FanFes 2025: A Vibrant Celebration of Anime and Fandom in Manila
Last weekend, Manila transformed into a lively hub of creativity and excitement as FanFes 2025 made its debut, bringing a summer-themed festival that encapsulated the spirit of Filipino fandoms. Building on the success of the Cosplay Mania series, this event focused on celebrating the passion for anime, games, cosplay, and other facets of Japanese pop culture. While the event may have been smaller in scale, the enthusiasm of attendees was palpable, showcasing the heart and soul of the local fandom community.
D4VD’s Unforgettable Appearance
One of the standout moments of FanFes 2025 was the surprise performance by American singer-songwriter d4vd. Following a special live show at the MOA Sky, d4vd took to the FanFes stage to perform two of his hit songs, “Feel It” and “Here With Me.” The excitement in the venue was electric as fans cheered for their favorite artist. What made this moment even more memorable was d4vd’s choice of costume: he dressed as Sasuke Uchiha from the beloved anime series, Naruto Shippuden. His appearance was complemented by the equally talented cosplayer Myrtle Sarrosa, who donned a female version of Naruto and joined d4vd on stage for a brief collaborative moment.
During an interview, d4vd shared how anime has influenced his music. He expressed admiration for the resilience of iconic characters, revealing, “The inspiration that I draw from these awesome characters is their willingness to fall and fail, they always get back up.” He cited Goku from Dragon Ball Z as a personal favorite, noting that his song “Take Me to the Sun” was inspired by this character’s embodiment of hope. This was d4vd’s first experience at an anime and cosplay event, and he described it as “the greatest experience of my life,” excitedly pointing out cosplays of characters like Gojo, Killua, and Raven from Teen Titans around him. He concluded his segment by promising to return to the Philippines soon for a larger performance.
A Celebration of Arts and Fandoms
Each art and cosplay event possesses its unique charm, and FanFes 2025 was no exception. The event floor was adorned with exciting installations, including a massive armored Titan from the PUBG x Attack on Titan collaboration, serving as an eye-catching landmark for attendees. Exhibits showcasing popular games like Mobile Legends added to the excitement, while various vendors offered a treasure trove of merchandise, from collectible figures to apparel.
The event featured numerous shops, including Hubbyte, which showcased their latest figures and gacha games, and T-Tees, known for their creative t-shirt designs. Brother also made an appearance, demonstrating how their innovative printers can support artists and creators in expanding their craft. Outside the main event area, food stalls, notably Yoshinoya, provided a cozy spot for attendees to relax and refuel, enhancing the overall experience.
The artist alley stood out as a highlight for many, brimming with talented creators displaying their unique and captivating works. From stickers and art prints to acrylic keychains and tote bags, the vibrant energy of fandom was evident throughout the space. Some booths organized stamp rallies, while others crafted merchandise on the spot, contributing to a lively shopping atmosphere. Attendees, especially those with special shoppers’ passes, were eager to explore and find items that resonated with their favorite fandoms. The joyful atmosphere was infectious, making it difficult for many to resist the urge to shop and immerse themselves in the community.
A Perfect Venue for FanFes 2025
Returning for its second year, FanFes 2025 found a welcoming home at the One Ayala Mall in Makati City. This central location proved to be ideal for attendees, conveniently situated near the train station and providing a refreshing escape from the summer heat. The air-conditioned venue was not only comfortable but also created an inviting atmosphere for cosplay enthusiasts and anime fans alike to mingle and showcase their creativity.
One of the engaging activities at the event was a trivia game that encouraged interaction among attendees while promoting local artists and their work. Participants had the chance to test their knowledge of various fandoms, adding a fun twist to the experience. Additionally, a singing competition showcased talented individuals performing iconic anime songs, filling the venue with contagious energy and excitement.
FanFes 2025: A Cheerful Gathering of Creativity
FanFes 2025 lived up to its name as a festival celebrating arts and fandoms. The event brought together a diverse range of individuals, all united by their love for creative expression and shared interests. From the talented artists at the FanFair to the enthusiastic cosplayers strutting their stuff on the Cosplay Catwalk, the festival was a testament to the creativity and dedication of its participants.
The atmosphere was filled with joy as fans engaged with one another, sharing their crafts, hobbies, and favorite fandoms. The sense of community was palpable, with attendees supporting and inspiring each other throughout the event. It was heartwarming to witness the passion that drives these individuals, making the festival a truly special occasion.
A visit to FanFes 2025 would not be complete without appreciating the vibrant cosplay scene. The event showcased a myriad of impressive costumes, reflecting the creativity and hard work of the cosplayers. From classic characters to original designs, each costume told a unique story, adding to the visual spectacle of the festival.
In summary, FanFes 2025 was not just an event but a celebration of creativity, passion, and community spirit. The combination of art, music, and fandom created an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. As attendees left with smiles on their faces and bags filled with treasures, it was clear that this festival would leave a lasting impact on the Manila fandom scene, promising even more exciting events in the future.
