Post 3: Otakus and Cosplaying

 Have you ever wanted to dress up as one of your favorite anime character? Have the same hair, clothes or even their eye color? I myself, have felt the urge to dress up as my favorite character, I had a tailor make me the same clothes as her, have the same haircut, I even went as far as coloring my hair the same color. This is what it means to Cosplay.

Urban Dictionary states that Cosplay (コスプレ kosupure) short for "costume play", is a performance art in which participants wear costumes and accessories that represent a specific character or idea. Cosplay is centered on role play, making cosplayers portray their knowledge on their chosen characters.

The Philippines is no veteran to the field of Cosplay, in fact, we have our own Cosplay Queen. According to http://alodiaalmira.tumblr.com/ Alodia Gosiengfiao, crowned Cosplay Queen of the Philippines is a cosplayer, model, artist, actress and recording artist. She started cosplaying in the year 2003 at the age of  15. Now, she is a internationally recognized cosplayer and the inspiration of other cosplayers.

Alodia Gosiengfiao
via Google

Another cosplayer who has graced the Philippines with honor is our Filipino Superman, Herbert Chavez. According to David Gayle's Superman fan has cosmetic surgery, Chavez has undergone several surgeries just to look like the Man of Steel, Superman. His first surgery started in 1995 and his surgeries are still ongoing. He also has a huge Superman memorabilia collection that varies from statues, bed sheets, pillows and many others.

Herbert Chavez with his life-size Superman statues

There are about 15-20 Cosplay events every year in the Philippines, hundreds to thousands of cosplayers and otakus attend these events filling up malls and convention centers. Cosplay is a form of art in the same way in is an expression of one's personality. But alas, some people just don't see the beauty of Cosplay, they say that it's a waste of money, it's weird and whole bunch of negative comments. Nevertheless, Cosplay is an art, it is an expression and a lifestyle, we chose to live it and we LOVE it!