Japanese-American actor Mackenyu Arata (more commonly known as Mackenyu) headlined the 2023 Manila Pop Culture Convention (ManiPopCon) last November 17 to 19, 2023 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque.
Recognized for his portrayal of Roronoa Zoro in Netflix’s live-action series production of “One Piece,” the green-haired pirate’s local appearance was met with a live panel discussion and a rare meet-and-greet opportunity, which many seemed to resent once brought to fruition.
Instagram: manipopcon
Avid supporters of the 27-year-old actor availed of his premium packages to the free-of-charge convention, consisting of an autograph signing experience and a picture-taking opportunity. According to the Ticketmelon portal, the photo op cost PHP 6,000.00, the autograph signing PHP 5,500.00, and the deluxe VIP experience totaled PHP 12,500.00—providing an express lane option through an additional PHP 1,000.00 deposit.
With premium event-goers noting the three/four hour-long queues, several questioned the lengthy distance between Mackenyu and his fans during the under five-second interaction.
“I think I'd rage if I was to pay and take a photo with my idol like this. Mackenyu looks like a standee,” mentioned one account. “No interaction at all with the celebrity, no small talk, NOTHING,” an account mentioned.
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ManiPopCon also mentioned the sole use of the in-house photographer, which many have expressed their negative sentiments to be seemingly alongside a “cardboard cutout.”
“To future and current organizers of geek conventions, this is not how you treat fans,” another witness wrote.
With the unsatisfactory experiences of those in attendance, it begs the question if the decision was Mackenyu’s alone or if it was a request from management, given the actor’s attempts to compromise.
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While the majority of the photos observed the “One Piece” star to be of an arms-length distance, another called out the ability of the organizers/celebrities to get up close and personal with Mackenyu, while those who availed of the tickets were strictly limited to the photo, eluding any form of interaction.
But organizers/sponsors and celebs are allowed to be this close lmao https://t.co/k3USOziqjb pic.twitter.com/ywo0m5qDQn
— C O N Y 🐰 | KIM WOOJIN PHILIPPINES (@_cony87) November 19, 2023
X/Twitter: @_cony87
Mackenyu photo op on Manipopcon 2023
1st photo
Paid 6,000 pesos
Waited 3-4 hours delay
2-4 seconds interaction2nd photo
Prolly paid 0 peso
Waited a minute
Had a signed merchandisesWE DEMAND A REFUND pic.twitter.com/Rg2mq83yMi
— Nam Si Heon (@flaminjeo22) November 19, 2023
X/Twitter: @flaminjeo22
Suggest to get the side of the organizers too. Did it ever occur to you that it could be Mackenyu’s management team or Mackenyu himself???
When you realize you get conned because of your misplaced priorities😄