Being an anime fan in the Philippines didn’t always come as easily as it does now. For many of us who grew up watching anime on TV, it meant rushing home to catch the late‑afternoon broadcast before the news, patiently awaiting each new episode, sketching characters in notebooks, and hunting down any merchandise or physical media we could find at the local bazaar. At the time, enjoying anime felt “strange”, yet in hindsight it was a nostalgic and chaotic cultural adventure. Nowadays, the scene feels different. Anime has become a more prominent part of pop culture. There are local conventions, collaborations, and social‑media spaces that give fans a venue to gather and celebrate what they grew up with. That’s why, to me, the Animezing North: ONE PIECE activations at SM North EDSA feel especially meaningful.
Each year the series celebrates its anniversary, and Animezing North brings ONE PIECE to life with its iconic oversized themes, displays, and merchandise. It’s incredibly fun and a great place to be. Personally, I feel a surge of deep admiration, gratitude, and nostalgia for a saga I’ve grown with over the years. I’ve collected countless wild adventures and memorable moments that I cherish in my heart.
What perhaps makes this event even more poignant is that many of us are no longer children. We’re adults who now have the freedom to pursue things we once could only dream about. That journal, that card pack, or that Going Merry plushie— each of them fulfills our childhood whimsy and simple pleasures. We also get to stand next to characters and take home photos as souvenirs. It’s an opportunity to enjoy our hobby freely and share it with the community. For Filipino fans who grew up with anime, experiences like these provide something deeply personal: a chance to reconnect with the childhood memories that comforted and shaped us, and to celebrate them in ways we couldn’t before.
This year’s Animezing North: ONE PIECE activation feels especially poetic because it highlights the land of the giants, Elbaph. In case you missed it, we first encountered the brave warriors Brogy and Dorry in Episode 71, and later again in Episode 1131 as the story moved into the Elbaph arc (that’s 24 years apart in real time). It touches my heart because it fulfills a destination fans have waited decades to see. Standing among these two giants feels absolutely surreal. It’s the pinnacle of storytelling, pure cinema.
And just like Robin’s heartfelt reunion with Saul (“I don’t want to talk about sad things; I want you to celebrate me for being alive”), I sense it’s a full‑circle moment. This event has transformed my deep childhood emotions into profound joy.
Where will my life be in five years? What will I be doing as I read that final chapter? I’m not sure myself, but I’d love to stay around until the journey’s end. Being a ONE PIECE fan today is an amazing feeling because of the major global milestones, upgrades, and projects happening all at once. It’s truly an honor to be part of the world Eiichiro Oda-sensei created. His dedication, imagination, and storytelling have brought joy to millions not only across the Philippines, but around the globe.
Thank you, SM North EDSA, for making our ONE PIECE dreams possible. By designing spaces that capture the excitement and atmosphere of anime event culture in Japan, you’re giving local fans a chance to experience a piece of that world without leaving the Philippines. Most of all, you’re creating a place where both the child we once were and the adult we have become can enjoy the things we’ve always loved.
I went to Animezing North as a ONE PIECE fan, but I left feeling like I’d rediscovered small parts of myself. It reminded me that growing up doesn’t mean leaving things behind. Sometimes they stay with us, waiting to remind us who we were and who we still are. To my younger self, to the little girl with her Straw Hat, we made it to the Grand Line.
Don’t miss the final weekend of the Animezing North: ONE PIECE, which will run until August 30 at The Block Atrium, SM North EDSA, Quezon City, Philippines. For more updates, visit the SM Supermalls website and SM City North EDSA’s Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
Special thanks go to SM North EDSA and SM Supermalls for inviting me to the event.
Jangan lupa untuk membaca anime lainnya di Info Anime & manga terbaru.
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