Superheroes for Mental Health: Cosplay, Dance, and Advocacy Unite for a Cause

In celebration of World Mental Health Day 2025, Cebu’s community of dancers and cosplayers once again came together for a shared purpose: to spread awareness and support for mental health.

On its 5th year, Superheroes for Mental Health: A World Mental Health Day Charity Cosplay & Dance for a Cause took place on October 4, 2025, at The Atrium, Gaisano Mall of Cebu. The event was organized by exZyt Cebu Dance Fitness Co. and the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA), in partnership with PlanOut, Autism Society of the Philippines, and the Cebu Cosplayers Guild.

This unique collaboration proves that advocacy can also be fun and creative at the same time. By combining dance, fitness, and cosplay, the organizers have found an exciting way to promote mental wellness while building a more understanding and inclusive community.

The event isn’t just about dancing or dressing up; it’s about breaking the stigma around mental health. Through this yearly activity, participants and guests are reminded that taking care of one’s mind is just as important as physical health.

PMHA, now celebrating its 75th year, continues its “Lakas Isip” campaign, which focuses on mental health literacy, counseling, and support for communities that often have limited access to mental health services. All proceeds from the event go directly to PMHA’s programs, including:

• Free mental health clinics in far-flung barangays
• Support for women victims of domestic violence
• Counseling for those battling depression
• Interventions for indigent psychiatric patients
• Psychosocial support for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in select barangays of Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City

Through these efforts, every dance move and cosplay performance becomes a symbol of solidarity and hope.

This year’s theme, “The Future Awaits!”, encouraged participants to dress in futuristic or sci-fi-inspired outfits, from anime heroes to space adventurers. The stage was filled with creativity and color, showing how cosplay can serve as both self-expression and emotional release, helping people feel more confident and connected.

The event also featured a Dance Fitness Marathon, with performances led by Cebu ZINs, Coach Heno, Zumba Queen PH Emma, Wildcats Wellness Community, and USJ-R’s JPDE (Josenian Pupils Dance Enthusiasts). Together, they turned the dance floor into a celebration of life, movement, and mental strength.

By partnering with organizations that share the same mission, like the Autism Society of the Philippines, the event expanded its reach to include more voices in the conversation about mental health.

Even more inspiring was how members from these advocacy groups also joined the celebration themselves, dancing, cosplaying, and connecting with others throughout the day.

What makes Superheroes for Mental Health special is its power to unite different groups under one message: that mental health matters, and that support can come from anywhere, even through a shared love for cosplay, dance, and community spirit.

As lights flashed, music played, and participants danced in their superhero suits and shining outfits, the real message stood clear, everyone can be a hero for mental health.