Featured Cosplayer: Emma a.k.a Little Em Cosplays

Featuring: Little_Em_Cosplays

As cosplay became widely known around the globe, I've seen a ton of international cosplayers who have done an amazing job on their costumes and character portrayal. Some of them only recently joined but already achieved a bunch of great cosplays in the community. 

One of my favorite things is getting to know a person even more and look deeper into their perspective. Given the chance to interview with someone involved in the hobby makes it even more compelling. 

Emma, or mostly known as @little_em_cosplays on instagram, started cosplaying way back in 2014. Having first hand experience to seeing cosplayers at a convention, she instantly fell in love with it and she even bought her first cosplay that very same weekend. 

Starting off with her Chihiro cosplay from Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away, you cannot deny her love for this movie as well as her eagerness to become the character. This experience made her feel confident, hence why she decided to pursue with creating more cosplays from then on.  

For Emma, cosplaying has been a great distraction for her from the stress of mundane life as well as a creative outlet. This also helped her keep herself grounded just by seeing other people's positive reaction to her cosplays most especially when she can see the joy in them. It fuels the inspiration and drive to continue doing what she truly love.

Just like most people, Emma expressed her biggest pet peeve in the community as those who shame others for how they look and how their costumes were made. Gracefully believing that everyone should never drag someone down, and treat others like a family.

Emma hopes to evolve her craft and use it to earn a living while doing what she loves. Making it more than a hobby, she wants it to also be something that could sustain her needs. Who doesn't want to get paid while being creative and happy, right?

She told us that her current favorite as of today is her version of Batgirl amongst all of those she cosplayed so far. Giving us the clear view why she choose it, she expressed how much she love DCU which made Batgirl as one of her dream cosplays.

We sneaked a question to her asking her thoughts about the adaptation of Batgirl (which was supposed to be Batwoman) series, saying "Technically that's Batwoman, and I honestly didn't like the series. I think it was a bit too forced." With only 3.5/10 rating on IMDB and 79% on Rotten Tomatoes, well, looks like the interwebs agreed with her on that. (Also, we're sorry for the Batgirl-Batwoman mistake! Please forgive us! (〒﹏〒)

Emma told us that she would like to dedicate her cosplays to children with CP and other life-changing illnesses. Telling us that they're the true superheroes while also showing us a photo of her with a little kid in wheelchair as it completely left us in awe for having such a wonderful advocacy.

Wrapping up the interview with her was one of the most challenging since we really love to know more about her. As of now, she would love to leave a message for the cosplay community and to anyone who wants to start cosplaying;

"For anyone that would like to start cosplaying, start with a character you truly love, and don't let ANYONE discourage you from achieving it. To those already in the community, I want to thank you for your continuous support."

 Follow @little_em_cosplays on instagram to see the latest cosplay update and little more about Emma.

Featured Cosplayer:Suika

1) How long have you been cosplaying? Hello I'm Suika and I am a cosplayer. I've been cosplaying since 2017 but it wasn't until last year that I started going to cosplay conventions.
2) What kind of cosplayer do you consider yourself? As a cosplayer I consider myself as a normal girl who loves watching anime and cosplay.
3) Cosplay or Crossplay? Both? I really appreciate both. I think they're both fun and challenging. So far, the type of characters that I usually cosplay is what they call bishoujo or female characters. But recently, I've realize that I also wanted to try crossdress. Actually I was already preparing for it, after the ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine) I will be cosplaying Dazai Osamu from the anime series --- Bongou Stray Dogs.
4) Why do you cosplay?  I cosplay because I love anime. And part of it is the desire to portray the characters that I like. So I cosplay for the sake of my own fulfilment. It is something I really wanted to do. And in enjoying what I do, I also at the same time make people happy.
5) Is cosplay a hobby you could see yourself doing in 10 years? ABSOLUTELY, YES. Cosplay becomes an integral part of me now. Kidding aside, cosplay saved me from the depth of my despair about life. This may sound reaaaally really emotional, but yeah. That's a fact. HAHAHA
6) If someone told you they hated your cosplay, what would you do? I will humbly accept it. After all, we have our own standards of beauty. Instead of being resentful about their negative comments, I will try my very best to look at it with silver linings to further improve and develop my skills in terms of cosplay.
7) If someone told you they loved your cosplay, what would you do? Being appreciated is already a significant milestone for me as a cosplayer. I think it is not just me, but I think a lot of cosplayer out there also feels the same way. Thus, in my own little ways, I sincerely thank them right way. My deepest gratitude belongs to those who supports me in my cosplay journey.
8) Homemade Cosplay or Bought/Commissioned Cosplay? I usually buy or avail made-to-order costumes since I don't have knowledge and skills in sewing yet. However, I really want to make my own costume so I could really say I dedicated my whole in my future cosplays. If it wasn't for Covid-19, I think I am attending tailoring class right now because I was really planning to study tailoring this summer so that I could acquire proper knowledge and skills in sewing so I could make my own costume. Aside from emotional fulfilment, I think learning how to make my own costume would be very practical.

9) There is a lot of debate if Western/Asians should cosplay. Your thoughts? I hate any form of discrimination. I think passion is something that is universal. Therefore, anyone can aspire to realize their dreams. For me, cosplay is not about the "WHO" but rather it is about the "WHY". We must aim to become the person who would inspire others to aspire instead of dragging them down. 

