I think everybody agrees that Ozine Fest, organised by Otakuzine Magazine, is one of the most awaited Anime & J-culture event in the Philippines. But one thing that bothers us is why do they prefer to use that cramped space, also known as the Megatrade Hall?

As you can see from the picture above, it’s obvious that this event is really popular… but I hope they realise that they have miscalculated how much people will attend.

For those who don’t know, Ozine Fest 2011 is held at SM Megamall’s Megatrade Hall 2 and 3, and both halls have a combined area of 2,530 sqm (1,610 sqm for Hall 2, while 920 sqm for Hall 3). But as you can see, it wasn’t enough.

It reminds me so much of HERO Nation 2009… but unlike HERO Nation, there we’re no cameras, no TV crews… just people and the sponsored booths.

Sure, SM Megamall is at the heart of Metro Manila (since that was also the reason why TV5 have picked Mandaluyong City for their new building), but would you rather spend a little for a cramped space than to spend a little more going to the Convention Center row at Pasay which has lots of spaces?

As for financial reason, I wonder… Otakuzine Magazine is being distributed nationwide through a major bookstore, as well as being distributed through local magazine stands. Plus, there are five magazines (that I know) that PSICOM publish, such as Otakuzine Magazine, Otaku Vault, Anime Asia, Anime Recommendations, Music Asia, also DC comics and True Philippine Ghost Stories. Don’t they profit from those? Are they just getting break-even?

Also, I’ve been hearing reports of Lost or Misplaced Items… and even theft inside the event hall. We all know that SM Megamall is a public place, and the security will definitely not be tight, like those airports in teh United States. The security will not profile everyone who enters the building, except for those people are suspected carrying bombs or concealed weapons. It can be a security concern.

Ozine Fest is getting bigger every year, and We believe its time for this big event to move to another location, preferably either SMX Convention center. Just look at UP AME’s “Now Playing: Track 10″ event last year, for goodness sake! No help from the Media, and only though word or social media, they have reached record-breaking attendance!

I hope next year, it will be on a different area. Try it, it’s worth the shot.