Filipino C.S. Junio was among thousands who took part in the Animax Awards 2007, a story concept contest designed to give home-brewed anime talent a chance to gain exposure. Participants submitted scripts, comics, and novels following the theme “A Story I Want to be Animated,” attracted by the prospect of seeing their creative vision realized by a major Japanese animation studio and air on Animax in 2008.

Now C.S. Junio is $2000 richer, because he’s one of the regional winners. His entry is being judged by anime industry experts in Japan, and he stands a chance to win the $18,000 grand prize. Let’s hope he gets it all!

In the meantime, you can check out the finalists and vote for your favorite. Animax hasn’t revealed the names behind these concepts, and the poll winner won’t affect the selection of the grand prize anyway, making nationalistic bias impossible. Still, I’m crossing my fingers, hoping that the industry panel will appreciate the creativity of the Filipino.

Here’s to your just rewards C.S. Junio!