Cosplay Carnival 2018

Cosplayers and con-goers once again filled up the second floor of the Mall of Asia SMX Halls for the Cosplay Carnival 2018 this weekend, February 24 and 25.

Because of the event downstairs, SMX strictly implemented No Ticket No Entry policy to avoid crowding for the both events. Although some areas were kind enough to at least let “team labas” enter the establishment.

Cosplay Carnival attendees were only allowed to use the escalators at the left side of SMX as it was the entrance to the convention. A small area upon going up was occupied by team labas. Beyond that was a “ticket only” area which are carefully eyed by Cosplay PH staff members.

Ninja Media had set its photo area near the entrance where the carnival themed mini games and activities were also lined up, like dart balloons, and spin the wheel. Of course, the Cosplay Carnival is not complete without its Carnival tent which was set up especially for the event. Cosplayers and photographers flock the area for their carnival photo.

The convention halls were filled with cosplayers and fans, though it is not that crowded. There were areas in which groups can still sit down and rest while bonding with their friends.

A lot of Boku no Hero Academia were present at the convention, but there were more Fate cosplayers, probably because of Rithe who also took her time to roam around and took selfies with them. And who would even miss out the different versions of Deadpools around the halls?

MNL48 aspirants also attended the convention to enjoy themselves, interact with their fans, and promote. They were very delighted to engage with their fans, obliging them with selfies.

The stage was eventful as ever. Flocked with audience, the stage had a lot going on with the program and contest. Twin Pikachus entertained the attendees with their cuteness. The program started with the heated Storage Wars, where classic games and even a full set cosplay costume was being auctioned.

Cosplayers showcased their talents in the Group Dance Contest and the Karaoke Contest. The Group Dance Contest had notable moments, like how the Kotori Minami cosplayer in the Aquarius trio proved that the show must go on as she continued to dance while her wig was falling off. Another group joined “idol hell” as they debuted their group during the contest, dancing to the beat of Aquors’ songs. Idol fans were ever so ready for their light sticks and cheers as the groups performed.

Meanwhile, the Karaoke contest had a twist on the second day. Instead of anime songs, contestants sang mainstream songs. There was even a duet of A Whole New World. While a lot of people ran to the stage upon hearing the legendary G note, the intro to My Chemical Romance’s Welcome to the Black Parade where almost everyone sang along.

While the Karaoke contest was going on, a couple in No Game No Life’s Sora and Shiro cosplays got engaged.

Cosplay Carnival also had a new game for the program called Frenemy Feud. It’s like Family Feud but the cosplayers are going against con goers who called themselves “Team Labas.” The questions were, of course, fandom and anime related, such as “which rich fictional character would you like to be friends with” and “name a Pokemon that describes your love life.”

The program ended with the announcement of guest cosplayers for Cosplay Mania’s 10th anniversary: Emperor Cosplay and Astarohime (Russia), Hakken (Malaysia) and Ola Aphrodite (Indonesia).  We surely can’t wait for the next big event.

-Hoshikki