After its well-received maiden edition in 2022, cosplay convention Kawaii Expo returns this Sunday, November 5, at the Mahogany Hall of IEC Pavilion in Cebu City with another top-tier international cosplayer as the main highlight.
Founded and produced by entrepreneur Gene Noel Gallarde as one way to promote his and his family’s businesses (Rad Chameleon Custom Apparel Inc., DIMES Bistro+Coffee, Grace Homemade Empanadas), Kawaii Expo is an annual event celebrating the vibrant world of cosplay and pop culture.
Attendees come together to showcase their imaginative costumes, participate in interactive activities, enjoy panel discussions, and meet their favorite cosplayers, creators, and influencers.
“We really saw the increase in demand and popularity of cosplay competitions. We have friends who are into cosplay, so we thought of mounting an event,” Gallarde, whose two kids are themselves cosplay fanatics, tells The FREEMAN.
First held October of last year with Melde Montañez (of “Patay Na Si Hesus” fame) as technical director, it attracted around 1,000 attendees in and outside of Cebu and garnered positive feedback for its exceptional production value despite a basic set-up.
“The community was so happy. They even said it was one of the best cosplay events ever. We received a lot of compliments and they were very appreciative,” says Gallarde, who last year snagged professional Greek and Australia-based cosplayer Knite as main guest.
“When we created the page and announced Knite’s participation, the response from the community was overwhelming. In a matter of 24 hours, the announcement got around 2,000 shares, which was all organic. It spread like wildfire. People outside of Cebu flew in to meet Knite. They were so starstruck, some were even trembling upon meeting Knite. It was also inspiring for the cosplayers because most of them, I think, are introverts and this is their way of expressing themselves,” he adds.
With Kawaii Expo’s successful debut and a growing following, Gallarde is anticipating 2,000 players and fans to join this time around.
Entrance fee is pegged at P400 pesos. The main highlight is a Cosplay Contest which has attracted around 100 cosplayers around the Philippines. There will also be an artist alley, an area dedicated to talented artists and creators to showcase their work.
Kawaii Expo 2023’s main guest is Weian Vann – a Chinese cosplayer with 300,000 followers on Facebook, 660,000 followers on Instagram, and 150,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter). Local guests Hippochii, Miho, and Sam Mi will participate in a panel discussion, while Cebu Kpop Cover Group MERGE is set to perform.
For its second year, Kawaii Expo hopes to further cement its reputation as one of the country’s highly anticipated cosplay events, and showcase how Cebu is well-equipped to host an authentically world-class event.
“Hopefully, we will build it into one of the biggest cosplay events here,” says Gallarde