This is to address a certain blog entry someone posted on Multiply. We will not link to the thread because the madness has to stop, and it won't if people keep on going there to post replies. Curses and insults have been traded and it's not pretty.

But as a backgrounder, someone posted a list of the Best and Worst Conventions in the Philippines, with the New Worlds conventions landing on the #1 spot of the Worst list. The person who posted had a specific complaint against an alleged Jedi costumer who was rude to her cousin who wanted a picture taken.

This is SWP's only official statement on the matter.

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It has been brought to our attention that a certain individual has aired grievances against Star Wars Philippines.

We would like to take this opportunity to clarify that not all Star Wars costumers are members of Star Wars Philippines, and not all members of Star Wars Philippines wear costumes. Star Wars Philippines is a fan group that promotes Star Wars for the Filipino.

The Rebel Legion is an international organization of Star Wars fans who wear the costumes of Jedi, royalty and other characters from the Star Wars universe. It is represented locally by the Pag-Asa Wing. The 501st Legion of Stormtroopers is another international organization of Star Wars fans, focused on wearing the costumes of the Star Wars villains. The 501st Legion is represented locally by the Philippine Outpost.

Both the Rebel Legion and the 501st Legion are separate entities from Star Wars Philippines.

Both the RL and 501st Legions have always entertained requests for photos. The few times we have found it necessary to refuse a photo are when we are participating in a parade, or when the costumers need rest and refreshment, or when our costumes need emergency repair. It is a given that we strive to be courteous at all times, whether in or out of costume.

The incident that occurred is very unfortunate, and we sympathize with the offended persons. We regret that such a young person suffered such rude treatment. However, the description of the Jedi costumer involved ("matangkad", "matabain", and "moreno") does not match any past or present member of the Pag-Asa Wing of the Rebel Legion. Our roster of members at http://www.rebellegion.com will attest to this.

This description also does not match any member of SWP who wears Jedi costumes. It is possible that this costumer was simply dressed as a Jedi, and was not a member of the RL, the 501st or SWP. He may have been just a person attending the convention, wearing a Jedi costume, but not a member of any of the three organizations.

If anyone wishes to discuss this further, Star Wars Philippines, the Rebel Legion and the 501st Legion are open to discussion. We welcome comments, suggestions and questions about our organizations and codes of conduct, and would be happy to meet with anyone.

Sincerely,

The Star Wars Philippines Council

The Star Wars Philippines Council
Contact: fanforce_philippines(at)yahoo(dot)com

Noted:
Pag-Asa Wing of the Rebel Legion
Contact: philrebellegion(at)gmail(dot)com

Philippine Outpost, 501st Legion
Contact: phil501st(at)yahoo(dot)com