CinemaBravo

From a modest 5,000 attendees last year to an expected 15,000-20,000 participants in 2024, Cosplay Mania has transformed into a massive 3-day event, marking a new milestone in its 16-year history.

This year’s convention, held from October 4 to 6 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, featured an exciting lineup of international cosplay stars, top anime song artists, and Virtual YouTubers (VTubers), making it the biggest and most star-studded edition of Cosplay Mania to date.

Fans were treated to intense competitions, meet-and-greets, and a concert series that celebrated some of anime’s most beloved titles.

Expanding to a 3-Day Event

During an intimate interview with invited media, including CinemaBravo, Pablo Bairan, President of Cosplay.ph, explained the decision to expand Cosplay Mania from a 2-day to a 3-day event.

The growing demand for tickets and increased interest from fans both locally and internationally led to this move, aligning with global trends seen in major conventions abroad.

“This year is the first year na 3-day event kami. Dati, usually 2-day event kami. Nakikita namin sa ibang bansa: sa Singapore with the Anime Festival Asia, at saka sa mga other big convention like SDCC [San Diego Comic Convention] sa US naman, they’re more towards 3-day events. Kasi that way there are also more opportunities for the fans to go to the event.”

(This year is the first time we’re doing a 3-day event. Before, we usually did a 2-day event. We noticed in other countries, like Singapore with Anime Festival Asia, and other big conventions like SDCC in the US, they’re more inclined towards 3-day events. This way, there are more opportunities for fans to attend the event.)

The expansion allowed the expected 15,000 to 20,000 attendees to have more time to explore the numerous booths, contests, and performances, addressing the growing demand and preventing ticket cutoffs that had been an issue in previous years.

He also discussed the flexibility and enduring appeal of cosplay:

“Ang maganda rin sa cosplay, sabihin natin, hindi na gano’n ka-popular yung superheroes, meron namang anime… Kung nag-shift na yung interest ng tao, it shifts with them… Cosplay is something that’s really broad, that’s very general. It appeals to the younger audience… it’s an escape from the daily grind, and it’s something that’s really creative.”

(The great thing about cosplay is, let’s say superheroes aren’t as popular anymore, there’s anime… If people’s interests shift, cosplay shifts with them… It’s something that’s really broad, something very general. It appeals to the younger audience… It’s an escape from the daily grind, and it’s something really creative.)

Cosplay Mania highlights: competitions, concerts, camaraderie

Cosplay Mania 2024 featured the Grand Finals of both the Cosplay Mania Cup and the Cosplay Karaoke Cup, two contests where winners from around the country competed for top prizes. The Cosplay Mania Cup focused on costumes and skit performances, while the Karaoke Cup placed emphasis on singing prowess.

To help determine the winners, international cosplay stars Taryn from Italy, Byoru from Vietnam, and Lea from Malaysia not only lent their expertise as judges but also held meet-and-greets with their Filipino fans.

Taryn, an internationally renowned cosplayer, shared his heartfelt sentiments during the media session:

“It’s a precious time together… For me, it’s like meeting a family. I want every person who meets me to feel that moment very special. They are the protagonist of the moment when we are meeting, and I want them to feel special.”

(It’s a precious time together… For me, it’s like meeting a family. I want every person who meets me to feel that the moment is very special. They are the protagonist of the moment when we are meeting, and I want them to feel special.)

Global stars, exclusive performances

Music fans were in for a treat as Cosplay Mania 2024 featured a 3-day JAM (Japanese Anime Music) Concert, headlined by some of the biggest names in anime song history. Iconic performers like Nami Tamaki (Mobile Suit Gundam Seed, Gundam Seed Destiny), kz(livetune) (Hatsune Miku, Vocaloid), ASCA (Sword Art Online), BRADIO (Death Parade, Yu Gi Oh! Go Rush!, Duel Masters), Chiai Fujikawa (The Rising of Shield Hero, Digimon Adventure), and sajou no hana (Mob Psycho 100 ll) lit up the stage with unforgettable performances, providing the ultimate celebration of anime music culture.

Virtual YouTubers have become a pop culture phenomenon, and Cosplay Mania was no exception, featuring some of the industry’s most popular figures, including hololive Indonesia’s Vestia Zeta and Anya Melfissa, as well as holostars EN’s Octavio and Jurard T Rexford. The exclusive merchandise from these virtual stars became a fan favorite, as thousands lined up for a chance to bring home rare collectibles.

Gaming also played a major role at the event, with Hiroto Kuramasu, producer of Japan’s beloved Ikémen Series, presenting a fascinating talk on Otome Culture. Fans of space fantasy RPGs were delighted to meet Su Ling Chan, the voice behind Bailu from Honkai: Star Rail, who also charmed audiences with insights into her roles in other games and animated series, such as Netflix’s “Bread Barbershop” and Disney Channel’s “BoBoiBoy.”

Cosplay Mania 2024 also catered to collectors, with over 200 booths and exhibits covering more than 9,000 square meters. Attendees flocked to the Gacha Game, where rare prizes like the PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Steamdeck were up for grabs. Popular brands such as Good Smile Company, Kotobukiya, and major gaming franchises like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail showcased exclusive merchandise, making the convention a haven for both casual fans and serious collectors.

A Growing Mecca for Cosplay Culture

Year after year, Cosplay Mania has proven itself as the premier cosplay event in the Philippines, drawing tens of thousands of fans from across the country and abroad. With its ever-growing scale, international talent, and unforgettable experiences, the 16th edition was a testament to how cosplay continues to thrive as a beloved cultural celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned cosplayer, an anime enthusiast, or a passionate gamer, Cosplay Mania 2024 left an indelible mark on everyone who attended.

Cosplay Mania’s exponential growth reflects the vibrant energy of the cosplay community, both in the Philippines and worldwide. With its immersive experience and star-studded line-up, it remains a cornerstone of anime and cosplay events, showcasing how fandoms continue to unite people across the globe.

About Cosplay.ph

Cosplay.ph Organization, Inc. is the premier events management company in the anime and cosplay sphere. Cosplay.ph has managed cosplay contests, mall activations and even concerts throughout the Philippines. Their self-produced events like Cosplay Mania, Cosplay Matsuri, Cosplay Carnival, Fanfes, Anime & Cosplay Expo, CosMeet and Cosplay Camp are renowned for their original programing and spectacular shows featuring talent from around the