Cosplay Carnival 2026: Celebrating 10 Years of Anime and Cosplay Passion in the Philippines
A major milestone is approaching for the Philippines' anime and cosplay community. Organized by Cosplay.ph and considered one of the country's most prestigious events, Cosplay Carnival will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2026. Taking place on March 28-29, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center in Manila, the event will greet fans this year with the theme "Eternal Emerald" as part of the "Prism Saga" series.
The guest list prepared for this special anniversary is quite impressive. Popular Japanese music group Who-ya Extended (known for their opening songs for Psycho-Pass and Jujutsu Kaisen) and beloved singer halca are among the names that will take the stage at the event. Additionally, international stars such as voice actress Naomi Payton from the Love Live! Superstar!! project, famous Thai cosplayer Taotan, and award-winning costume designer Mike Cameron (Unorthodox Design) will meet with fans. Local talent DJ Sigrid will also add color to the celebrations with an energetic performance.
Looking back at the history of Cosplay Carnival, we see that it has been a unifying force for the community since its first event in 2016. As Cosplay.ph's first major organization of the year, this festival is known for Cosplay Karaoke, Cosplay Auction, and exciting dance competitions. Its transformation over ten years from a small gathering into a massive organization attended by thousands and attracting international brands proves how much the influence of J-culture in the region has grown.
Organizers expect the 10th-anniversary celebrations to break the highest attendance record to date. For fans, this anniversary means not just showcasing costumes, but also celebrating a decade-long legacy of friendship and creativity. With tickets already seeing great interest, the event will feature two days packed with special JAM (Japanese Anime Music) concerts and interactive exhibitions. This grand celebration in the Philippines will once again show the whole world how vibrant and dynamic the anime ecosystem in Southeast Asia is.
