MANILA, Philippines – Event organizer Cosplay.ph (CPH) has described the staging of its first event for 2026, Cosplay Carnival, as a “monumental success”, describing it as the “most well attended” in its 10-year history.
The event was held for the first time at the SMX Manila Halls 1 and 2, and also held its first-ever JAM (Japanese Anime Music) concert outside of its main event, Cosplay Mania.
Guests for the event were cosplayers Taotan and Unorthodox Design, while the JAM Concert guests were Halca, Who-ya Extended, and Naomi Payton.
In a statement released on Monday on its Facebook page, CPH thanked everyone who made the event possible, such as its sponsors McDonalds, Mountain Dew, and other sponsors and exhibitors.
The organizer also thanked the management of SMX Convention Center and its marshal provider, Synergy, who were “firm yet friendly” to event attendees “while working with incredible efficiency,”
“Working with our staff, we managed to clear the lines quickly without inconveniencing anyone, and helped to make the con-goers feel safe and secure,” CPH Said.
It also thanked ticketing provider TicketMax, which said managed to minimize wait times and other issues associated with other events.
The organizer also recognized the role of first-time event attendees who are using Carnival as their jump-off point to the world of anime conventions.
“We’re so glad that so many new congoers got to enjoy the event and are thankful to all our regulars for making them feel so welcome. Together, we’ve fostered a truly incredible community that thrives with on mutual respect and admiration for the craft we all love so much,” they said.
CPH took the opportunity to invite them again in their upcoming ticketed event, FanFes 2026 to be held on May 16-17 at Space@OneAyala, while also announcing a free event. Cosplay Camp to be held from May 8-10 at the Filinvest Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa.
Other major events to be organized by CPH are Anime and Cosplay Expo to be held on July 18-19, Cosplay Mania from October 2-4, CosMeet from October 25-26, and Cosplay Matsuri from December 28-30.