Nelson Morales

Ghibli Fest celebrates art, community, and childhood wonder

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<div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kP7_8Danjdo?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><p>MANILA -- What began as a modest fan gathering has grown into one of the Philippines’ most beloved cultural events -- Ghibli Inspired Lantern Fest Manila. </p><p>This year, the festival made its grand return at the SMX Convention Center last June 10-11, captivating thousands of fans with its immersive homage to the iconic films of Studio Ghibli.</p><p>Dubbed “Ghibli Festival Street,” the event transformed the venue into a vibrant tapestry of nostalgic tributes and local artistry. Visitors were greeted by rows of booths featuring handmade crafts, digital fan art, and themed culinary creations- all lovingly inspired by the whimsical worlds of Hayao Miyazaki. </p><p>Beyond the aesthetic, Ghibli Fest Manila pulsed with a rare sense of community. Cosplayers brought characters to life, families browsed local merchandise, and new friendships sparked over shared memories of childhood wonder. </p><p>A dedicated photo area, hanging glowing lantern displays, and interactive installations invited guests not just to admire, but to participate in- the magic.</p><div><strong><em></em>From streets to SMX<em></em></strong></div><p>At the heart of this movement is creative entrepreneur Giel Angelo “Gio” Aragon, founder of Street Koei and event director of Ghibli Fest Manila. </p><p>Street Kohi traces its roots to a serendipitous Japan trip during the COVID-19 pandemic, where Aragon fell in love with the aesthetics and rituals of Japanese café culture. Inspired by bullet hole cafés in Tokyo and nostalgic sorbetes vendors back home, he conceptualized a traveling matcha cart under the name Kalle Café. Eventually, it evolved into Street Kohi, “street” for its grassroots origins, and “kohi” from the Japanese word for coffee.</p><p>In true entrepreneurial style, Aragon introduced bottled drinks through online pop-ups in 2021, transitioned to a mobile café in 2023, and now proudly owns a brick-and-mortar shop. </p><p>But alongside this business blossomed something far more community-driven: Ghibli Fest Manila.</p><div><strong><em></em></strong></div><div><strong>Ghibli love driven by community<em></em></strong></div><p>This year, in partnership with Tier One Entertainment, Ghibli Fest Manila takes over the SMX Convention Center — its largest venue yet. Aptly dubbed “Ghibli Festival Street,” the event celebrates all things Ghibli with local flair: digital artists showcasing original fan works, ceramicists crafting whimsical pieces, and food-and-beverage vendors putting a Filipino twist on beloved Ghibli aesthetics.</p><p>“We’re not in this for money,” Aragon emphasized. “This is about the community.” </p><p>The result? A beautifully collaborative space where artistry, fandom, and Filipino creativity converge.</p><p>Ghibli Fest Manila is more than a celebration — it’s a movement, reminding everyone that when passion meets purpose, magic happens.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/6/6/studio-ghibli-marks-40-years-but-future-looks-uncertain-1418" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Studio Ghibli marks 40 years, but future looks uncertain</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KrRK6Uhc6vY?autoplay=1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>The festival made its grand return at the SMX Convention Center last June 10-11, captivating thousands of fans with its immersive homage to the iconic films of Studio Ghibli.</p>

The festival made its grand return at the SMX Convention Center last June 10-11, captivating thousands of fans with its immersive homage to the iconic films of Studio Ghibli.

Ghibli Fest celebrates art, community, and childhood wonder

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Ghibli Fest celebrates art, community, and childhood wonder

Franchette Noreen Castro,

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern

Published Jun 18, 2025 02:25 PM PHT

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