Cosplay Carnival 2025 kicked off last weekend with a spring-themed adventure that undoubtedly brought warmth and fun to the Philippines’ anime and cosplay community. As the first event of the year, it is always the one everyone is excited for. For example, there’s the comeback of its thriving artist alley, cosplay spaces, and merchandise shopping, not to mention the unexpected Japanese Anime Music (JAM) concert this year.
Although the Philippines only has two seasons, it doesn’t change the feeling of how March marks the beginning of Springtime— a season of change and optimism. Being a fan of anime and cosplay has its moments, which is why these events are the places to be so we can fully immerse ourselves in the Filipino otaku experience. And so, without further ado, here are our highlights of Cosplay Carnival 2025.
Enjoying Anime and Cosplay to the Fullest
Cosplay Carnival 2025 was a thrilling gathering for new and old fans from all walks of life to celebrate their love for anime, cosplay, and everything related to Japanese pop culture. Although the FanFair (Artist Alley) was smaller than the explosion of art that was Cosplay Matsuri 2024, the variety in Cosplay Carnival 2024 isn’t so far from it. Other parts of the event are the All-Stars Alley, the exhibit booths, and the center stage that never stopped being lively with all the programs and games.
All con-goers have different agendas at these events. Some come to meet friends, join cosplay competitions, see the special guests, or go shopping. The fangirl in me had eyes for only one thing, and that was scouring the halls from end to end for all things frog and Apothecary Diaries. I even found a cute Psyduck bag from Rairaishop, which instantly made my day.
Cosplay Carnival’s Anime Music Concert
For the first time ever, Cosplay Carnival 2025 hosted Cosplay Mania’s iconic Japanese Anime Music (JAM) Concert. Japanese singer and cosplayer Akase Akari (best known for her song “Koi no Yukue” from My Dress-Up Darling) and Japanese voice actress Shuka Saito (best known as “You Watanabe” in Love Live! Sunshine!!) were the stars of the show! Filipino fans were able to enjoy a fun night of being in the presence of these amazing people. Nothing beats experiencing their music live, after all.
Anime Corner also had the exclusive opportunity to meet and interview with Akase Akari and Shuka Saito, so make sure to check it out!
Preserving the Moment with a Themed Photobooth
One of my favorite parts of my Cosplay Carnival 2025 experience was actually finally seeing the famous District 1 Cosplay Studio photo booths up close. You see, taking photos of cosplayers has slowly become one of the things I look forward to at these events, but as someone who only casually and shyly cosplays (as Maomao), the photo booth has always felt foreign to me. It wasn’t until recently that I understood the excitement of having a proper photo to keep as a remembrance, as well as something to share fondly and proudly with friends.
It doesn’t take much to appreciate how the small booths provide instant fun and interactive entertainment. From the details of the fantasy-esque set-up, the moody lighting, and the idea of having a unique souvenir to bring home- it is easily one of the most personalized experiences at the convention. Watching the people come and go with smiles was amusing to see, and I couldn’t help but feel awe for the passion behind it. I’m glad that I got to see the booth so full of life (the photographers and cosplayers included).
My friend William got to snap some shots while he was stationed at District 1 Cosplay Studio:
A Season of Positivity for Anime and Hobbies
Cosplay Carnival has always held a special place in my heart. It was the first anime convention I went to right after the COVID-19 pandemic, and since the lockdown also recently had its 5th anniversary, it makes me think all the more about how far things have come. There are plenty more anime-enjoyers now, more gamers, and even cosplay is becoming more widely acknowledged as an art form and hobby.
This “anime thing” isn’t stopping anytime soon, and I doubt it would ever slow down anyway. If you didn’t know, Cosplay Carnival 2025 coincided with AnimeJapan 2025, so it was, in fact, a jam-packed weekend for all the anime enjoyers out there. The whole world was celebrating, and it’s nice to know that in our little corner in the Philippines, we have the story of our CosCarni adventures to tell.
Joining the two-day convention is an amusing mix of exhaustion and fulfillment, but at the end of the day, it’s a weekend well spent with my favorite fandoms and people. No matter the event’s theme, these small pockets of memories are an escape from our everyday mundane life and into a friendly place where we can simply enjoy our favorite fantasies and dreams.
Following Cosplay Matsuri, a celebration of reflecting on the whole year, it is only fitting that Cosplay Carnival is seen as the celebration of embracing a chance at new beginnings. I hope everyone can stay creative and that all your anime, manga, or cosplay wishes will be fulfilled this 2025.
Of course, my article can’t conclude without the cosplay gallery! From anime to games to SSKAIT’s version of Okarun’s golden balls — the convention had it all. Head to the next page to see more of our Cosplay Carnival 2025 cosplay gallery.
Participate In Discussions