Nelson Morales

Ghibli Fest celebrates art, community, and childhood wonder

Article (news)

<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

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Lifestyle

Ghibli Fest celebrates art, community, and childhood wonder

Franchette Noreen Castro,

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern

Published June 18, 2025 02:25 PM PHT

Read More:

Ghibli Fest Manila

ABSnews

Ghibli Festival Street

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.