The University of the Philippines (UP), who takes part in the quincentennial celebration will bring to life some of the familiar persons involved that made history 500 years ago and beyond. This will be done in a unique contest, a cosplay competition.

Costume play, otherwise known as cosplay, is the practice of dressing up as a character. Participants will be asked to take photos and videos of themselves dressed as historical and folkloric personalities that portray valor and humanity. Some of these may include but are not limited to, Lapulapu, Rajah Humabon, Maria Makiling and the like.  A short artist statement is also required on top of the fully filled submission form.

“It aims to encourage UP students to imagine and re-imagine the manner of clothing and gesticulation of Filipinos in the last 500 years or so, both in the folkloric and historical realms and to represent them in concrete visual forms using the human body,” its official poster read. 

The competition is open to all undergraduate and graduate students of UP who are currently enrolled, on leave or on residency. Judges will look into the artist statement, the visual representation and the participant’s gesticulation and general motion. 

The deadline for the submission of entries will be on July 31, 2021 while judging will be done on the whole month of August. The winners will be announced in September who will also receive corresponding cash prizes up to P20,000.

Details and other mechanics are seen in the event poster.