🗓️ October 3–5, 2025 — SMX Convention Center, Pasay City
👥 Represented by Voltaire Gaviola (Brand Supervisor) and Ray Judiel Cawas (Product Engineer)
The Ultimate Gathering of Creativity and Fandom
The Cosplay Mania 2025, held last October 3 to 5 at the SMX Convention Center, once again brought together thousands of fans, artists, and creators from across the country. Known as the Philippines’ biggest cosplay and pop culture convention, the event was filled with colorful costumes, interactive booths, and the shared energy of people celebrating their passion for anime, gaming, and creativity.
Cosplayers of all ages showcased their talent and dedication through detailed costumes inspired by their favorite characters—some competing for top awards, while others simply enjoyed the experience of bringing their heroes to life. Beyond the stage, exhibitors filled the venue with collectibles, merchandise, and innovative tools to support the growing creative community.
Makerlab Joins Cosplay Mania 2025
Makerlab Electronics joined the excitement of Cosplay Mania as one of the exhibitors. Represented by Voltaire Gaviola and Ray Judiel Cawas, the team proudly showcased how 3D printing and additive manufacturing are transforming the world of costume design and prop-making.
Our booth displayed a technology of 3D printers by Elegoo both Mars 5 Ultra and Centauri Carbon, along with samples of armor pieces, helmets, and accessories made through additive manufacturing. Many were surprised at how accessible and affordable 3D printing technology has become for hobbyists and professional makers alike.
From Foam to Filament: Redefining Cosplay Craftsmanship
Cosplay has long relied on traditional materials such as EVA foam, Sintra boards, and rubber sheets for costume creation. While these remain staple materials, cosplayers are now beginning to explore 3D printing as a way to achieve higher precision and more intricate designs.
Additive manufacturing offers a new level of detail and customization that traditional methods often struggle to match. With 3D printing, creators can digitally sculpt and print their costume parts—whether it’s a complex armor piece or a mechanical accessory—resulting in durable, lightweight, and highly accurate pieces.
At our booth, we emphasized that 3D printing doesn’t replace traditional methods but rather enhances them. Many successful cosplayers now combine foam work with printed components for the best of both worlds—flexibility and detail.
Empowering the Cosplay Community
Throughout the three-day event, our team engaged with hundreds of visitors—cosplayers, students, and even curious parents—who were eager to learn how to integrate technology into their craft. Voltaire and Ray guided attendees through the basics of 3D printing, from designing and slicing models to choosing the right materials and finishes.
Many visitors shared their challenges in prop-making—broken parts, inaccurate dimensions, and limited material strength—and discovered that 3D printing offers practical solutions to these problems. We also discussed budget-friendly printer options and on-demand printing services for those who want to experiment without immediately investing in their own machine.
One of the key takeaways for many was that 3D printing makes iteration easy. Once a design is perfected, it can be reprinted or modified instantly—something that’s nearly impossible with traditional crafting. This efficiency and precision are now encouraging more cosplayers to make the shift toward digital fabrication.
Why Additive Manufacturing Matters in Cosplay
Additive manufacturing gives makers the ability to push creative boundaries. For cosplayers, this means faster production times, consistent results, and new design possibilities. Complex patterns, symmetrical parts, and functional details—like hinges, clasps, and embedded LEDs—can all be integrated directly into a 3D model before printing.
It’s a growing trend that bridges artistry with engineering. As more creators embrace digital tools, cosplay is evolving from handmade craft into a blend of art, design, and technology—and Makerlab aims to make that transition easier and more accessible.
Looking Ahead
Makerlab’s participation in Cosplay Mania 2025 was more than just a product showcase—it was an opportunity to connect with a passionate community and demonstrate how innovation fuels creativity. The event reminded us that technology, when placed in the hands of artists, can open limitless possibilities.
We’re excited to continue supporting cosplayers, hobbyists, and makers as they explore new ways to bring their ideas to life. With 3D printing, every hero, prop, and armor piece starts not with a mold—but with imagination.
