Cosplay Mania

Last updated

Cosplay Mania
Cosplay Mania logo.jpg
Genre Cosplay
Venue SM Megatrade Hall (2008–2009) SMX Convention Center
(2010–present)
Location(s) Pasay
CountryPhilippines
Inaugurated2008
Most recent2024
AttendanceAbout 23,000 (2013)
Organized by Cosplay.ph
Website http://www.cosplaymania.com/

Cosplay Mania is an annual cosplay-centered convention organized by Cosplay.ph. [1] It is usually held in the fourth quarter of the year in the Philippines. [2] The convention features various events related to cosplay, anime, and J-pop culture which features rookie and veteran cosplayers and cosplay enthusiasts.

Contents

Overview

Cosplay Mania is created and hosted by Cosplay.ph, a Philippine-based cosplay website and organization. [1] It is the fourth of six annual related events held by Cosplay.ph, alongside Cosplay Carnival, Fanfes, Anime and Cosplay Expo (ACX), CosMeet, and Cosplay Matsuri. [3]

Convention history

History

The first event was held at Megatrade Hall 3 in SM Megamall on October 12, 2008. It revolved around three main activities: Workshops, Costume Building Contest and the Cosplay competition for individuals and groups. [4] Notable cosplayer Jin Joson and her group the Tux Team [5] were invited to be part of the workshop tutorials as well as judge for the cosplay competition. [6] It returned the following year to Megatrade Halls 2 and 3. [7]

In 2010, Cosplay Mania moved to SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay and was made two days long. [8] It introduced the first nationwide cosplay competition called the Cosplay Tournament of Champions (TORCH), where winners of tournament legs from SM Cagayan De Oro, SM Clark, SM Davao, SM Cebu, and SM Manila converge for the finals at SMX. The event also invited international cosplayer guests to be part of the celebration and become part of the judges panel for Project Cosplay and TORCH. [9]

In 2011, tickets were pre-sold online and in SM Supermalls nationwide in response to the long lines that plagued past iterations when ticket sales were sold on the day itself. [10] Starting that year, halls of SMX were divided into two areas: one Fiesta Area (later "Hall EX" or the "Exhibits Hall") with merchandise and activity booths, and a Stage Area (later "Hall S", "Hall SP", or the "Special Performance Hall") where the main cosplay contests, band performances, meet-and-greets, and cosplay workshops. Access to the Stage Area required a higher-tier ticket. [11] It also hosted the Philippine Cosplay Appreciation Day, where cosplayers were invited to register upon entering one of the function rooms in an attempt to set a Guinness World Record of the number of video game cosplayers attending an event. [12] Starting that year, the event partnered with Anime Festival Asia (AFA), with the winning pair of TORCH becoming the official Philippine representatives to join AFA's Regional Cosplay Competition, performing against other cosplay teams from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore. [13] The Philippine Team, represented by Amado Carl Hernandez and Zhel Guiral, [14] later won the AFA competition. [15] In 2012, Cosplay Mania again attempted to set the Guinness World Record they attempted in 2011. [14] Notable supporters of the event include the Department of Foreign Affairs, The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, [16] All Nippon Airways, Toei Animation Philippines and SGCafe.

Cosplay Mania in 2013 introduced the application of Cosplay.ph's CRS, or Cosplay Ranking System, where cosplayers who will join the event's contests are required to apply. This system would help designate the beginner and veteran ranking as to improve fairness in Cosplay.ph held competitions. [17] 2013's TORCH winners Rommil Donair Jr. and Krislyn Branzuela won first runner-up at AFA. [18]

In 2014, Cosplay Mania introduced the Japanese Anime Music (JAM) concert, a multi-day concert that occurs in the night of the event, with different performers for each night. Another higher-tier ticket was introduced which provided access to the JAM concert. In addition, a specific ticket for meet-and-greet sessions was added. [19]

Cosplay Mania in 2020 was originally scheduled to be held on October 3–4, 2020, but was eventually cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [20] Instead, Cosplay.ph held a related virtual convention named Fanfes Online. [21] During Cosplay Carnival in 2022, Cosplay.ph announced the return of Cosplay Mania in 2022, along with ACX. [22]