10) Do you prefer to work alone or with others? Both. I haven't tried collaborating with others yet but I think working with others would be very fun and challenging. Aside from that, I think it is very beneficial in developing your skills and confidence as a cosplayer. Working alone and working with others are both fun in unique ways.
11) Do you have a current cosplay fav? Hmm yes. Ruby from Mobile Legends is my favorite.
12) What is your most expensive cosplay project? Ruby from ML is the most expensive cosplay project I've ever had.
13) What is your least expensive cosplay project? Hmm, it's Haruhi Suzumiya.
14) What is your favorite cosplay project? It's Ruby. The reason behind is that, from planning to preparation up to the day of the event where I cosplayed Ruby, everything seems like a roller coaster ride.
15) What is a cosplay pet peeve of yours? Contact lenses! I swear, I am really reaaaally scared of putting them on  and taking them off as well HAHAHA. The first time I ever wear contact lenses was on my Nezuko cosplay which is my most recent cosplay.
16) If you could cosplay anywhere in the world, where would it be? Japan and Vietnam. I really want to experience Japan. Vietnam because I want to meet my new found friends there, Nhi and Tan. They are also cosplayers but we haven't met in person yet. But hopefully I could meet them someday and go to events together.
17) What was your first convention? It's Anigaiden 2019. Most memorable.
18) What was your last convention? Cosmatsuri 2019. I really had fun.
19) What is your next convention? Hopefully, Anigaiden 2020. Looking forward to it.

20) What is your favorite part of putting on your cosplay? Everything! 

21) What is your least favorite part? Hmmm I think, none.
22)  Videos or photography? BOTH. I would like to have fun both ways.
23) Photoshopped or Unshopped images? Photoshopped. But I haven't tried Photoshopped yet. Lightroom saves the day.??
24) How do you view yourself as a cosplayer? As a cosplayer, I am still an amateur in the field of cosplay. With that, I see myself as someone who needs to learn and improve more, specifically in doing make up and crafting my own costume.
25) What is cosplay to you? For me cosplay is such a very positive thing that I do out of love. It is my passion and lifeline. I am really thankful for cosplay for giving me so many good experiences and memories. And most importantly, things to look forward in life.
26) For costuming, there is also a huge debate about who and what can cosplay. Your thoughts? Cosplay is a form of Art. As an art it should be liberated from censorship and the artist decides what to express
27) Do you have cosplays that are sometimes painful or uncomfortable? Are you willing to bleed for your art? If so, how much? So, who and what to cosplay is something a cosplayer should decide. Hence, daring cosplays is a form of expression and not a consent to being judged or disrespected.
28) Yaoi or Yuri in cosplay? Yaoi, I guess.

29) How far into the character are you willing to go while in cosplay? At the end of the day, are you "YOU" or are you your "CHARACTER"? This is a very challenging question. Honestly, I am really having a hard time to portray the way how the characters I cosplay act because I am really shy hahaha (so this is also one of the things I need to improve). So yeah, at the end of the day, I am me.
30) Wigs or no wigs? Do you prefer to style your wigs, commission a style or buy them prestyled? Wigs. It is hard to find prestyled wigs so whenever I buy wigs they aren't styled yet so I cut the bangs on my own and style them. It's kinda easy to style wigs for female characters but since I am going to do crossdress in the my next cosplay, styling wigs for male character would be very very challenging. I am hoping to learn how to style them too.
31) Contacts or no contacts? No contact lenses. Why? Because it really frightened me to insert them on my eyes! HAHAHA. But I really really want to wear them (I hope I can cope my fears of wearing them hahaha) because I believe it would help me make my cosplay more accurate.
32) How do you save money for your cosplay hobby?  I have IGPs (income generating projects) and it includes selling artsy stuffs during art fairs, like clay art, bookmarks, stickers, calligraphy, etc (you can also like and follow my fb page @watermelonlovesyou for artsy finds😊). Another igp is that I make my costumes available for rent for other cosplayers who might want to rent a costume. And I also save money from my monthly salary. And sometimes my very supportive mother, she sometimes contribute to my cosplay needs in exchange of good cosplay pictures that she asked me to give her (hahaha yea ur right, she's my top fan).
33) When do you find yourself cosplaying? Is it something you stick with for conventions and events only? I seldom do costrials maybe because I am a busy person. So usually I do cosplay only in events/conventions. But oh, I remember something. I have friends who are also cosplayers, we used to have videocall on messenger while wearing make up and costume. So yah I think I also do cosplay even outside events hehe.
34) Where do you go most often for photoshoots? Do you do photoshoots? I haven't been into a photoshoot. I only got the chance to take pictures during events. I sincerely thank the photographers in the event, because of them I have decent pictures of my cosplay for free. You can check their works on their facebook page The Worm Photography and Optical Shot Media. Kindly support them too.
35) What got you into cosplaying?  So what got me into cosplay? It's my passion. It feels like it is something that I really wanted to do. Also, when someone asked to take a photo with my cosplay, for the first time ever, it really made me happy seeing them happy with my cosplay and that moment inspired me to cosplay more characters in the future.

