
Seven Bacolodnon cosplayers showcased their creativity and craftsmanship today, Feb. 22, during the Chinese Cosplay Invasion Contest at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds grounds.
A key highlight of the 21st Bacolaodiat Festival, the event challenged participants to blend pop culture with traditional Chinese aesthetics.
The contestants presented a diverse range of Chinese-inspired looks from anime, manga, and video games:
- Edjhean Jhon Siason
– Unbound Myth Maker Irelia (League of Legends)
- Chelsea Mae Siason
– Auspicious Charm Odette (Mobile Legends: Bang Bang)
- Cyriel Napao
– Nezha (Chinese Mythology/Pop Culture)
- Paula Jade Anne Arellano
– Lady Sun / Sun Shangxiang (Dynasty Warriors)
- Joeric Israel Gonzales
– The Wuju Bladesman: Master Yi (League of Legends)
- Ariana Webb
– Cynthia (Pokémon)
- Dimelyn Mainit
– Misa Amane (Death Note)
The entries were evaluated by a distinguished board of judges— Janus Kay Hebron, Jude Zeus Birondo, and Patricia Po—based on the following criteria: Accuracy of Costume, Attention to Detail, Creativity, and Presentation.
Cultural Context
The Chinese Cosplay Invasion is a modern addition to the Bacolaodiat Festival, designed to engage the youth while celebrating the “harmonious blend” of Filipino-Chinese heritage. This year, the festival ushers in the Year of the Fire Horse, a lunar cycle that symbolizes dynamic energy and passion—traits mirrored in the vibrant costumes and performances of the local cosplay community.*
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