Asia Cosplay Meet – Philippines Results

Last Sunday (June 27, 2010) marked the Philippine leg of the Asia Cosplay Meet. The Philippines pitted 37 talented and skilled cosplayers for the top three posts. These three will then become the Philippine’s representatives in their first ever International event together with South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Hosted by Holy Ground Productions, the event was held at the Philippine Trade and Training Center in Pasay City, Metro Manila. The stage was then set with the contestants, judges, and the crowd of friends, families, and supporters who came to watch the competition. Contestants were instructed to do a solo skit, be it a singing, acting out a play, dancing, or showcasing their character’s talent in full view, in full costume, and in-character to woo the crowds and the panel of international judges. The judges had special VIP guests from abroad such as one of the delegates from Singapore and a staff member from top gaming company, Square-Enix. From the 37, 10 were selected as finalists for the regionals to be then judged via live stream to Singapore Cosplay Club’s JAPAN ROMANCE Event. Sadly, visual kei band SuG (sung the OST Gr8 Story for Kateikyoshi Hitman Riborn!) who were originally planned to be the judges were not able to be present, but Singapore Cosplay Club’s very own staff members themselves overlooked the judging process.

The top three representatives who came out strong and will be going to Singapore are Riyo Lendl L. Enriquez (as Sol Badguy from Guilty Gear Overture), Jia Gold M. Bustamante (as KOS-MOS from Xenosaga), and Lyron Decy Cueto Aquino (as Edge Maverick Star Ocean).

The top 10 finalists together with event organizers had a press conference following the closing where each one of them gave their own sentiments and messages for the event. The 7 finalists all took the defeat proudly which they strongly affirmed with great determination to continue to compete in cosplay competitions after learning valuable lessons in this one. They gave well wishes to the three representatives and gave a parting message that Filipinos always had what it takes to compete internationally and they will always strive to be better.

The top three contestants then followed each expressing their overwhelming shock for being selected internationally with Jia Gold Bustamante and Riyo Lendl Enriquez both being relatively new to cosplay competitions. The three expressed great virtues of humility, pride, diligence and candor in both their work and self, indeed perfect examples of good Filipino character. Riyo Enriquez expressed the importance of being hard working boasting years of experience in cosplaying and the culmination of his handiwork. Jia Bustamante vocalized humility and individuality and that always appreciating ones roots. Lyron Cueto stressed that wholly loving the character and being in-character during the competition is a sign of a true fan in cosplaying and will give anyone the confidence to win.

Organizers of the event are thoroughly satisfied with the event, but wishes events and performances be enhanced further. He then continues to say that “We have the passion and the craftsmanship but we really need to enhance things better.” Then gave an advisable warning that “I’ve seen Korea, Singapore, Japan. They’ve been cosplaying for longer than we have, and [we] need to see that level of cosplaying”. He then expresses his hopes for support to them and to future cosplayers that, “… given the right tool to win.” There will be high hopes for international competitiveness. Their formal delegate to Singapore will also personally accompany them to guide them and give their support, in which she humorously tells the three, “You guys better behave. Don’t get me mad. If not, I will kick your asses.”

Although it has not been finalized, the winner from Asia Cosplay Meet will get a chance to a trip to Japan to watch a major cosplay event in person. The organizers also assures that the Philippine government and Holy Ground Productions will support them all the way.

■Links
Asia Cosplay Meet – Philippines
Singapore Cosplay Club

Tags: Asia Cosplay Meet, Convention, Event