The cosplay and J-culture community could barely hold its excitement as Cosplay Mania, the most anticipated convention of its kind in the country, got to open to an ecstatic public last September 28, 2019 at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City. Always lively and bustling with over 40,000 attendees last year, with hundreds of exhibits, huge international sponsors and exhibitors in a sprawling 9,130 square meter space, and unmatched, exclusive guests and content, Cosplay Mania 2019 has been at the outset one of the biggest events of the year.
This year, the guest line-up includes International Cosplayers BoiledCurry, REA KAMI and VENaS Japan, Stage Actors Allen Kohatsu and Kousuke Asuma, Voice Actors Motoko Kumai and Rumi Okubo, Chiptune Legend Hige Driver, and Special Guest Hiroto Kuramasu! The much-awaited celebration of J-music, the JAM (Japanese Anime Music) Concert, powered by Animax, got to feature outstanding Japanese artists Yasutaka Nakata, Ichigo Rinahamu, ASAKA, MYTH & ROID and May’n.
Cosplay Mania 2019 is enormous in magnitude, and is divided into the EX Hall or Exhibits Hall and the SP Hall or Special Performance Hall. All the big exhibits including Collectibles, Fashion, Video Games, Online Games, TCG’s and much more are at the EX Hall. Big-name brands such as Quantum, Mobile Legends, Good Smile Company, and Ludus, and our own sponsors Perry-in-Disguise and T-Tees, are just some the multitude of exhibit booths available, as well as an artist section called Fan Fair where fan-made merchandise are available at very affordable prices.
Apart from all the different exhibits to explore, the two stages, the EX Stage and the SP Stage, were packed with performances, fan meets, contests and more.
The biggest of these were Solo Showdown and the Cosplay Mania Cup, which saw many stunning and talented cosplayers compete for some of the biggest prizes in cosplay.
Named champion of the Cosplay Mania Cup for 2019 was Aria, who got to win two legs of Cosplay Craze to enter the finals. She won 50,000 pesos in cash and prizes.
And of course, we were there for the cosplayers, who make Cosplay Mania their yearly cosplay pilgrimage, and wear only their best costumes for thios very special occasion. Among them are our correspondents who take the time to cosplay as they go about their coverage.
Over the weekend, Cosplay Mania got to successfully entertain guests and attendees from all over the planet, owing it to its hardworking hosts, organizers, staff and volunteers who made it all running at peak efficiency despite the odds. Our salute to all of you.
As always, Cosplay Mania has been an incredible experience, and we are already eager of what they’ll be doing new and great next year.
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