Anime—Japanese animation, that is—is indubitably a part of Philippine culture. At a certain point in our childhood, we might have been otakus (fervent lovers of anime) ourselves. The likes of Voltes V, Daimos, Top Gun, Lupin III, Detective Conan, Dragonball Z, Hunter X Hunter, Ghost Fighter, Knock Out, and Doraemon are anime titles that a Filipino kid of the 90s would likely enumerate. As it stands today, anime remains the culture of not only children, but many Filipino teens and adolescents alike. It is needless to say that a good number of students here in the Ateneo are otakus. Passing by laptop-ed students along the corridors or kiosks with headphones jacked is indicative that they are watching anime. I am quite an otaku myself, and watching anime is indeed a great pastime.
But has it occurred to you, in your childlike fantasies, to be the anime character yourself?
Imagine setting sail to find the legendary treasure as Monkey D. Luffy of One Piece, or wielding the swords of Kirito of Sword Art Online during a boss battle. One may argue that it is virtually impossible, however, being in character does not. This is ultimately where the art of cosplaying kicks in.
The word ‘cosplay’ was coined by Nobuyuki Takahashi during the 1984 World Science Fiction Convention. The term is the shortened form of costume play wherein participants would literally be in costumes to accurately play the roles of the character they are replicating. Generally, the characters are taken from the anime or from the manga, but are not limited to them.
On July 29, the Centennial Cosplay Convention was held in the Ateneo as one of the activities in closing the centennial year. The event, though quite simple, was much anticipated by Ateneans. The bleachers of the Brebeuf Gym which were heavily filled with audience speak of this. The setup is also similar to how standard cosplaying events take place: the stage, the runway, some little lighting, anime posters here and there, and anime music. It is remarkable to note that while anime OSTs were playing in the background, many students were familiar with them and sings them despite being written in Japanese. It stands clear how Japan has inculcated their culture to the lives of Filipinos.
As an audience during the said event, I have observed two things in the discipline of cosplaying: first, cosplaying does not necessarily require extravagance to portray an anime role with his costume; second, cosplayers not only wear costumes but additively wear the characteristics of the character they are portraying.
Many cosplayers have had parts of their costumes customized by themselves: Madara’s mask and sword, Cloud Strife’s weapon, Naruto’s scroll, Akatsuki’s infamous hat, emblems on many respective costumes, horns, and many other things which are otherwise non-existent in any thrift stores here in Zamboanga. The creativity was very amazing. They are testaments that being in appropriate costume needs no direct import from eBay just to purchase the ready-made set, you could make them yourself. Famous cosplayers (Filipinos are quite familiar with Alodia Gosiengfiao and Myrtle Sarrosa) sew their own costumes and create weapons and staffs with cardboards, paint, and similar materials. Thus, with a little creativity and a little cash, being a cosplayer is surely attainable.
The remarkable thing which separates cosplay from mere dress-up is how the cosplayer exhibits the mannerisms or attitude of his portrayed character, being rightfully the character himself. It’s quite the irony to see a talkative and lively Sasuke, or a fairy or a goddess who has an iPad at hand.
Cosplay is considered a hobby in Japan, even in the United States. After pulling a fair show, cosplaying as a hobby here in Zamboanga is just as possible.