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Featured Cosplayer: Mary Nicole

1) How long have you been cosplaying? I've cosplayed back at 2016 but stopped and now I'm coming back
2) What kind of cosplayer do you consider yourself? I'm the type of anime and video game cosplayer
3) Cosplay or Crossplay? Both? So far I haven't tried crossplay but would like to try.
4) Why do you cosplay? I cosplay because I like dressing up, I like seeing different versions of myself and I like being creative on the process. Wearing something you worked hard for is something very rewarding for me.
5) Is cosplay a hobby you could see yourself doing in 10 years? Yes, I'd even want to influence my future children.
6) If someone told you they hated your cosplay, what would you do? Everyone has something they hate, if that's me or my cosplay it's fine. Not everyone will appreciate what you do and what you like. Life is not for pleasing everyone, its finding your own happiness. So I'll let them hate and I'll just keep on loving myself.
7) If someone told you they loved your cosplay, what would you do? I'd be really happy and I'll try to remember them to keep me motivated. Too many people let me down and I will not waste people who appreciates me.
8) Homemade Cosplay or Bought/Commissioned Cosplay? So far I bought my cosplays, but after this quarantine I'll be making my own cosplays and weapons?? because I believe that is more fun.
9) There is a lot of debate if Western/Asians should cosplay. Your thoughts? I believe anyone can cosplays, no one is unfit for any characters. And everyone can enjoy and appreciate cosplaying.
10) Do you prefer to work alone or with others? I prefer to work alone but some things needs more manpower.
11) Do you have a current cosplay fav? Yes, Violet Evergarden
12) What is your most expensive cosplay project? Probably my True damage Qiyana
13) What is your least expensive cosplay project? Chika Fujiwara
14) What is your favorite cosplay project? True Damage Qiyana
15) What is a cosplay pet peeve of yours? If I'm amazed by a character or if I think that they are too pretty.
16) If you could cosplay anywhere in the world, where would it be? Ofcourse Japan and China cause they can provide costumes and places.
17) What was your first convention? Best of Anime 2016
18) What was your last convention? Cosplay Matsuri 2019
19) What is your next convention? Anything that will be up after quarantine.
20) What is your favorite part of putting on your cosplay? I love putting wigs on especially when it matches with my make up.
21) What is your least favorite part?  Cleaning up, Every things gonna be messy.
22)  Videos or photography? Photography
23) Photoshopped or Unshopped images? Not
24) How do you view yourself as a cosplayer? I am a cosplayer that exerts my utmost effort into the characters I'll be cosplaying as, and cosplay is my passion.
25) What is cosplay to you? Cosplay is being a different character with a little touch of yourself that makes our cosplays unique.   Being creative and enjoying every part of it is important.
26) For costuming, there is also a huge debate about who and what can cosplay. Your thoughts? I think we shouldn't have qualifications on what or who to cosplay. The only qualification we need is if the person cosplaying a character really likes to cosplay the certain character regardless of size, weight and color he/she should go for it.
27) Do you have cosplays that are sometimes painful or uncomfortable? Are you willing to bleed for your art? If so, how much? Yeah one time when my shoes isn't the right fit i always struggle. I'm willing to do it anyway because it's pretty so I wore it until I went out of the con. I wore it the whole day and had splinters ??
28) Yaoi or Yuri in cosplay? Yaoi, definitely
29) How far into the character are you willing to go while in cosplay? At the end of the day, are you "YOU" or are you your "CHARACTER"?  I'm me when I'm cosplaying but except the time when i need to photoshoot, when a character fan will come to me and if I'm gonna be on stage.
30) Wigs or no wigs? Do you prefer to style your wigs, commission a style or buy them prestyled? Wigs that I style
31) Contacts or no contacts? With contacts
32) How do you save money for your cosplay hobby? I'm still a student so I save money from my monthly allowance.
33) When do you find yourself cosplaying? Is it something you stick with for conventions and events only? No, if I could not go to cons and stayed at home cosplaying that be so fine but i love interacting and the feeling of that I belong that's why i still go to cons.
34) Where do you go most often for photoshoots? Do you do photoshoots? I only have photshoots on photographers during cons and i like taking selfies as well.
35) What got you into cosplaying? Of course my love of animes. I've always wanted to be an animator someday and I want to create awesome characters while also having the possibility of being like them. One time my friend invited me to join her cosplay group, I'm broke that time but I still agreed, glad I did. I've always loved the cosplay community despite of various issues surrounding the community ever since. I would always be grateful to the people who persuaded me into cosplaying to do it again. Shout out to Zoe and Rai.

