoria (Zero) serve what seems to be chicken fillet… that felt so wrong, considering that I’m facing THE BURGER KING. I asked Gilgamesh (Archer), “What are our choices?”
He replied with two: That, or Burger Steak.
I went with the flow and asked for the latter, much to the awkwardness of the situation.
I intended to visit Chaldea for lunch (and go back in the present dimension to host Otaku Musika at Tiendesitas), and I was greeted with this medium-sized burger steak that is not too small for me to be unsatisfied, not too large for me to waste it, but just right for me to have a full tummy.
Complementing this is a chocolate shake in a glass jar with ice cream on a stick and wafers in it. The steak also tasted just right for my palate; and while the shake felt too sweet for me, I can request water to balance it out.
Speaking of Gilgamesh (Archer), I remember that there’s another Gilgamesh who discovered this area called the Fairview Leyline. It’s revered as a Summoners’ Paradise, although there are risks in partaking in it. You may want to ask your friends if they know this.
I looked at the clock. My time’s running out. I’ve got to do something. I asked my colleagues for suggestions, but in the end, I went to challenge Gilgamesh (Archer) to an arm-wrestling match.
I called for witnesses. This is epic. I can feel it.
Moriarty proctored the match. Being me, I didn’t set any wagers. It’s all in the spirit of fun.
The signal’s off. I tried to turn the tables to my favor, but foolish me is challenging the King of Kings with the strength of around ten times as me. Thinking I can win over this power is insanity.
He set my arm down in a few seconds. I lost the game. The witnesses have documented the ordeal. We get back to our places.
Someone rang the bell. It’s calling for the attention of us fellow masters.
It’s Berserker of Black. She has with her this box of pictures that serve as mementos inside the Cafeterium.
She spoke the words of optimism. It doesn’t matter what she was doing, SHE SPOKE. SHE SPOKE WITH SUCH CLEAR WORDS. I have understood her thoughts. “She must’ve been taught by Moriarty,” I overheard.
I can afford her offer, so I paid 20 Quartz to pick a photo. I just expect for three photos like what my colleagues got, but I got just one.
The Berserker of Black rejoiced, ringing the bell in her hand. I got a special photo.
I was asked to pick a memento of Jeanne d’Arc or Mash. I chose the latter. It is a keychain of Mash. I believe it was processed through the help of some engineers and machinists inside Chaldea, but in the real world, this is made out of hardened acrylic, edge-carved to perfection.
While I am glad about the happy distraction, I still have a problem: My time’s still running out. I don’t want to waste my experience as a master for a day in this gathering.
I called for a janken match against Gilgamesh. As with the previous challenge, I called for witnesses — but this time, we had a wager: If I win, he will give me another chance to command him, but if I lose, I’ll only have one more command in my perusal.
It’s a race to three, one-blow janken match. Rock. Paper. Scissors. I hesitated to choose scissors as he’s more into paper and rock. Paper, maybe because he is a conqueror of some sort. Rock, maybe because his throne stands solid?
Then again, I lose.
Artoria (Zero) asked me if I am satisfied with my overall experience inside Chaldea — I proudly said: “All of my sufferings, for this? I am happy.” Grateful is an understatement. Look, these figures don’t know I’m turning a new leaf the day after, but they still gave me a great birthday present.
Time is up for me. I asked Gilgamesh (Archer) one last command. “Let’s have a bro-hug.” So we did.
“I’m looking forward to seeing you in another dimension soon.”
“You too.”
He then left afterward.
I looked at my colleague to the right. He’s in a dire situation. He has not done anything yet. Artoria (Zero) is disappointed with him. He tries to justify, but we ask him to do something for Artoria (Zero).
Before we continue, here’s an odd sidenote: A day before this, I was a judge in the Otaku Musika singing competition at Tiendesitas, and I saw this cute Aya Maruyama who sang and danced to the tune of Pastel☆Palettes’ Shuwarin☆Drea~min.
As soon as we are finished judging the first half, she was nowhere to found. At the end of the day, I tried looking for tips from my information network. turns out she’s going to a parallel dimension.
The lead I found states this name: Florence Nightingale.
As soon as I got on my table, I asked Artoria (Zero) if she’s present in the gathering. Turns out, she’s among the servants present. The persona hosting her is quite fantastic — one day, she’s a cute person, the next day, Florence Nightingale is with her. It’s like day and night!
Towards the end of the gathering, Moriarty said that everyone can go wild — and so I did.
As soon as I approached her, I stated the magic words with the compass: “Shuwa, shuwa…” That started my small talk with the persona hosting her until I was told by a witness: “You have to run.”
Ahahahahahaha…. I’m in danger.
The small talk I had got cut, and I had to hail for transport back to the current dimension.
I may have broken some rules of engagement as I did it, but I felt that it was worth it. I’m effusive about this.
It’s unbelievable to see the servants serving masters like us and in action. If only the watchtower is open and accepting of this, then I can request to be transported there more often.
Either way, this must be fate.
tl;dr
I quite dragged you to a long narrative of 1,762 words, so here are the points you need to know:
The ambiance is welcoming.
The food is good — the burger steak is delicious, the shake’s a bit too sweet but you can balance it with water.
I got a Mash acrylic keychain as a special prize in the bromide gacha.
I challenged Gilgamesh to an arm-wrestling challenge, and then a rock-paper-scissors challenge, both of which I lost.
I want a part two of this.
I recommend this for all fans of the Fate /verse— while I only watch the first installment of the “Heaven’s Feel” movie as well as some episodes of Prisma Illya, the whole Carnival Phantasm and the ongoing Today’s Menu for the Emiya Family, I didn’t felt discriminated. Fate/, to begin with, is a dark story.
What they are doing is already well-done, just a few tweaks and they will be wonderful. This one is for the books, meaning scholars can take advantage of this in their scholarly Customer Experience research. I want to see a study on this. Make it happen, guys!
I paid Php600 for this, and the breakdown is well-justified. That is aside from the goodies I got.
I didn’t think that I will be able to juggle two activities in different places with time so short. Thanks, Angkas for helping me go from point A to B.
My luck in gacha that day must have come from the King of Kings.
If only the Department of Tourism can support these kinds of activities, that would be grrrreat. But that’s just me.
There are some stories that I left out of this story, but the gist of the experience is still intact. Congratulations to the team of Cafeterium Chaldeas for a job well done. Special thanks to AniZone for having me cover this event.
