People usually associate Renaissance fairs with medieval cosplays, role playing, and talking in old English, but did you know that the first ever Renaissance fair was a fundraiser for a radio station back in the ’60s? Despite its long history around the world, these days Renaissance fairs are held more for educational purposes while having fun in the process. But just how would that be relevant to other countries that weren’t affected by the Renaissance period?
In the Philippines, the medieval period and Renaissance period was not something we experienced firsthand, but we did have a pre-colonial history—one that’s rich and celebrated nationwide. Which is why Ren Faire PH, a local Renaissance fair event in the country, opted to mix Western and Filipino fantasy themes this 2025 to make their event stand out from your typical Renaissance roleplay. In this article, SEA Wave dives deep into Ren Faire PH 2025 to see just what it means to celebrate a Renaissance fair in the country.
The Clothes Make the Faire
Cosplayers at Ren Faire PH 2025 | Photos from Shot by Four, Nyle Arcayan and Jovi Claire
“Since many in our youth aren’t educated about Filipino culture and history, we thought Ren Faire could be an avenue to open that up,” said head organizer Chairein Cordoviz. Ren Faire PH was a three-day event, with day one solely focusing on pre-colonial Philippines, offering a glimpse of life in the 15th century. The succeeding days focused more on fantasy themes, with day two highlighting Greek Gods vs Mortals to embody your favorite mythological character, and day three being The Wardrobe vs The Ring for fans of fantasy fiction.
Most participants for day one dressed up in tapis (traditional Cordilleran skirt) and malongs (traditional skirt from Mindanao), while standouts went all out incorporating fantasy and anachronistic elements to further make their costumes unique. Meanwhile, day two participants dressed up in either ancient Greek attire or as gods and goddesses. Day three is where participants were really able to let their creativity shine, reflecting their various fandoms and their love of fantasy through their cosplay outfits. Some even brought over props and horses!
The Faire Is Your Magical Oyster
How To Create 18th Century Stays Workshop | Photo from Hiraya
Each day also had its own set of themed activities, such as workshops, musical performances, Dungeons and Dragons sessions, game tournaments, and live-action role-playing (LARPing) stations. Of course, there are food stalls littered throughout the kingdom, with cold brews, full meals, and snack stalls—all following the theme to delight weary wanderers. While eating or just exploring the grounds on the first day, you can hear performers like Cebu-based folk band Adamanta, self-described kundiman-core band Katha Na, and folk artist Lxni, performing at different times of each day and setting the soundtrack of the event. There was also a harp player who serenaded the crowd, joined by a performer who played the faglong—a traditional two-stringed lute-like instrument by the Blaan people of Southern Mindanao.
Next, we have the activities, and oh boy was it stacked. The first day featured a Dreamcatcher Creation class by Alecka Siao, the Alchemy of Fragrances by John Anzelmo, Rapier-Wielding by Blood & Iron Martial Arts School, and a Cosplay session by Hiraya duo of cosplayers AC Hernandez and SJ De Ocampo.
Dungeon masters were present for fans of table top role playing games (TTRPG), with two tables helmed by DMs Ace Arata and Shirojiki. Meanwhile, LARP events organizer Neutral Party hosted four simultaneous encounters with themes like The Knight Club, King’s Gambit, Don’t Look Back, and Culling of the Cult. By the end of their run, there were guild wars. Gubat Banwa, an all-Filipino team of TTRPG creators, also made an appearance, presenting an RPG game that makes you a Kadungganan and allows you to seize heaven’s thunderclaps! And last but not least was a spot for Prisoners of the Realm, composed of acclaimed cosplayers like Knite, Shookoboo, Zackt, and Roxanne Rho sold merch and posed for photos with fans.
Aside from all the fun meet-and-greets and activities, there were also mini-quests that people could go on during the day such as scavenger hunts, bingo games, fashion shows, and more.
Empty Thy Pockets in the Merchant Market
The Merchant Market at Ren Faire PH | Photo from Dude Photography
The moment we walked into the venue, the merchant market drew us in. I honestly splurged here since there were so much thematic trinkets you can buy. Each of the shopkeepers were in costume as well, ranging from mythical creatures like diwatas to civilians in pre-colonial clothing. There were stalls selling art, jewelry, toys, candles, and anything else you could think of to buy from a Renaissance fair. Walking along the stalls makes you feel like a medieval merchant inspecting shops for their ware, which really adds to the immersive experience.
Ren Faire PH By Any Other Name Would Still Be as Magical
It was my first time going to a Ren Fairie PH, and I don’t think my visit would have been as memorable without the efforts of the organizers. The team is composed of volunteers who came together for the love of Renaissance fairs to make the event possible. Each part of Ren Faire PH was entrancing and awe-inspiring, especially being surrounded by other people who are definitely game to immerse themselves in the setting. The community was so inviting and showcased the creativeness that everyone innately had. It genuinely inspired me to dress up for the next Ren Faire.
All in all, it was such an exhilarating event, despite the sunburn my shoulders earned as well as the cry of my wallet after I visited the Merchant Market. It’s an educational and fun experience that allows people to converse about how the Renaissance period and our Philippine pre-colonial culture can actually come together tastefully and entertainingly. It’s definitely up there for experiences to add to my pocket of happiness.
Did you go to Ren Fairie PH 2025? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!