Featured Cosplayer: Sophia Chara

1) How long have you been cosplaying? 3 years
2) What kind of cosplayer do you consider yourself? I cosplay classic characters but at the same time,i also like doing O.C's
3) Cosplay or Crossplay? Both? Cosplay but im looking forward to crossdress on the next event.
4) Why do you cosplay? Usually my favourite characters in a series such as Rem,Nezuko etc.
5) Is cosplay a hobby you could see yourself doing in 10 years? Yes of course
6) If someone told you they hated your cosplay, what would you do? It doesn't really matter,i cosplay to bring anime characters to life for people who like them,and for those who don't, they could just stop looking at me
7) If someone told you they loved your cosplay, what would you do? I would say thank you and be glad that the time i spent on my cosplay wasn't wasted
8) Homemade Cosplay or Bought/Commissioned Cosplay? Bought cosplay, but I like adjusting it when it arrives.
9) There is a lot of debate if Western/Asians should cosplay. Your thoughts? I think everyone is allowed to cosplay, because people have different preferences.
10) Do you prefer to work alone or with others? I got myself a Raphtalia cosplay which unfortunately hasn't arrived yet but I'm looking forward to it.
11) Do you have a current cosplay fav? Rem because i had to buy a lot of parts separately
12) What is your most expensive cosplay project? Rem because i had to buy a lot of parts separately
13) What is your least expensive cosplay project? When i crossdressed as luffy/ or most of my O.C's
14) What is your favorite cosplay project? Rem so far
15) What is a cosplay pet peeve of yours? Maybe that i got way used to moving like an anime character lol
16) If you could cosplay anywhere in the world, where would it be? In my own country of course,but i would really love to be in Japan!
17) What was your first convention? Cosplay Matsuri in MOA.
18) What was your last convention? Cosmania in SM Megamall
19) What is your next convention? I'm currently waiting for Coscarnival,which apparently is moved :((
20) What is your favorite part of putting on your cosplay? Contacts,cause it really gives life to the character
21) What is your least favorite part? The wig,it takes time to put on and make sure that its sturdy and won't fall of
22)  Videos or photography? I like both
23) Photoshopped or Unshopped images? My images are not photoshopped but I would like them to be.
24) How do you view yourself as a cosplayer? I cosplay as a hobby cause it really fun, but if given an opportunity, you would take it seriously
25) What is cosplay to you? Finding new friends and family who have the same interests as you,and it makes me happy seeing the smile in the peoples faces when they ask for a picture.
26) For costuming, there is also a huge debate about who and what can cosplay. Your thoughts? I thing all should be based on the cosplayers preference,the opinion of others doesn't really matter
27) Do you have cosplays that are sometimes painful or uncomfortable? Are you willing to bleed for your art? If so, how much? I guess the most uncomfortable that i had before was trying those doll lenses that really hurt the eyes. Also id say about 70%
28) Yaoi or Yuri in cosplay? Yuri!!!
29) How far into the character are you willing to go while in cosplay? At the end of the day, are you "YOU" or are you your "CHARACTER"? I get so much into character when i cosplay,i also try to learn some of their lines
30) Wigs or no wigs? Do you prefer to style your wigs, commission a style or buy them prestyled? Depends on the character,if it requires a wig or not. I buy them pre styled but  customize them just a little bit
31) Contacts or no contacts? Contacts
32) How do you save money for your cosplay hobby? I have savings in my bank account
33) When do you find yourself cosplaying? Is it something you stick with for conventions and events only? In conventions and when im bared at the house,i make tiktoks of my cosplay too😅
34) Where do you go most often for photoshoots? Do you do photoshoots? I never tried to have a photoshoot yet,i usually just take my own photos
35) What got you into cosplaying? I've always loved anime literally since i was born lol, and at 1st i though only professionals are allowed to do it,but when i learned that everyone can. I got excited and tried it right away :3

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Featured Cosplayer: ジェイコブ ビンセント サビオ

1) How long have you been cosplaying? I started April last year, one year already
2) What kind of cosplayer do you consider yourself? I consider myself as a cosplayer that is simple yet creative and resourceful one
3) Cosplay or Crossplay? Both? Both. I've tried crossplay before and would love to do more.
4) Why do you cosplay? To give life to those characters I love and idolize. Then to lessen my stress and anxieties
5) Is cosplay a hobby you could see yourself doing in 10 years? I'm not sure, maybe I'll continue doing it.
6) If someone told you they hated your cosplay, what would you do? Just ignore them, I would put up on my mind that I need to improve more.
7) If someone told you they loved your cosplay, what would you do? I would be flattered and happy ?? as well improve more next time
8) Homemade Cosplay or Bought/Commissioned Cosplay? Bought and commissioned cosplay as of now, but will try to do it on my own.
9) There is a lot of debate if Western/Asians should cosplay. Your thoughts? Anyone can cosplay, we do have our freedom, so let's respect and support each other rather than bashing and ranting one another
10) Do you prefer to work alone or with others? Both, you need solo time as well group with others
11) Do you have a current cosplay fav? Spider-Man
12) What is your most expensive cosplay project? Tanjiro Kamado it is
13) What is your least expensive cosplay project? Dipper Pines from Gravity Falls
14) What is your favorite cosplay project? Spider-Man as well
15) What is a cosplay pet peeve of yours? Those creeps, weirdos and creeps on cons and social media
16) If you could cosplay anywhere in the world, where would it be? It would be on Japan and Philippines
17) What was your first convention? Cosplay Matsuri 2018
18) What was your last convention? Otaku Expo 2020
19) What is your next convention? Cosplay Carnival 2020
20) What is your favorite part of putting on your cosplay? It would be the outfit or the clothing itself
21) What is your least favorite part? Make up, because I have skin allergies
22)  Videos or photography? Both

23)  Photoshopped or Unshopped images? Both
24) How do you view yourself as a cosplayer? I view myself as a cosplayer as simple, friendly and approachable. And would be successful someday
25) What is cosplay to you? Cosplay is giving life to characters you love, expressing what you feel, doing your passion and hobby, lastly a stress reliever
26) For costuming, there is also a huge debate about who and what can cosplay. Your thoughts? We do have our freedom who to cosplay but please don't be sensitive and post rant about those people who criticized and bashes you, you want it to cosplay that character be prepared on criticisms and bashing, it would serve as your motivation and to improve more.
27) Do you have cosplays that are sometimes painful or uncomfortable? Are you willing to bleed for your art? If so, how much? Don't have yet. Nope
28) Yaoi or Yuri in cosplay?  Both
29) How far into the character are you willing to go while in cosplay? At the end of the day, are you "YOU" or are you your "CHARACTER"? At the end of the day it is me again. But sometimes I'm daydreaming and imagining that I'm that character
30) Wigs or no wigs? Do you prefer to style your wigs, commission a style or buy them prestyled? Wigs. Yes I do. Commissioned and bought pre-styled
31) Contacts or no contacts? No contacts
32) How do you save money for your cosplay hobby? Left unanswered
33) When do you find yourself cosplaying? Is it something you stick with for conventions and events only? Yes exclusively for conventions and events only, as well anime and cartoon cosplay photo shoots
34) Where do you go most often for photoshoots? Do you do photoshoots? Malls, parks. Yes I started it recently
35) What got you into cosplaying? Inspired and motivated by my idols (Liui Aquino, Jayem Sison, and Alodia Gosiengfiao) and to other cosplayers who I have seen on cons before.

