Local and international Japanese culture (J Culture) enthusiasts who flew all the way from far-off provinces and different countries gathered in Coslandia 2019 as it unleashed a weekend-long celebration packed with idols performances, cosplay competitions and personalities, manga features, anime hodgepodge, among others last November 1, 2 and 3, 2019 at SMX Convention Center Aura.
Several activities were happening simultaneously on the Coslandia concert stage, satellite stage, and booths, starting with Movie Stars Cafe Cosplay All Stars who kicked off the Coslandia festivities on the concert stage last November 1 through a series of Japan-themed performances, followed by MNL48’s release of their newest Fifth Single and Coslandia’s official theme song “High Tension”.
Meanwhile, Coslandia Girls Collection modeled the chicest Japanese fads designed by Fancy Moi, Kana Mori and Tokyo Girls Collection along the runway. Cosplayers also geared up for the cosplay competition conducted by World Cosplay Summit (WCSPH), under Armor- and Cloth-themed Solo Cosplay Category, wherein Mr. Vian Verzon and Ms. Ranemay Nufable emerged as winners. Pop Culture Hiroshima (PCH) NCE Qualifiers was also held with Ricki Buzon and Tsukino Aoi (Team Blackout) reigned as winners.
Attendees also made their way to the main stage for the mini-concerts of idols Amatsusora, Hazuki Tsubasa, GracoRex NEO, Tomoka, TJ, Fairytales and gravure Japanese idols Ebisu Muscats who held a press conference and debuted their first live performance in the Philippines through Coslandia. These segments were hosted by Aisaku Yokogawa, a Japanese OPM artist, who also acted as a translator to help overcome the language barrier and communicate between the Japanese and Filipino guests.
As jam-packed as the main stage, the satellite stage was also seasoned by live screening of anime film Your Name, meet-and-greet session with Hello Kitty and Dear Daniel, live demonstration of new MNL48 Team Shuffle card game developed by Ludus Distributors, and WCSPH’s Hallo-Cos: Trick or Treat cosplay contest for kids in which Alexandra Mae Putman was declared winner.
Coslandia was even livelier as several attendees were seen cosplaying their favorite characters, such as Adventure Time characters Finn, Jake, Marceline and Princess Bubblegum; Batman, Joker, Penguin and Catwoman; Marshmello, and many more.
Another one of the main highlights of the event was the Day 2’s press conference of the live movie adaptation of the manga of the same name, Seikimatsu Blue, with the director himself, Tetsuya Hashi; the manga creator, Shintaro Hirota; the main casts namely our very own Abby from MNL48 along with co-members Coleen, Brei, and Kay, as well as Reira from Japanese idol group 1-Girls and the others. Tomoka was also present in the conference; she wrote a song of the official movie soundtrack and sang it live for the first time.
Moreover, the kawaii bear Rilakkuma also charmed everyone by giving them fun, cute and entertaining performances. The adorable bear also danced to the new single of MNL48 ‘High Tension’ and got everyone crazy and hyped about it.
The Philippine idol group MNL48 intensified the second day of Coslandia as they rocked the stage with their fun and amazing mini concert. They performed their greatest hits and introduced their new era of High Tension.
The third day of the festival was more relaxed, albeit still fun and full of activities. Hado Pilipinas, a new technosport in town, was one of the big attractions then. Attendees got to try the exciting augmented reality game and some MNL48 members had the chance to battle with their fans.
Graphic artists, manga and anime enthusiasts, and aspirants were given a free training or introduction on the basics of Adobe Animation by courtesy of Creative Nation Academy. Pikachu and Dora the Explorer also stopped by on the third day of Coslandia to meet and greet the attendees.
A singing contest was also held that day where participants showed their talent in singing Japanese tracks, with winner Dayvid Ybanez winning the hearts’ of the judges and audience. Naruto Cosplayers Philippines were also present and conducted a ‘J Culture Hour’ that featured music and shows that promote Japanese culture.
Attendees enjoyed a maze of various booths, starting with the Fujifilm Photo Booth and RapidShots 360 Video Booth, Brother Philippines post for printing needs, Oishi and Pocky booths that gave away free snacks and photo booths, Seikimatsu Blue autograph signing area and MNL48 Card Game Booth.
Merchandise booths of Iwaki City, Shirts and Prints, Japan All Stars, Tokyo Girls Collection, MNL48, Movie Stars Café, Cool Japan Shop, Neutral Grounds, Idols Merchandising and more were also up for the full days to provide guests some memorabilias and exclusive freebies.
Before the end of the event, MNL48 members had their Final Janken Tournament on stage. MNL48 Jan won the Janken tournament and will be the center girl for the card game app that will soon be released.
Coslandia concluded its three-day event with MNL48 performing their newest fifth single, and Coslandia’s theme song, High Tension for the finale.
This festival wouldn’t have made possible without the event partners; respectively, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, World Cosplay Summit Philippines, Pop Culture Hiroshima Philippines, and Japan Foundation; as well as the following sponsors, Brother Philippines, Fujifilm Instax Philippines & Wonder Photo Shop, Pioneer Films, Creative Nation Academy, RapidShots, Telesuccess Productions, Creativoices, Naruto Cosplayers Philippines, Red Cloud Interactive, Oishi, and Lemon Square Lava Cake; our media partners, Inquirer.net and INQ Pop!, Mellow 94.7, The Philippine Star, Rappler, Philippine Primer, Inside Manila, WhenInManila.com, Pop Life, YuneOh, Primer, DOOH, Anime PH, Anime Pilipinas, Back2Gaming, FlipGeeks, O’Taco Bites, OtakuPlay PH, Reimaru Files, and UnGeek; and official radio partner Monster RX 93.1.
As Coslandia became a gateway for J Culture buffs to celebrate and other attendees to get a glimpse of what truly is Japanese pop culture, then these are enough reasons to look forward to another ultimate J Culture festival next year!
