Finding fun in the rain can be as simple as embracing the weather and enjoying indoor activities or venturing out for some unique outdoor adventures, or in this case, an anime convention in Manila called the Anime and Cosplay Expo 2025.
Anime and Cosplay Expo 2025 Guest Spotlight – Kanalyss
The highlight of Anime and Expo 2025 was no other than the cosplay special guest Kanalyss, coming all the way from the U.S. On the first day of the event, she beautifully performed “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Sign wa B,” “Baka Mitai,” and “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again.” From ballad to pop to trumpet solos — Kanalyss showed off her amazing vocal talents while dressed as Lili from Tekken.
Despite the storm that day, plenty of her fans came to see and cheer for the multi-talented internet-famous cosplayer. I myself was part of the second batch of meet-and-greets, and my experience talking to Kanalyss is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I will treasure. She was so friendly and fun (she liked my RuJinu shirt) and was actually much cuter and dazzling in person.
On the second day, she adorned an adorable Marcille cosplay from Delicious in Dungeon and indulged the audience with her cosplay journey and tips. She shared that all her hobbies are connected to cosplay, like being an otaku, photography, sewing, propmaking, makeup, singing, and enjoying brainrot memes. She also likes doing cosplay photoshoots for other cosplayers when she’s not shooting her own photoshoot. Her creative process includes: watching the anime and saving the references, preparing the costume and wig, choosing the location and props, and lastly, after practicing, doing the shoot and editing the footage.
Kanalyss also imparted some meaningful advice: “Just do what you like. Do creative things and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do anything. If something doesn’t work the first time –your first photoshoot, your first cosplay, if it doesn’t feel as good as you like or it’s not as good as other people or anything like that — just try again! Keep improving and keep evolving!”
A lot of the con-goers dressed up as their favorite anime characters and whatnot. Perhaps others would agree when I say that the building was very full of fun energy and inspiration with all these creative people making the most out of the weekend. Some cosplays were radiantly put together, while some were more humorous or simple than others
Of course, my article can’t conclude without the cosplay gallery! Head to the next page to see more of our Anime and Cosplay Expo 2025 cosplay gallery.