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Featured Coslayer: Nina

1) How long have you been cosplaying? I started my very first cosplay around 2011. But I wasn't very active in the community that time.
2) What kind of cosplayer do you consider yourself? A bit of a perfectionist, especially when it comes to makeup and costume accuracy. I'd like to give the characters I cosplay (some) justice.
3) Cosplay or Crossplay? Both? Cosplay. I haven't crossplayed haha
4) Why do you cosplay? Back in high school it was because my senpais in my club would tell me I should start doing so because I look like an anime (no specific character was mentioned). Today, I do so because I enjoy creating makeup looks and dressing up.
5) Is cosplay a hobby you could see yourself doing in 10 years? I'm not really sure. It's been 9 years since I started; if 10 years from 2020, I probably won't be cosplaying as much anymore.
6) If someone told you they hated your cosplay, what would you do? Well, I'm curious as to why. No one told me that yet. So I guess I'd ask what was wrong with my cosplay and accept it as feedback or constructive criticism, if they're willing to give a respectful answer.
7) If someone told you they loved your cosplay, what would you do? Online and offline, I'd thank them. Maybe ask for some pictures too if this happens in a convention.
8) Homemade Cosplay or Bought/Commissioned Cosplay? Bought/commissioned cosplay. I find it more cost-effective and it saves me time. I could just alter the bought costumes to suit my taste. 
9) There is a lot of debate if Western/Asians should cosplay) Your thoughts? People can cosplay whoever they want. I guess the debate goes like "Westerners shouldn't cosplay anime (Asians) because they don't have the features". But it's 2020, technology can remedy this. Makeup prosthetics are already available so people could alter the way they look. Why should one discriminate because of another's unique features?
10) Do you prefer to work alone or with others? I prefer to work with others, but with a small group.
11) Do you have a current cosplay fav? Still my Kousaka Kirino cosplay haha best gurllll...
12) What is your most expensive cosplay project? I think it was my Morgiana from Magi cosplay. The wig I bought for it was expensive, and looking for a good kind of cloth for her dress was also hectic. Her props were also costly.
13) What is your least expensive cosplay project? A2. This was purely for fun and I gathered up pieces I could upcycle to I could make the costume.
14) What is your favorite cosplay project? Minun gijinka. My friend and I went on a Divisoria shopping trip so we could go with a Plusle and Minun gijinka and everything was done on time for the convention.
15) What is a cosplay pet peeve of yours? Wardrobe malfunction uuggghh. Also wigs with really long bangs.
16) If you could cosplay anywhere in the world, where would it be? I'd like to go to Japan and visit a high school there, because most of my cosplays are middle to high schooler characters. It would suit the setting perfectly.
17) What was your first convention? Best of Anime 2013? hahaha I still wasn't that active in the community.
18) What was your last convention? Does Quarancon 2020 count? If not, it's Cosplay Matsuri 2019.
19) What is your next convention? Supposedly Cosplay Carnival 2020.
20) What is your favorite part of putting on your cosplay? Makeup! I get to experiment how to do looks and use colors in my palette I rarely get to use on a daily basis.
21) What is your least favorite part? Using long wigs. It's hectic to take care of long wigs.
22)  Videos or photography? Photography.
23) Photoshopped or Unshopped images? Photoshopped
24) How do you view yourself as a cosplayer? Hopefully someone who gives justice to all the characters I cosplay.
25) What is cosplay to you? I suck at art, but this plus makeup is probably the only artistic thing or skill I have. Cosplay is like my version of fanart.
26) For costuming, there is also a huge debate about who and what can cosplay) Your thoughts? If you're confident with showing skin, go ahead. If you prefer to wear cute yet conservative outfits, go ahead. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.
27) Do you have cosplays that are sometimes painful or uncomfortable? Are you willing to bleed for your art? If so, how much? Yes, and it's often because of wearing heels or wearing contact lenses the whole day. Yeah, I'm willing to spend much on this, but within bounds of reason hahaha.
28) Yaoi or Yuri in cosplay? Yaoi. This is just preference right? Haha I don't crossplay.
29) How far into the character are you willing to go while in cosplay? At the end of the day, are you "YOU" or are you your "CHARACTER"? I'm still me. The cosplay is just an act. Same way as actors are different from their characters.
30) Wigs or no wigs? Do you prefer to style your wigs, commission a style or buy them prestyled? Wigs. I prefer them prestyled so it saves me time, but it's so difficult to acquire prestyled wigs so I style them on my own.
31) Contacts or no contacts? Contacts. It helps you achieve more anime-like eyes.
32) How do you save money for your cosplay hobby? Buy second-hand and re-style or alter them. It's cost-efficient that way. I also opt to go for wig and costume trades.
33) When do you find yourself cosplaying? Is it something you stick with for conventions and events only? Usually a day before a photoshoot or an event, I would have a costrial. So, yes, it's dependent on events.
34) Where do you go most often for photoshoots? Do you do photoshoots? Around Metro Manila. I mostly often go to UPD and Wildlife QC because it's convenient.
35) What got you into cosplaying? The influence of my senpais and love for anime.

