[Metro] New Worlds: Transformed

From July 9 to 15, there will be another celebration of fandom in New Worlds: Transformed, to be held at the Power Plant Mall at Rockwell. The New Worlds Alliance (NWA), an organization of fan groups focused primarily on fantasy, science fiction, horror and superheroes, will be holding exhibits and activities that showcase the various ways they show their love for their favorite shows, books and authors. Highlighting the event is the opening of the film adaptation of JK Rowling's Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, a week before the release of the last book of the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

This is the power of fandom. Who else can dictate to large production outfits what movie to make next? Many of the recent box-office hits were either fantasy, such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Shrek, or about superheroes like Spider-man and the Fantastic Four; all of these are highly successful franchises that have generated fans from all over. Many upcoming movies are from either the same or affiliated genres: Transformers, Harry Potter and Stardust. Look further down the road and you'll see offerings such as Batman, Star Trek and Wolverine. Hollywood, it seems, is tapping into what some call the Fandom Phenomenon: groups of people from widely different backgrounds coming together to celebrate the stories and
characters they love.

The local fans are no less passionate. The past five years have seen numerous events and conventions that serve as venues for fans to meet, greet, connect and celebrate.

But what makes these events truly interesting are the fans themselves. These are people inspired by imagination and touched by creativity, who choose to let their respective fandoms shape their lives. Don't let the costumes, quoted lines, quaint mannerisms and affectations, and the obsession with merchandise fool you. Take a chance and engage one (or two or three) in conversation; you'll be surprised to see how lucid and grounded they actually are--and you'll find they're witty too! Take the time to stroll around the exhibits, greet the characters in costume and find out exactly how their fandoms have set their imaginations on fire and touched their hearts. Explore the activities offered in this event: play a game or two, have yourself sorted into a House, learn the Vulcan Salute. You may be surprised to find that you're actually a fan at heart.

With such a following, it is no surprise that outfits like Rockwell Power Plant Mall, Level Up! Games, Dream FM, and Fandom Cafe have supported this event. It is open to the public. And the entrance, like imagination, is free. For more information, please log on to http://newworlds.ph/.