“;Cel Shaded”; has been in print for close to five years now, but this column marks the first time I've ever written while Kawaii Kon is in progress. So I'll open with a special shout out to all of those at the Hawai'i Convention Center this weekend enjoying the festivities—please tackle-glomp responsibly and just say “;no”; to excessive yaoi paddle use.

(For you casual readers who have no idea what all that means—hello, Mom, and whoever gets to read this on the Star-Bulletin copy desk—here's a quick translation: “;Tackle-glomping”; is a boisterous running hug, while “;yaoi paddles”; are wooden paddles labeled (what else?) “;yaoi,”; referring to a genre of manga where pretty guys love other pretty guys. No, I don't understand the appeal of those paddles, but to each his own.)

With Kawaii Kon wrapping up today, it's time to look ahead to what's next locally.

And next weekend is already shaping up as a busy one for MangaBento, the group of local anime- and manga-inspired artists. Before it holds its regular meeting from 1 to 4 p.m. next Sunday at the Academy Art Center at Linekona, it will present a special workshop, “;Manga Mania,”; at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

At this workshop, aspiring artists can learn about character drawing, inking, tones and computer-assisted design through presentations and discussions. Attendees are encouraged to bring works in progress as well as portfolios.

Fee is $40; suggested ages are 12 and up. Fees will benefit Linekona's educational programs, so it's a worthy expense.

The center is located at 1111 Victoria St.; visit www.manga-bento.com.

Isle club aims for Pepsi grant

This next item might be a rerun for those who read my “;Otaku Ohana”; blog post last week, but sometimes news is worth repeating.

Sean Hamamura, adviser of the Mililani High School video game club, recently asked whether I could help rally votes for his club, which is attempting to earn a $5,000 grant from the Pepsi Refresh project.

The club is about more than just gaming, though; it encourages community service and teaches the six pillars of character education: trust, responsibility, respect, fairness, caring and citizenship.

If the club ends up as one of the top 10 vote-getters by the April 30 deadline, the members receive the money. Hamamura will use the grant to take the club to a one-day YMCA leadership and ropes course that builds upon the “;six pillars”; philosophy.

To vote or to learn more, visit www.refresheverything.com/videogameclub.

Anime around town

» Oahu Anime Explorer: 6 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday at HMC Academy, 555 N. King St. Visit www.oahuanimeexplorer.com.

Jason S. Yadao is the author of Rough Guides' “;The Rough Guide to Manga,”; now available. For more anime and manga news and commentary, check out “;Otaku Ohana”; at blogs.starbulletin.com/otakuohana. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/jsyadao or e-mail him at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).