Instagram

Special Credits to: arkadymac / Allineus Productions

Featured Cosplayer: Arcel Cosplays

1) How long have you been cosplaying? I've been cosplaying for about 3 years now.

2) What kind of cosplayer do you consider yourself?  I consider myself as a beginner in cosplaying. Because I have a lot more way to go to improve my cosplays.

3) Cosplay or Crossplay? Both? Hmmm I haven't try crossplaying yet but I think that would be fun so I would answer both.

4) Why do you cosplay?  Because I wanted to feel that I'm that character, besides from that I wanted to enhance my confidence as well.

5) Is cosplay a hobby you could see yourself doing in 10 years?  Yes I can say that its a hobby but also a way of earning money. ( I don't know if someone will still buy cosplays after 10 years ).

6) If someone told you they hated your cosplay, what would you do? I will improve my cosplay if someone hated it.

7) If someone told you they loved your cosplay, what would you do? I would totally appreciate  their heart warming comment.

8) Homemade Cosplay or Bought/Commissioned Cosplay? Mostly my costumes are made by a costume maker and sometimes it was bought online.

9) There is a lot of debate if Western/Asians should cosplay. Your thoughts?  I think they shouldn't debate on it because cosplaying is for everyone.

10) Do you prefer to work alone or with others?  I'd rather work with others cuz I can't make my cosplay all by myself so I need someone to help me make it.

11) Do you have a current cosplay fav? Miku Hatsune is my current cosplay fav.

12) What is your most expensive cosplay project?  Its my Magical Mirai Miku 2019 cosplay ( I don't have pics nor trial pics but that cosplay was expensive since it has a lot to progress.

13) What is your least expensive cosplay project? I haven't currently cosplayed any characters that is expensive.

14) What is your favorite cosplay project? My Miku Hatsune Magical Mirai 2019 ver! since I love that Module of Miku.

15) What is a cosplay pet peeve of yours? My Asuna Yuuki default cosplay.

16) If you could cosplay anywhere in the world, where would it be? Japan since it was my dream to go there.

17)  What was your first convention? My first convention is Cosplay Carnival 2018 I attended day 1.

18) What was your last convention?  My last convention is Cosplay Carnival 2019 ( Day 1 ).

19) What is your next convention?  My next convention would be Cosplay Carnival 2020.

20) What is your favorite part of putting on your cosplay? The costume since I like the details.

21) What is your least favorite part? My least favorite part was putting on the wig since its so difficult.

22) Videos or photography? Both

23) Photoshopped or Unshopped images? Photo shopped.

24) How do you view yourself as a cosplayer? I view myself as a cosplayer whom always doesn't wear contact lense.

25) What is cosplay to you? For me cosplay is to enhance your creativity, socializing towards others and also enhancing your confidence.

26) For costuming, there is also a huge debate about who and what can cosplay. Your thoughts? I think they shouldn't debate on it since it's their decision what character they should cos.

27) Do you have cosplays that are sometimes painful or uncomfortable? Are you willing to bleed for your art? If so, how much? I feel uncomfortable with my Magical Mirai Miku 2019 cos cuz her petticoat is so itchy.

28) Yaoi or Yuri in cosplay? None cuz I don't wanna see it WAHAHAH.

29) How far into the character are you willing to go while in cosplay? At the end of the day, are you "YOU" or are you your "CHARACTER"? I think I should just cosplay a simple jap student girl.

30) Wigs or no wigs? Do you prefer to style your wigs, commission a style or buy them prestyled? With wig and I prefer styling it on my own.

31) Contacts or no contacts? No contacts.

32) How do you save money for your cosplay hobby? Unanswered.

33) When do you find yourself cosplaying? Is it something you stick with for conventions and events only? I find myself cosplaying only in conventions.

34) Where do you go most often for photoshoots? Do you do photoshoots? I only do photoshoots on Conventions.

35) What got you into cosplaying? I got involved in cosplaying when I saw some people wearing anime clothes, rather than that I saw some cosplayer posting their cosplay on facebook.

Facebook

Special Credits to Her Dad for taking the hotos

Featured Cosplayer: Ellune Cosplay

1) How long have you been cosplaying? Generally 7 years in total, I stopped for 3 years when I was busy with work.

2) What kind of cosplayer do you consider yourself?  I used to be a closet cosplayer, meaning I only cosplay at home and in front of close friends. Recently years I have been attending cons.

3) Cosplay or Crossplay? Both? I crossplay recently too. So far I have 2 crossplays (Shuu and Kaneki)

4) Why do you cosplay?  Cosplay is a means for me to let go. I love anime so much and whenever I can relate to a character, I feel like I wanna cosplay them. By being them it is like an escape from the mundane and stress.

5) Is cosplay a hobby you could see yourself doing in 10 years?  Yes, cosplay for me is really not about age. You can be 50 and still cosplay. It’s all about the fun and feeling.

6) If someone told you they hated your cosplay, what would you do? Tbh, it would hurt, but I’d ignore them. You can’t please everyone all the time. But my goal in cosplaying is for myself and the characters I am portraying.

7) If someone told you they loved your cosplay, what would you do? When someone appreciates the cosplay I’ve done, I would thank them immediately! I always think what I can do for them. And the best answer I can come up with is to give them my best all the time.

