INTERNATIONAL cosplayers Keika from Singapore, Onnies and Karel from Thailand graced the recent Best of Anime convention at the SMX Convention Center at Mall of Asia, Pasay City. Adored by local fans, these cosplayers performed on stage and served as judges at the convention’s cosplay competitions. They also shared moments with fans during the meet and greet sessions.

Onnies and Keika were awed to see Filipino cosplayers for the first time. “Their costumes are so nice and their craftsmanship is very good. I am inspired by them. I want to do something like that,” said Onnies.

(From left) Cosplayers Keika, Onnies, and Karel

Having been to cosplay events in Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia,and Malaysia, cosplayer Keika observed that Singaporean and Filipino cosplayers are more competitive. “Their costumes are more elaborate. There is a lot of mecha (costumes with mechanical features). When they come to the event, it is like they’re saying I am here to compete.”

On his second visit, Karel was happy to see his Filipino fans again. “I made a commitment last year that I will be back and of course, they (fans) are the reason I came back here.”

Aside from cosplaying, Keika is also a blogger, “I share my experience and say what I want to say about cosplay but I don’t blog about cosplay drama. I like to talk more about the positive side of cosplay. There are a lot of misconceptions about cosplay. They think it is just about being sexy and getting attention. Through my blog, I hope cosplayers and non-cosplayers gain a different perspective,” she said.

“Many think of cosplay as trivial or just a hobby. Personally, cosplay helped me. I weighed 19 kilos before. When I began to cosplay, I tried to improve myself. I got myself into fitness and diet,” shared Karel. Now, thanks to cosplay Karel has improved his physical health and self-esteem as well.

“It teaches you to be independent since you have to do everything by yourself,” said Onnies.

Keika said that cosplaying empowers the individual. “Most cosplayers are teenagers who are still finding their identities. Cosplaying is a way for them to find their identity and socialize. Group cosplay also involves coordinating costumes together and team management. Scouting locations for photo shoots, photography, and Photoshop skills—these are some of the skills they can pick up along the way and these can help them in their adulthood.”

“Cosplay is not about having attention to yourself. Cosplay is a visual thing so it does get a lot of attention from the public. The main thing about cosplay is to play the costume. I think it is about expressing your love for the character. It does not matter if your face is not correct, your height is not correct or your skin is not correct. People may disagree with you but you need not be bothered by them. Just have fun,” she added.

For those who are new to cosplay, Onnies advised them to “choose a character you love from a series you like.”

Keika agreed and said, “Cosplay is very difficult a lot of people give up along the way, but if you like the character or the series, it is more likely that you will succeed. Try to start with something simple; a costume that suits your budget then choose an event. That way you’re setting a goal for yourself and will not procrastinate.”

Onnies said she is willing to help newbies in cosplaying but advises them to research first before asking for information. “Unlike before, it is now easier to get information especially on the Internet. Sometimes, they don’t try enough and simply ask for information.”

“If you are just starting to cosplay, give yourself a lot of time to make mistakes. We all made mistakes before we got it right,” said Keika.

“Don’t give up easily for the first and second time. If you try and try, you will eventually get better. Be patient and take it step by step,” Karael added.

“To parents who disagree with cosplay. Remember, when your kids are making costumes, they stay at home. It’s better than doing vices like drugs,” concluded Keika.