The Silent Hill Nurse kind of scary is out of season. What’s truly terrifying is entering a room and not recognizing someone’s Halloween costume—while everyone else gets the reference. In a room full of chronically online individuals, be their nightmare and beat them at their own game. Dress up as someone or something so unique, they’ll think about you every time October comes around.
Layout by Zoie Sabanal
Kontrabida Academy’s women in black
Kontrabida Academy was released on Sept. 11, showcasing the villainess lifestyle both in film and real life. The movie remains relevant, especially during Halloween, as it’s the perfect time to unleash your inner kontrabida with the iconic main character outfits of Mimi (Xyriel Manabat), the seductive daughter, and Gigi (Barbie Forteza), turned into Gia.
However, what the media missed were the iconic divas in all black who were always following Mauricia (Eugene Domingo). The minions’ characters are a modern take on “Men in Black.” It’s refreshing to finally see a female counterpart of the iconic film mentioned, it shows how the film industry in the Philippines is championing women's empowerment—it is a protest to the patriarchal society. Bring attention to these queens hidden in the background and dress up as them for awareness, their see-through tops and gloves deserve more.
Layout by Hiro Odamaki
Multo by Cup of Joe
From the song title itself, it definitely fits the Halloween theme. Interpretation is a talent that needs to be perfected when curating a costume. The song itself follows the theme of being haunted by a feeling you’ve once had—but how do you dress up as that? Sometimes, taking it literally is the right answer.
With a cup in hand, refills will be unlimited, and people won’t see your tears when they play “Multo” at a party. You’re not only witty, you’ve also got yourself a mug that you could use every morning after you’ve dreamt of your TOTGA (the one that got away) for the nth time. This costume is for those who are too sad to dress up but have the fear of missing out—”What if nandoon siya?”
Layout by Juliana Polancos
The versatile chihuahua
If you love dogs and the color pink, then why not dress up as one of the top memes being commented on TikTok? There are many notable memes to choose from however, this tops the pyramid as it can be used in various situations. The chihuahua does not only imitate a nosy neighbor, but it is also similar to a friend telling you off, or a kid asking if they could have food.
It may seem basic, but it is completely unexpected. While everyone else dresses as traditional Halloween animals, you’re taking it to the next level with a dog meme. If you master the facial expression and line, you might get a free treat before leaving the venue—”Puwede po ba i-sharon ‘yung lumpia?”
Layout by Kamille Castillo
Floryn (elite skin)
If you’re into mythical creatures, why not dress up as Floryn from Mobile Legends, who is said to be inspired by a Diwata—a Filipino mythical nature spirit that resembles a fairy. In the game, this character is often used as her healing powers are extremely hard to counter. However, on TikTok, her character (especially the elite skin version) is often featured in Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated filters that show her dancing to budots while paired with humorous text.
Due to the overuse of her elite skin, players now deem it to be “maasim.” Prove everyone wrong, put on your best perfume, and dress up as Floryn—the icon of healing and mysticism. Don’t forget to practice your budots steps as it is essential to completing and giving justice to this costume.
Layout by Keith Espina
Mommy Oni (Kalbo edition)
If you know your table manners, especially in a fine-dining restaurant, then you’re one step closer to achieving a spot-on Mommy Oni Halloween costume. Queen mother Toni Fowler is an actress, rapper, and social media personality who is well-known and loved here in the Philippines. One of her most renowned looks is when she went bald, with the intention of wanting a fiercer look.
Go order a bald cap or maybe even shave your hair permanently—hair grows! With this, you get to dress up as Mr. Worldwide, Pitbull, on the second day of Halloween festivities. Before leaving the house, make sure you have cash, because just like what Mommy Oni says, “Money is power, Toni Fowler!”
Layout by Claire Chua
Elephant Alonzo
Are you looking for something more classy? Well, this list definitely covers all spectrums! Simple pero elepante, dress up as Bea Alonzo, the Box Office Queen, elephant version. Just like the versatile chihuahua, Elephant Alonzo brings cute animal costumes to the next level of creativity.
If you missed your moment to wow everyone last year, consider this your One More Chance. You get plus points if you have a tall chinito plus one to accompany you, and deliver your best “Bakit parang kasalanan ko?” when you feel envious eyes lurking around you. Don’t wait for A Second Chance and embody Bea Alonzo this Halloween.
Layout by Zoie Sabanal
Pusuan or Laruan’s constant character
The YouTube Series Pusuan or Laruan first aired last year, Sept. 7, under Marion Aunor’s official account. Ms. Aunor is known to be active in the field of entertainment, even releasing songs and films throughout her career. From late 2024 up to today, she is known to be the host of one of the most infuriating shows that perfectly depicts the horrors of dating. In the series, several strong characters went viral on social media—especially TikTok. These include the Golden Retriever Boy, Family-Oriented Girl, Viva Max’s Nico Locco, Furbabies Guy, etc.
With so many notable personalities, choosing just one could be a challenge—and might even cancel out the strong impact they bring. So why not dress up as the most constant character in the show? Not the host, Ms. Aunor, but the red balloon. Channel the balloon’s quiet but impactful presence and let it double as your license to respond to a romantic beginning—stay (to go on a date) or pop (leave and reject).
Layout by Hiro Odamaki
The purrfect trio
This list started with an iconic duo costume, now it’s time to end it with the purrfect trio ensemble. Dress up as Mushu, Mori, and Miho, who are known to be this author’s cats. Why not? This is the epitome of “niche.” Who could resist the cute faces of the three bears? Anyone who thinks they’re unworthy to be on the list will be considered as cat haters, which, of course, is not tolerated (sarcastic).
Orange, white, and black—the holy trinity of personality types in every three-person friend group. Dressing up as my three unknown cats is sure to scare the chronically online away. Trick (gaslight) them into thinking these felines are worldwide famous, then take their confused faces as your sweet treat after saying, “You don’t know them?”
With these eight niche Halloween costume ideas, reinvent the definition of horror without missing out on trending pop-culture references!
