Cosplay, Manila-style

Even though we didn’t mean to be there, it was fun watching a Cosplay Tour now ongoing at the Cyberzone of selected SM malls in Metro Manila. Pics in this post were taken at the Mall of Asia yesterday.

I used to think that cosplay or “costume play” is so NOT my generation, but was surprised to read a Wiki entry that as early as 1975, Caucasian fans dressed the part of their favorite characters in the Rocky Horror Show. Now, cosplay is identified with everything that’s manga, anime or J-pop, although it would also be cool to dress as Hermione in Harry Potter. That is kewl as well.

Cosplay characters are meant to be photographed. But it’s also interesting to know that they DO take time to conceptualize their costumes and come up with them. Some sew them, and even grapple with materials like foam, rubber and paint. Needless to say, they spend on their get-ups too. The SM tours award prizes to the best-dressed cosplayers.

On with the gallery:

Iron Man, “Hulk Buster”

Incredible Hulk!

Cell Jr. -Dragonball

Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece

College student Faith wears a Megumi-inspired cosplay outfit

Medusa!

The Cyberzone Cosplay Tour continues at SM Southmall on April 18, SM Manila on April 26, SM Marikina on May 2, and SM City North EDSA on May 9 and 10.

First place among the cosplayers will get P10,000 in cash, 2nd place – P5,000 plus 8 consolation prizes.