Once upon a time, I loved going to cosplay conventions. I loved the atmosphere, the people, the costumes, and other stuff. This is all when Alodia is just starting to become big, and these conventions are still full of characters I recognize from video games I play to anime I actually watch.
Somehow, that passion and interest died through the years as I grappled with real life stuff and my hobbies and interests evolved as a result. It didn’t help that I was no longer updated on the latest anime, and my taste in video games changed as my beloved J-RPG genre went on a decline. Cosplay conventions also become really crowded affairs, that there’s really no incentive to going to them. I’ve been covering various events through the years, namely Toycon and Asia Pop Comicon, but they’re not cosplay conventions (even though they have cosplay events), and I wouldn’t have to stare like an idiot at a cosplayer for a long time trying to figure out what character she’s cosplaying or from what show it is from.
But as I am covering HHE events in general and MNL48 in particular, I knew it was only a matter of time before I would eventually attend these events once more. Enter Coslandia 2018: an event that has activities for everyone from e-sports, Cosplay Costume contests, special performances from J-pop inspired idol groups, meet and greet, and the much anticipated “fashion show” featuring MNL48.
The event started with Maxbox Gaming where its star players talked about the world of e-sports and shared how their passion in gaming turned to be their full-time jobs today. A lively show from Movie Stars Café all-stars also wowed the audience with their performance of the popular Hollywood movie “The Greatest Showman” and the Japanese animated series Love Live.
https://youtu.be/NVN-nrFUFEE
One of the highlights of the events was the performances from Alice Project, Pastel PH, Hime Kaizen, JAPH Dolls, Aidoru Sozai, Jewel and Friends, MNL48, Osaki7, Yeah Bye, and Fudorakko. MNL48 performed their songs Umindak na Saya and Aitakatta – Gustong Makita off their debut album which are all Tagalized version of AKB48’s famous hits.
https://youtu.be/_piJw-D3zKk
Meanwhile, the meet and greet with Cosplay contest judges Mayu, Leedane, and Ayu and Den of Yu-En, as well as those of the other idol groups was simultaneously being held at Movie Stars Cafe before the announcement of winners and other activities begin inside at the movie-themed cafe and restaurant.
https://youtu.be/GTr_uCNxmxM
Sofia Maningas and Nick Jardiolin, cosplayed Todoroki Shouto and Leo from Fire Emblem, won the 3rd place and took home Php 1,500 worth of cash and Php 1,500 worth of Movie Stars Café gift certificate. For the 2nd place, Brian Angelo Javier walked the stage in his Lord Grim costume and won Php 2,500 cash and Php 2,500 Movie Stars Café gift certificate. And the 1st place of Coslandia 2018 is Christian Umali dressed in his battlesuit as War Machine who took home Php 5,000 cash and Php 5,000 Movie Stars Café gift certificate.
As an added bonus, a livestream of Shibuya Halloween straight from Tokyo via Skype, was also shown at Eton Centris Walk and Movie Stars Cafe where the crowd had a glimpse of the biggest Halloween street party in Japan.
After the fun activities held at Eton Centris Walk, the day was not yet over as Coslandia 2018 continued inside the Movie Stars Café where attendees were treated to a Halloween special. MNL48 fans got a chance to enjoy a live performance of “Talulot ng Sakura” and got a treat with their beloved members doing some ramp-modelling in their angel and devil costumes. My jaw dropped before the beauty of Sela and Abby. A prelude to Tokyo Girls Collection, perhaps? MNL48 Center Girl Sheki thanked their fans for attending Coslandia 2018 and shared that they hope to see them again next year.
The event finished off with a performance of famous animated fantasy action series Fate and Rurouni Kenshin from Movie Stars Cafe dancers, and more hair-raising shows featuring well-known horror flicks such as The Nun, IT, and The Purge.
Coslandia 2018’s organizers would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the support from its fellow cosplay lovers Maxbox Gaming, Isaribi Japanese Restaurant (best Takoyaki ever), Everyst, Toycon 2018, Lemon Square, Citrus Zone, Luxurious Designs, Pun-taas, Jewel and Friends who all had their booth at Eton Centris Walk, and its official venue partner Movie Stars Café and Eton Centris Station.
Get the latest news and updates about Coslandia and follow the official social media accounts for more information:
Facebook: CoslandiaPH
Instagram: @coslandiaPH
Twitter: @coslandiaph
Youtube: CoslandiaPH
Website: www.coslandia