8) Homemade Cosplay or Bought/Commissioned Cosplay? Homemade except for the wigs. I sew and make my own props now (exception when I was younger and didn’t have my own sewing machine i.e. my old asuna cosplay)

9) There is a lot of debate if Western/Asians should cosplay. Your thoughts? I think we shouldn’t discriminate. Cosplay is for everyone. Why don’t we just support them.

10) Do you prefer to work alone or with others? I am an introvert, so I usually work alone.. but I don’t mind working with others if needed.

11) Do you have a current cosplay fav? Current fave is my Shuu Tsukiyama because I was able to pass as a dude/guy in people’s eyes.

12) What is your most expensive cosplay project?  Most expensive is Touka Kirishima of Tokyo Ghoul when I joined a contest. I made her wings from a metal net, equipped with LED lights and a motorcycle battery (because there weren’t battery powered lights a few years ago).

13) What is your least expensive cosplay project? Least expensive is Eto Yoshimura. I sew the costume myself and re used my sclera lens from Touka/Kaneki.

14) What is your favorite cosplay project? Favorite cosplay project is Mikasa Ackerman because I had to make the complicated omni-directional mobility gear. Had to use a lot of my imagination and creativity in order to achieve it!

15) What is a cosplay pet peeve of yours? Pet peeve? How should I say... Wigs. I am very particular when getting the perfect hair color of a character.

16) If you could cosplay anywhere in the world, where would it be? I would LOVE to cosplay in Japan!!

17) What was your first convention? Tanabata Festival (Baguio)

18) What was your last convention?  Pangasinan Cyber Expo

19) What is your next convention?  Cosplay Conquest (Iloilo)

20) What is your favorite part of putting on your cosplay?  Wigs

21) What is your least favorite part?  Contact lenses

22) Videos or photography?  Photography

23) Photoshopped or Unshopped images?  Depends, I like photoshopped backgrounds. But if we can find a great spot, no need. One of the hardest parts of cosplay photography is the location.

24) How do you view yourself as a cosplayer? same as Q2

25) What is cosplay to you? same as Q4

26) For costuming, there is also a huge debate about who and what can cosplay. Your thoughts? I feel we should be free in what we want to cosplay. Remember it’s all about the “play” as Stan Lee had said.

27) Do you have cosplays that are sometimes painful or uncomfortable? Are you willing to bleed for your art? If so,  how much? Yes! It is always tiring to wear contact lenses the entire day (I have astigmatism), but I believe in hard work and sacrifice to achieve perfection! I’m willing to do anything if I can perfect my cosplay.

28) Yaoi or Yuri in cosplay?  Both but I wanna try Yaoi since I crossplay.

29) How far into the character are you willing to go while in cosplay? At the end of the day, are you "YOU" or are you your "CHARACTER"? That is a good question. Whenever I cosplay a character, I rehearse them like an actor would. I believe one of the ways to achieve a good cosplay is to learn and act to be like them. I used to cosplay characters whom I can relate to, but recently I am challenging myself to try different personalities.

30) Wigs or no wigs? Do you prefer to style your wigs, commission a style or buy them prestyled? Yes to wigs! I buy my wigs, new or second hand, and style them if needed. In the old days though, wigs are hard to come by and we used our real hair to cosplay.

31) Contacts or no contacts? CONTACTS - yes. Even if it hurts I’ll still wear them.

32) How do you save money for your cosplay hobby? I buy second hand wigs. And shop in ukay-ukay (thrift shops) for clothes and remodel / remake them. Same goes with shoes. I only spend if I have extra money. So I set aside a little of my salary a month to pay for my hobby.

33) When do you find yourself cosplaying? Is it something you stick with for conventions and events only? I usually just cosplay at home, but sometimes when I feel like it I attend cons, especially if I have friends going.

34) Where do you go most often for photoshoots? Do you do photoshoots?  I take my own photos most of the time. Or have my bf take them for me. I only tried a photoshoot once.

35) What got you into cosplaying? It all started with Akazukin Chacha when I was a kid. I wanted so much to be liked her, I asked my grandma to make her costume

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Special Credits to Lunar Photography PH

travel up for beer and shots

The City of Baguio is a highly urbanized city located in the province of Benguet in northern Luzon island of the Philippines. Baguio City was established by the Americans as a hill station in 1900 at the site of an Ibaloi village known as Kafagway. The Americans declared Baguio the "Summer Capital of the Philippines" on July 1, 1903. Every year between March and June, the entire American government transferred operations Baguio to escape Manila's summer heat, a practice abolished in 1913. Several years later, Baguio is being flocked by locals, and foreigners, who look for a decent getaway from the rising temperature; it was made haven to many Koreans, learning English at a place that almost feels like home. The kind smiles, the hospitality, never eluded Baguio – and the charm, of its cool climate never fazes me. I grew up to this city, in a sense that every Summer Vacation, after school my family and I would spend at least a week or two just to spend time in the mountains. The fog, the chilly air, and smell of pine trees, almost felt like a quiet retreat from the chaos, the hustle and bustle that is home, is all I could remember – several years, now that I’m much older, a lot has changed – traffic, and development gearing and progressing to what is Baguio now. Once scarred from a major earthquake in the 90s, Baguio tries to reclaim itself, be a better form to what it was then – and slowly becoming a populous city – similar back home.

