Consumer Electronics Live! (CEL!) Manila 2009 is touted as the first and only world-class consumer electronics exhibit in the country.  Organized by SUMMIT LIVE! the event is on its second year and will run from November 13 to 15 and will feature different electonic devices and gadgets from around the world.  This year's showcase is going to be at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Similar to the Consumer Electronics Showcase (CES) in the United States, the event will include different gadgets from mobile phones to laptops to digital cameras to flat screen TV sets.  The exhibit will include the latest gadgets that any tech-savvy geek will enjoy.  It will also feature gaming consoles, and various home electronic appliances.

Aside from the electronics exhibit, CEL! Manila 2009 will also have various mini-events that include raffles, gadget demos, blogging events and a cosplay competion.

READ MORE ABOUT THE EVENT AT THE DOT HACKER REVIEW.

One of the most popular series to come out of Japan in the 90's is now getting the online game treatment with the announcement of Slam Dunk Online. 

Slam Dunk is a sports-themed manga authored by manga artist Inoue Takehiko and was first published back in 1990.  It then had a wildly popular anime series that initially aired in October 1993 and ran for 101 episodes and 4 OAVs.  It spawned a cult following with fans all over Asia, North America and a huge following in Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries.  Slam Dunk follows the story of one Sakuragi Hanamichi as he joins the basketball team of Shohoku High School and dream of winning the national championship. 

Nintendo announces the new addition to the Nintendo family, the Nintendo DSi LL.  It has been just about a year since the DSi was released in Japan before this announcement.  The DSi LL would be the 4th version of the popular gaming console and is set to be sold in Japan by November 21.

The DSi LL boasts bigger screen at 4.2 inches.  It is considerably larger than it's DS Lite and DSi counterparts, with the DS Lite at 3 inches and the DSi at 3.2 inches.  As it comes with a larger screen, the whole handheld is also the largest in the Nintendo DS line.  The DSi LL will initially be released in 3 colors, the Wine Red, Dark Brown, and Natural White.

Cosplay.ph and Hobbylink brings us Mega Masquerade this Halloween.  It will be held in SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 2 tomorrow, October 31, 2009.  This will be a whole day event packed with activities.

Inspired by the famous Venetian Masquerade and Mardi Gras, the Mega Masquerade aims to bring a little of the Italian Renaissance with activities taht everyone will enjoy. 

READ MORE ON THE DOT HACKER REVIEW.

Kyo Rito Art Photo Studio had a grand opening last Saturday, October 13, 2009 at Cubao AliMall.   Not your typical photo studio, Kyo Ritu Art caters to taking studio shots in cosplay.  Yes, that's right, cosplay.  While it's not unheard of for cosplayers renting out a photo studio to have their cosplays photoshoots, this is probably the first studio that actually focuses on cosplay.   A great concept, if you ask me, especially with the boom of cosplay in today's generation and the growing appeal of wearing some sort of costume.

Sese and I had heard about the photo studio way back in August and we were pretty much excited when we got news that they were launching this October.  Once you enter the shop, you can already see that this was not your typical photo studio.  Instead of seeing pictures on the wall or a set menu of services, there were costumes of all shapes and sizes.  They also had weapon props displayed on the wall as well as various colored wigs.  Some of the costumes are of basic design, some from anime and from games.  I personally found the Sora costume from Kingdom Hearts for kids adorable.  LOL.

Kyo Ritu Art also flew in their in-house photographer all the way from Japan, Mr Katsuhiro Nishikawa (or if you prefer Nishikawa Katsuhiro-san XD).  I am curious as how good is he but from what I hear, he's used to taking cosplay photos so it should really be interesting to see.

PLEASE READ MORE ABOUT THE KYO RITU GRAND OPENING ON THE DOT HACKER REVIEW

My friends and I attended the Celebrity for Charity Event at the Shangri La Plaza Mall last Sunday, August 30.  The event was organized by The White Hat, the Italian frozen yogurt shop, in cooperation with Got Heart Foundation.  Alodia and Ashley Gosiengfiao were the celebrity hostesses for this event.

This event is probably the first of its kind in the country, combining a charity event with the elements of cosplay.  I personally wanted to see this event for myself as it was something new and different from your typical conventions.  Besides, it included some of my favorite things; cosplay, charity and yogurt!  Who can resist, right?

Otaku Taiiki was held last Sunday, August 23, 2009 at SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 3.  The event is the brainchild of the organizers of Ozine Fest, Anicon, and the supposed gaming convention turned one huge cosplay event known as GX-Con.  I really don't have high expectations of the event but I am willing to give it a chance and see if there are any improvements.

I arrived at around 10:30 AM.  There weren't many people yet as the cosplayers have not arrived so there was time to go around inside the event hall.  The ticket price for the event is PhP100.00.  Sese and I had planned to go the event but she went ahead of me and was already inside.  It wasn't too hard to find her because the event space was so small.  I even wonderedhow the event would be able to handle all these people.

The layout of the event was better than in previous events.  It was actually more spacious and they did not try to maximize the hall too much.  I have to applaud them for better layout planning.  The passageways were much more clear, there was enough space in between booths.  The stage was clear of obstruction and there was lots of room by the audience area in front of the stage.

Please read more about my review of Otaku Taiiki at the dot hacker review.