BLOGPOST 1: FANTASY TO REALITY!

I was walking around the mall, somewhere in Pasay City, when I noticed a lot of people wearing weird stuffs. At first, I don't really get what's going on and thought that, "what's up with them?" But when I saw a group of guys wearing  black cloak with cloud patterns on it, that's when I realized that those persons are cosplayer and they were portraying akatsuki from the anime series of Naruto.

I was really amazed in their costumes and make-up. They seemed to put a lot of effort, time and even money just for that event. I don't really get what's good in being a cosplayer since there seems to be no benefit from it. That is the time that I wondered, why people are getting hooked in cosplay? 

But before we search the reasons as to why people love cosplaying, let us first discuss the meaning and misconceptions about cosplay. According to reference.com,"Cosplay", short for "costume play" is a type of performance art in which participants wear costumes to represent a specific character or idea from a work of fiction, especially from manga, animation and science fiction." 

To put it simply, people try to imitate a certain character of their choice in terms of costume and attitudes. When we heard the word "cosplay", the first thing that we would think of are people dressing up like a character from an ANIME. This is one of the misconceptions about cosplay. Imitating super heroes and other action figures are also considered as cosplaying. Even copying an artist style and fashion could be a form of it. Since cosplay is very popular in Japan and its influences in street fashion, it eventually develop a lot of forms like lolita and gothic styles. So as for others, cosplay develops a different sense of fashion and that is how it became known and later on became a trend.

In an article, Escaping the Everyday: Cosplay, written by Rachel Harts from  reportermag.com, she states other reasons as to why people are getting hooked in cosplay. She said that "Cosplay is a way to show support for a favorite character; imitation, of course, is the highest form of flattery". In that article, she interviewed a cosplayer and said that “ it"s chance to show off skills,” since costume making is a very time-consuming and sometimes talent-intensive process. Cosplay is an opportunity to show off one’s hard work and craftsmanship. It’s also a chance to “dress up and be someone completely different,” as Lee describes, a fun escape from the average day.

Cosplayers regard cosplay as their way to make their fantasies into reality. Dressing up and imitations show how much they adore and give importance to the character they portray.It is also a way for them to breathe and give life to their desired character. Costume is not the only thing that cosplayers must prepare, they must research and imitate the personality as well. Whew! .. But it does not end to the cosplayer itself; since, costume makers have to show off their talents in making a detailed costumes. It is their chance to show their creativity and craftsmanship. And in the end, it's a tiring yet fulfilling, exciting, and extraordinary day for everyone.

For me, it's really amazing on how much these people took time and effort just for their hobby, cosplay. Since I am also a fan of anime and manga, I really find cosplay as an exciting experience for everyone. Although I have never experienced it, I would probably try it, if given by a chance.  And in my opinion, it's not that bad to escape the reality for a day and just leave your imagination to experience the depths of your dreams...
After seeing those cosplayers, I make sure of myself to attend the next anime convention to experience  it's fantasy that has turned into reality.