The Howlers Manila Cosplay & Music Festival brought together a passionate community of fans, creators, and performers in an exhilarating showcase of creativity and camaraderie. Held on December 7, 2024, the event celebrated the vibrant spirit of cosplay and music, uniting enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. However, despite the event’s successes, unforeseen challenges arose, prompting organizers to address attendee concerns and outline steps for improvement.
In a heartfelt statement, the Howlers Manila team expressed their gratitude to attendees, highlighting their role in making the festival a memorable gathering. “Thank you for making the Howlers Manila Cosplay and Music Festival an amazing celebration of passion, creativity, and community. Your dedication, energy, and enthusiasm are what really made this event special, and we are super grateful for your support,” the organizers shared.
The festival, initially envisioned as a record-breaking event for cosplay attendance, faced unexpected hurdles, including compliance with regulations, inclement weather, and extreme heat. These factors led to the cancellation of the Guinness World Record attempt. Organizers acknowledged the impact on attendees, particularly challenges related to limited seating and food and drink availability within the enclosed area.
“We deeply regret the situation that occurred at the festival. Our intention was to put on an amazing event in an attempt to break a Guinness World Record,” the statement read. “We made the difficult decision to cancel the Cosplay record attempt… Our goal has always been to create a positive and memorable experience for everyone because we care about your enjoyment.”
In light of the issues, the Howlers Manila team reaffirmed their commitment to the community, pledging to organize a makeup event free for cosplayers as an apology. They also assured attendees of their dedication to enhancing future festivals by addressing safety, logistics, and overall enjoyment.
“We’ve learned from this and are committed to ensuring these situations do not reoccur. Hope to see you at our next Howlers Manila!” the organizers concluded.
The Howlers Manila Cosplay & Music Festival continues to stand as a testament to the unyielding passion of the cosplay community, despite its setbacks. With lessons learned and a promise of improvement, fans eagerly await the next chapter of this colorful celebration.
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