Going to an anime convention for the first time can be a daunting experience, but I’ve discovered that the Anime and Cosplay Expo is a good place to start – if you are in the Phillippines. Strategically placed in the heart of Mall of Asia during the cozy and rainy weather of July, the event’s lighthearted energy attracts its attendees for an incredibly immersive, interactive, and unforgettable experience.
Seriously though, what’s there to see at an anime convention? For starters, there’s the artist alley and merch exhibits that are akin to a treasure hunt brimming with all kinds of anime goodies. When you’ve explored enough, you can settle to watch the programs and activities on stage, whether it be quirky games or serious in-depth panels. However, the main highlight of it all is no doubt, the cosplay scene. Anime conventions are the perfect place to celebrate creativity and fandoms, and the most amazing part is that everyone is invited to join in on the fun!
And that’s when the real charm of the community kicks in. Everyone is there in an ultimate celebration of anime and pop culture, and the friendship you can find here is just as magical as you can imagine. When you interact while posing for group photos or converse (geek out) about your favorite anime things, those connections are bonds and memories made with fellow fans who share your passions. And there’s no judgment whatsoever, everyone from all walks of life is welcome.
Anime Corner was invited again to join the Anime and Cosplay Expo 2024 between July 20-21, 2024 at the SMX Convention Center Manila. This marks the third year I’ve had the honor of writing about these events. This time, I had the fun experience of receiving a large pack of Max Candies while my colleague Karla got a pack of chocolate Nips. It’s a great giveaway for con-goers to have while strolling around (just like the great Fuwa Fuwa bread of CONQuest 2023).
Going to an anime convention also means that you get to be in the same room as your anime idols and cosplay superstars. That also means getting to see them onstage and hearing about their behind-the-scenes stories. At ACX 2024, the special guests were Cos AIM and Kurumin from Thailand.
The guest panel is a chance to learn new things and a place to grow. Kurumin even imparted some advice for beginner cosplayers: “If you have a goal and you set your mind [to it], you can do anything. And if you wanna do something, just do it. You can do everything, search for it, and do it on your own. Just be confident with yourself. Fighting everyone!”
Other rockstars at ACX 2024 are the brilliant cosplayers at the All-Star booths. These people are independent artists who pour their hearts into their crafts. New Game+, a cosplay group that radiates positivity and passion for their hobbies, is a presence I’ve appreciated since my first coverage in 2022. This year, I was able to say hello again to Vera, Ber, and Ten, and their nerdy energy is an absolute ray of sunshine.
What I love most about them is how real they are whenever they fangirl about their favorite anime, games, and characters through their creative cosplays (their prints are fun to browse). It’s not just about looking good; it’s about camaraderie, shared passion, and being in a community that uplifts one another.
And so daunting that it is, anime conventions are undeniably one of the places that every anime fan should join in on. You’ll meet fellow enthusiasts, have fun interactions, and share in the excitement of it all. Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran in the community, there’s always a new adventure ahead to look forward to (especially with the continuous production of shows and games). Overall, conventions are more than just events; they’re communities where bonds and memories are made, and most of all, where we can keep our spark alive.
While that covers most of my time at Anime and Cosplay Expo 2024, the coverage is never complete without our cosplay gallery. See the rest of the fun costumes that I spotted on the next page!
The comments are temporarily unavailable for maintenance.