Sparkdusts of Charity: Inside the Glistening Union Gala

Updated: 2:00am (GMT+8) June 14, 2025 Gabriel Duldulao

Three attendees in their suits and dresses posing in front of the camera during the Union Gala at Casa Real, Taguig City, Philippines. June 1, 2025. Courtesy of The Union: More than just Cosplay.

Have you ever thought of dancing under the chandelier as your favorite character? These people did just that with the first cosplay charity ball of the The Union: More than just Cosplay.

The Union Gala, commenced on June 1 at Casa Real, Taguig City, welcomed cosplayers and other attendees to a classic-themed event that made them feel like the main characters in a magical realm through the event's feeling of royalty and intimacy, done through partner dances, open mic performances, and bake sales.

In an exclusive email interview with Bernard, a representative for The Union: More than just Cosplay on June 9, Union Gala was organized as a non-profit initiative that would support and donate all proceeds from the event to the food rescue programs by Scholars of Sustenance, while utilizing their platforms as cosplayers to uplift their messages and programs to other people. "We believe in using our platforms, no matter how niche or creative, to uplift others and make a tangible impact," Bernard cited.

Bernard added that this wasn’t the first time that the Union has supported humanitarian projects, as it also conducted projects both online and on the ground which they partnered with UNICEF, World Wide Fund for Nature, and Angat Buhay.

They also added that they have received messages from people giving encouragement and voicing out support on creating a unique project that caters to a certain niche but spreads its goals beyond the niche.

"The support we received for The Union Gala was beyond anything we expected. As a small organization, we were honestly surprised (and deeply moved) by how many people, including those who couldn’t attend, reached out to express interest in supporting future charity events and volunteering with us, Bernard commented."

During the event, members of the gala also added donations to other organizations, causing a ripple effect, Bernard said.

Attendees of the event also shared their experience on the event, highlighting the achievements and magical moments from the event.

"[The Union PH] hosted a truly magical and delightful event all while keeping things rooted in the spirit of kindness and charity. [They] made a safe space for all of us and I will treasure the experience as I go into my hiatus [into cosplay]," Hymn Luce commented.

"I had lots of fun being part of this ball! I love the venue & everyone was so kind & beautiful and the food!?! was honestly so delicious!! [Plus] the whole fundraising event for helping feed the underprivileged people just makes my heart warm," Mitsuri Min mentioned.

Other attendees of the event cited that the event posed a unique way to meet up with their friends in the community and give magic to their characters by making them think they live in their fantasies.

While the organizers haven't provided any information about their upcoming events or projects, they informed Kuhaku Media that it would continue to seek and serve the masses through their cosplaying hobby. They also hoped that more people can attend and support their events in the coming days with the hopes of having people like you take part in its goals and mission.