Convention locations

DatesVenueAtten.GuestsJAM concert guests
October 12, 2008 SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 3, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila6,000 [23] N/A
September 13, 2009SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 2 and 3, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila
October 2–3, 2010 SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay, Metro ManilaJesuke Jes, Clive Lee [9]
October 1–2, 2011JiakiDarkness, Clive Lee, Pinky Lu Xun, YukiGodBless [24]
September 29–30, 201215,000 [14] Jesuke Jes, KANAME☆, Reika [14]
October 5–6, 2013Shinji (Endless Illution[ sic ]), Jesuke Jes, KANAME☆, Pinky Lu Xun, Goldy Marg, Orochi X, Reika, Starpolaris Reiko, Vic, Viospace [25]
October 4–5, 2014Aya Ikeda, Jesuke Jes, KANAME☆, Vic Kumiko, Linda Le (Vampy Bit Me), Pinky Lu Xun, Reika, Loverin Tamburin, Inui Tatsumi, Orochi X [26] Aya Ikeda, KANAME☆, Moonspeak, Reika, LOVERIN TAMBURIN  [ ja ], Ninja Tuna [26]
October 3–4, 201536,000 [23] Itsuki Akira, Hana and Baozi, Aya Ikeda, Jesuke Jes, KANAME☆, Ladybeard, Pile, Loverin Tamburin, Ying Tze [27] Itsuki Akira, Aya Ikeda, Ladybeard, Pile, LOVERIN TAMBURIN  [ ja ] [27]
October 1–2, 2016DD-Tenka, Tokyo Performance Domo, Baozi and Hana, Hiko, Riho Iida, Kanako Ito, KANAME☆, Kirisaki, Back On, Ruka, Rumi, Yukari Shimotsuki, Starmarie, Tomia [28] Back-On, Tokyo Performance Domo, Riho Iida, Kanako Ito, Starmarie [28]
September 30–October 1, 2017Angie, Eki, Wataru Hatano, Hikarin, Knitemaya, Kong, kradness, Koutaro Nishimiya, Elisa, Shiena Nishizawa, Fuuko Noda, Siutao, Konomi Suzuki, Sayo Yamamoto [29] Elisa, kradness, Shiena Nishizawa, Konomi Suzuki [29]
September 29–30, 2018 AiRI, Astarohime, Emperor Cosplay, Kousuke Asuma, fhána, Hakken, Hiroki Ino, Hiroto Kurumasu, Megumi Nakajima, Ola Aphrodite, Chiharu Sawashiro, DJ SunaP, Shunsuke Takeuchi, Zwei [30] AiRI, fhána, Megumi Nakajima, Zwei [30]
September 28–29, 2019Mirai Akari, ASAKA, Kousuke Asuma, BoiledCurry, Hige Driver, VENaS Japan, Rea Kami, Allen Kohatsu, Motoko Kumai, Hiroto Kurumasu, May'n, Yasutaka Nakata, Rumi Okubo, Ichigo Rinahamu, MYTH & ROID [31] ASAKA, May'n, Yasutaka Nakata, Ichigo Rinahamu, MYTH & ROID [31]
October 1–2, 2022 Moona Hoshinova, Hiroto Kuramasu, Thames Malerose, MindaRyn, Kureiji Ollie, Onnies, Pavolia Reine, Ayunda Risu, Nozomu Sasaki, Yosuke Sora [32] Moona Hoshinova, MindaRyn, Pavolia Reine [32]
September 30–October 1, 202312,000 [33] Mizuno Aki, Ami Amami, BPM15Q, Daoko, Junna, Rita Kamishiro, Kobo Kanaeru, Knite, Kaela Kovalskia, Hiroto Kurumasu, Shiki Miyoshino, Phil Mizuno, Nano, Clarissa Punipun, Diane Sabandeja, Vestia Zeta [34] BPM15Q, Daoko, Junna, Nano [34]
October 4–6, 202420,000 [33] Asca, BRADIO, Su Ling Chan, Chiai Fujikawa, sajou no hana, Hiroto Kurumasu, kz(livetune), Anya Melfissa, Octavio, Jurard T. Rexford, Nami Tamaki, Vestia Zeta, Lea, Taryn, Byoru [35] Asca, BRADIO, Chiai Fujikawa, sajou no hana, kz(livetune), Nami Tamaki [35]
October 3–5, 2025 angela, Shouta Aoi, Holostars English ARMIS (Jurard T. Rexford, Goldbullet, Octavio, Crimzon Ruze), Kousuke Asuma, Stereo Dive Foundation, Le Josette, Kairi Miura, Sangatsu no Phantasia, Jacob Takanashi, Thames, TRUE, Unnämed [36] angela, Shouta Aoi, Stereo Dive Foundation, Octavio, Sangatsu no Phantasia, TRUE, Unnämed [36]

