The Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC) kicks off on Thursday and a colorful array of Hollywood stars and international cosplay aficionados have touched down in Dubai for the fun-filled event.
One of those wonderfully vibrant stars is Filipino cosplayer, model and TV presenter Alodia Almira Arraiza Gosiengfiao, who is known around the world for her larger-than–life costumes.
She is a leading figure in the world of cosplay, a hybrid of the words costume and play. The hobby sees fans wear costumes and fashion accessories to represent a specific character from a TV show, comic or manga series.
The 30-year-old cosplay star, who is also a co-host on ABS-CBN’s prank TV show “Laugh Out Loud,” is set to meet fans on Friday and Saturday in the Artists’ Alley section of the event — a dedicated area where regional and international comic and manga artists showcase their latest creations for sale.
Alodia spoke exclusively to Arab News before the event kicked off and revealed some of her all-time favorite movies, comics and anime characters.
The famous Filipino chose Hollywood flick “How to Train Your Dragon” as one of her top movies, because she “(loves) dragons and (wishes) they were real.” She also gave a nod of approval to the world’s 10th-highest-grossing film of all time, Disney’s “Frozen,” due to the “magical female lead and story about sisters.”
However, the top spot in her list of six favorite films went to director James Cameron’s epic 2009 blockbuster “Avatar,” which Alodia praised for its storyline and cinematography.
Turning to video games and the much-loved cosplayer named her go-to choice as PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, a multiplayer online battle game.
“(It is) the first survival game I’ve ever tried and you don’t need to be a good shooter to win the game,” she said, explaining why she is such a huge fan of the high-adrenaline game.
Coming in second and third place respectively are DOTA 2, a multiplayer online battle arena video game, and Final Fantasy 10, because, according to Alodia, “its story is very engaging and the characters are very unique.”
But what about her favorite anime characters? Since bringing these animations to life is Alodia’s bread and butter, this question could have proved impossible to answer, but the cosplay celebrity didn’t miss a beat.
“Misa Amane of (manga series) Death Note,” she replied — a slightly dark but fascinating choice since the bubbly character is known for her desire to aid a mass-murderer in his bid to cleanse the world of evil.
Alodia will attend the event along with actor Ezra Miller who plays The Flash in the DC Universe. Miller recently starred in Hollywood film “Justice League” with Gal Gadot, Ben Affleck, Ray Fisher and Jason Momoa and previously starred in the Harry Potter spinoff movie, “Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them.”
The MEFCC is set to run from April 5-7 at Dubai World Trade Center and will feature panel discussions, workshops and a raft of activities for fans of all ages.
Cosplay star swoops in for Comic Con
Cosplay star swoops in for Comic Con
Thai coffee chains cut default sugar content in coffee and tea drinks in a new health push
- The Health Department says Thais consume 21 teaspoons of sugar daily, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended six teaspoons
- Officials warn this increases obesity and diabetes risks. A survey found iced coffee and bubble tea contain high sugar levels
BANGKOK: For many Thais, a meal doesn’t feel complete without an iced coffee or tea so sugary it could pass for dessert. The government, concerned about the health consequences, wants them to dial it back.
Starting Wednesday, nine major coffee chains across the country have pledged to cut the default sugar content in some of their drinks by half in a government initiative aimed at tackling excessive sugar consumption.
According to the Health Department, Thais consume an average of 21 teaspoons of sugar per day, more than three times the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of six teaspoons. Health officials warn that such high intake increases the risk of obesity, diabetes and other diseases.
The initiative is the first significant step to change consumers’ sugar consumption behavior, said Amporn Benjaponpitak, the director general of the department.
Pakorn Tungkasereerak, the department’s deputy, said 2025 data show that about 45 percent of Thais aged 15 and older are obese, while 10 percent of the population has diabetes.
A survey by the Bureau of Nutrition found that a 22-ounce (650-milliliter) iced coffee contains an average of nine teaspoons of sugar, while a 10-ounce (300-milliliter) serving of bubble milk tea — an iced milk tea with tapioca pearls known as boba — can contain as much as 12 teaspoons.
Sirinya Kuiklang, an office worker, said she approves of the changes. She already orders her drinks at just 25 percent of the standard sugar level, but she is aware that many others consume too much sugar.
“It’s good for Thai people,” she said.
Another office worker, Porwares Tantikanpanit, said he has enjoyed his non-coffee beverages at their current sugar levels but is willing to adjust if shops reduce the sweetness.
However, putting the policy into practice may prove challenging. Officials have said each brand can apply the initiative as they see fit.
Some customers have expressed confusion in response to social media posts promoting the initiative, asking how to order drinks with the level of sweetness that they prefer. Several brands said that the reduction applies only to certain menu items.
