I had been looking forward to Cosplay Mania ’13 for the longest time because it was the first event I cosplayed in, so attending would mark my first year of cosplaying. The past year has been quite a ride and I have been to many cosplay events, big and small, and each time I cannot help look back to the first time I wore a mask and a cloak. Today I was back at SMX where it all began and I remember the day when I saw all these amazing people in costumes ranging from the simple to the elaborate.
There was a great assortment of people whose creativity overflowed in colors, shapes and textures, as if I was in the world of anime and games that I have longed to be in. I was a part of this world where there were people who, just like me, longed to recreate this world, even if it was only for a short time. Cosplay Mania ’13 promised to be the biggest cp event of the year, and from the looks of it, it was, spanning 3 convention halls of the SMX. Around 40,000 people bought tickets and the place was overflowing with cosplayers, enthusiasts, otaku, photographers, the curious, and everything in between.
Inside the halls were an assortment of booths and attractions that cater to all sorts of interests. The program was going on in the background and had games, features, and special international guests, like renowned cplayers Reika, Kaname and Goldy to name a few.
Outside the halls were costrippers, or those who enjoyed cosplaying and mixing it up with the crowd. Visitors were constantly amazed at the sheer variety of the cosers, which reflected the various fandoms or realms of anime, manga, games, movies, comics, and pop culture.
There was something for everyone at Cosplay Mania ’13, and for me it was the start of another page in my journey to the world of cosplaying.
Special thanks to those who have helped me out during this event, all my cosplay friends who have been with me since the very start, my Nakama Cosplay Group, and to those who took photos for me and of me, and to those of you who have supported this blog, you have my gratitude. Thank you.
Please watch out for our coverage of Day 2.
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