References

  1. 1 2 "About Cosplay.ph". Cosplay.ph.
  2. ↑ "Cosplay Mania Event Information". Cosplay Mania. Archived from the original on April 30, 2011. Retrieved January 27, 2011.
  3. ↑ Metatron (January 1, 2025). "Catch the biggest cosplay event in the country in 2025". Cosplay.ph. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  4. ↑ "Cosplay Mania 2008 Press Release". Cosplay.ph. Retrieved October 13, 2011.[ permanent dead link ]
  5. ↑ "Behindinfinity DeviantArt". Deviantart.com. Retrieved October 13, 2011.
  6. ↑ "Cosmania 2008 Report". Deviantart.com. October 29, 2008. Retrieved October 29, 2008.
  7. ↑ "Mecha, Maids, and Mayhem at the Cosplay Mania 2009 Mech Cafe!". Cosplay.ph. Retrieved September 5, 2009.[ permanent dead link ]
  8. ↑ "Cosplay Mania celebrates 10 years of Philippine cosplay". zenhonbuph.net. Retrieved October 5, 2010.
  9. 1 2 "International guests to grace Cosplay Mania X". Cosplay.ph. Archived from the original on September 18, 2010. Retrieved September 24, 2010.
  10. ↑ "Cosplay Mania X boasts of a record-breaking headcount, with a line that stretched almost an entire city block. Cosplay Mania X Day 1 Event Report". magnetic-rose.net. Retrieved October 3, 2010.
  11. ↑ "Ticketing". Cosplay Mania. August 25, 2011. Archived from the original on December 15, 2011.
  12. ↑ "Philippine Cosplay Appreciation Day". Cosplay.ph. Retrieved September 25, 2011.[ permanent dead link ]
  13. ↑ "An epic in disguise". manilatimes.net. Archived from the original on October 16, 2011. Retrieved September 2, 2011.
  14. 1 2 3 4 "Cosplay Mania '12: five years of providing world-class cosplay events". GMA News Online. September 24, 2012. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  15. ↑ "Asia crowns its best cosplayers". asiaone.com. Archived from the original on November 18, 2011. Retrieved November 14, 2011.
  16. ↑ "Embassy of Japan Joined in Cosplay Mania '12". The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. Retrieved October 4, 2012.
  17. ↑ "Philippine Cosplay Ranking: Share your views". OtakuPlay PH: Anime, Cosplay and Pop Culture Blog. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  18. ↑ "Cosplay Mania 2013 winners land honors at Singapore Anime Festival". Philstar.com. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  19. ↑ "Cosplay Mania 2014 Evolution: Your Ultimate Event Guide". OtakuPlay PH: Anime, Cosplay and Pop Culture Blog. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  20. ↑ "Cosplay Mania 2020 postponed to next year". ANIMEPH. July 1, 2020. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  21. ↑ "Cosplay Mania Philippine Convention Canceled Due to COVID-19". Anime News Network. August 20, 2025. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  22. ↑ "Cosplay Mania event to return this October 2022". ANIMEPH. May 3, 2022. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  23. 1 2 Rochelle (July 19, 2016). "Cosplay Mania 2016 + ACX 2016 + CosMatsuri 2016". JPOP Manila. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  24. ↑ "Cosplay Mania 2011 Special Guests". Cosplay.ph. Archived from the original on September 25, 2011. Retrieved August 25, 2011.
  25. ↑ "Cosplay Mania Shifts Into OVERDRIVE This 2013 - When In Manila". www.wheninmanila.com. September 19, 2013. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  26. 1 2 "Cosplay Mania 2014 Evolution: Your Ultimate Event Guide". OtakuPlay PH: Anime, Cosplay and Pop Culture Blog. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  27. 1 2 Rochelle (July 1, 2015). "Cosplay Mania 15 Announces Guest Line-Up". JPOP Manila. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  28. 1 2 Josef, Emile (September 22, 2016). "Why Should YOU be part of Cosplay Mania?". What's A Geek. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  29. 1 2 "LOOK: Cosplay Mania 2017 releases "Action-Packed" Schedule". ANIMEPH. September 27, 2017. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  30. 1 2 "Cosplay Mania 2018: A decade of bringing the Ultimate J-Culture experience". ANIMEPH. September 28, 2018. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  31. 1 2 Mack, Xtian (September 14, 2019). "5 Things You Need to Know About Cosplay Mania | The Cosplay and Anime Café: arkadymac.com" . Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  32. 1 2 Metatron (September 27, 2022). "Cosplay Mania 2022 Official Event Poster". Cosplay.ph. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  33. 1 2 Wang, Nickie (October 7, 2024). "Cosplay Mania celebrates 16 years with record attendance at SMX". Manila Standard. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  34. 1 2 Metatron (August 17, 2023). "Cosplay Mania 2023 Activities and Guests". Cosplay.ph. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  35. 1 2 Metatron (September 20, 2024). "Cosplay Mania 2024: Ascending Revelries into the Skies". Cosplay.ph. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  36. 1 2 Carreon, Carla (July 23, 2025). "Cosplay Mania 2025 Reveals Anime Music Concert and Special Guest Lineup". Anime Corner. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
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