Neri: Cosplay classroom chronicles
Nowadays, normal is the new basic and being extra is the new normal—or so they say. In a world where ordinary outfits just won’t cut it, there exists a realm that surpasses all the now-normal “extra-ness”—where people can wear capes, wield weapons, and be just about anything or anyone they want to be. In this epic realm, needles are your swords, foam is your armor, and magic comes from the depths of your imagination. Warriors and wizards, welcome to the wonderful world of cosplay!
Cosplay, short for “costume play,” is so much more than just walking around dressed up as your favorite character. It is an art form that blurs the lines of reality and fantasy—marrying the intricacies of costume design, prop crafting, and characterization. In short, it’s a doorway to a place where creativity and fandom reign supreme!
And yet, behind every elaborate cosplay piece is a story of meticulous craftsmanship and dedication. While some may stick to costume and prop creation, and others focus on exuding the character’s persona, many cosplayers practice the daunting task of doing both. From start to finish, it is a grueling process, and—no matter how much one can love it—cosplay is not for the faint of heart. It requires unwavering passion and commitment.
With this in mind, the hobby can be a little intimidating if one jumps right into it without knowing where to start and how. Luckily enough, Cebu got to experience “Cosplay Classroom” during the Cebu City Arts’ Month last August. It was an exciting workshop where aspiring and existing cosplayers had the chance to train under mentors (namely Siegfried Enero, Steven Atenta, Bardge Restauro and Ranrick Diaz) that specialize in key cosplay skills like skit performance and propsmaking.
Culminating the Cosplay Classroom experience was a grand showcase and competition, where participants flaunted their newfound skills through a runway show and skit performances. To further support the art of cosplay and recognize the cosplayers’ efforts, a cash prize was awarded to the competition winners.
The event was organized by ARCHcon Cebu in partnership with cultural learning partner Karakoa Productions, and presented by the Cebu City Government through the Cultural and Historical Affairs Office - Cebu City, Cebu City Tourism, Cebu City Arts Month and SM Seaside City Cebu.
A highlight of the culminating event was the cultural cosplay competition, “CosKultura,” where the theme was cultural heritage. It was a unique concept that connected an art form that is usually powered by pop culture to something a little closer to home. Cosplayers were challenged to conceptualize their work around the Philippines’ rich history and culture. This sort of creative exploration served as a poignant representation of the thought that no matter how far your ideas take you, you mustn’t forget from whence you came.
The first of its kind—not only did the “Cosplay Classroom” experience provide our Cebuano cosplayers with an avenue to enhance and showcase their skills, it also fostered a sense of community and deepened the overall appreciation for Cebuano history and heritage through the art of cosplay.