Robin Balisi, City of Pines Tour
Season 2

Nothing has changed between me and Baguio, there is always that chilly air, but the cold and fog has been long gone, unless there is long periods of rains and the Ber Months comes in, it doesn’t turn me off to what it is now, though there are hints of nostalgia each time I pass the winding roads, or the chaotic streets of Session, naught has slowed me from coming back up and up.It was that the first weekend of April, Easter Sunday, I opened my shutters to host the City of Pines Tour, dubbed Season 2 because it’s the second time for me to host this event. I invited cosplayers, photographers around the city to take part of, to be held in the Botanical Garden. I would never expect how much a turnout of an event would be – I had my impressions to a small scale crowd, but the end it was bigger than what I imagined. A capacity of more than 30 ore more people showed up, majority were familiar faces, or people who didn’t make it to the first season. I pretty began the shoot quite late, just for people to catch on, it took me a while to getting to meet new people again, and there are names, still didn’t register, but I do hope to see them again when I go back up. I ended up pretty much on a high note, despite being sick again with a chronic cough, I am pretty much thankful the local community who wants me to do an event for them, and my promise to them is always delivering them. It’s my way of thanking or paying back the kindness that these kids provided, and the tokens (e.g. stuffed frog which keeps me company beside my bed), I am ever all so grateful.

Lagud and Keywheat, Baguio Craft Brewery

I pretty much stayed in Baguio for 4 days and 3 nights, as my partner had to go early the following day the after my shoot. So to cap that Easter, we tried something I have been reading through websites, that filled my curiosity when I first read about a year ago or so, To be frank, Baguio do have love for strawberries, they even have a festival for it, also the fruit is known to be produced in that area because of the cool climate which is suitable. Look I have tasted strawberries, it come fresh and as good it can be, I have pretty much tasted the fruit, a smoothie, the ice cream the jam, the wine and taho of it – of all, that tops it the famous strawberry beer of the North, known as Lagud.Lagud crafted by Chief Executioner, Chris Ordas, at the Baguio Craft Brewery (Located at 120 Marcos Highway), only in Baguio can you taste beer made from strawberries. Not your flavored beer, something new to me and crazy was made from this fruit. Prior to going here was a hard find, feeling lost, we just trusted the cab driver, and our eyes to find the Brewery, and all the travel was worth it. A small quiet bar, with a feel of an old inn, the cold chill of the mountains greeted us, not much a crowd, since I guess it was pretty the end of the day, a lot has possibly gone home back to the south, but then it was inviting and cozy. We decided to sit by the bar, because I would guess my hearing would be bad if in case there would be a ruckus. Our decision was not so dead wrong, it was worth it. Aside, from the famous Lagud, there were more to many of the concoctions of this Thirst Prevention Officer, from different levels alcohol content, to the how bitter it could be, the raw ingredients and its possible equivalent from Stouts to Pale ales, every man and beer aficionado would love to be there.

All I can say, the barkeeps know their stuff, ask them and they would gladly explain to what to expect and so forth. They even let you give a free sample to help you choose what you want, and that this is damn unlimited, you could try them all for a mini shot of a beer mug, to make your tongue feel what is to expect. I ran my tongue to three samples, until I decided on what I want, as my partner did pretty much the same. We grew fond seeing how the beer freshly poured in front of you from its hand crafted taps, all the awe, like a child in a candy factory. What lead to several conversations of trying and figuring I got settled on my favorite is Lagud, as my partner found solace to Keywheat (Kiwi Beer), it just draw us inspired to push our venture (a project we have been working on in the South), even more. More so, our love for food caught the attention of a freelance writer and photographer, who sat beside us and thus the conversation lead to whatever or wherever, and the beer would guide us. Deep heart to our conversations lead us to meeting the owner himself, Chris Ordas and his chef, who we shared our marketing, and possibility of branching, all I can say it was meaningful focal group discussion and invite to an event to showcase his beer here in Manila. And what made our night was a promising deal of a partnership to what me and my partner has been working on. I have never ever been more thankful. Bottom line: Baguio Craft Brewery (can be found in Facebook, Instagram), is a perfect place to bring your date, the food is indeed something really carefully paired to what you drink, and they never went wrong. I could attest to the Onion Rings we both ate that night.

Baguio Craft Brewery

As our night faded, memories are still well kept, when I left what my second home was, my denial of coming back to reality was hard to bear. I still wanted to stay, but I need to get paid, so that we keep coming back for more.

boobs, rainy, and heat: october chaos

It has been more than a month since I wrote something, and I really do apologize as my regular schedule of work takes a hard toil on me, on health and my sense of creativity, but nonetheless I was able to pull through the aches and pains, the sickness, the depressions, my violent mood swings and here I am again writing again.

Mhaki Dizon of Amgine Cosplay & Photogrpahy, Cosmania

A series of events has happened to me throughout the month of October – Cosmania, The Asian Cosplay Meets Philippines, and the Fantasy Quest, and my schedule get swamped as it is, literally, I will leave it to you to figure out what I mean. Cosmania, yes I promised myself before that I will backing out on an event that I might regret, an event done locally, true enough Cosmania, similar to Wrestlemania, is just as chaotic as it should be – I don’t want to bash the organizers for the chaos, but this was one of the things you rather sat home and watch TV, although there are cool cosplayers with full blown armor, there were more mechas to your right and left, but what really took the cake, was the number of boobs, cleavages and chicks, and all the sudden this just like some con with more skin than ever. BOOBSMANIA!!!!! Oh yeah! No, not really, it leaves a bad taste on the mouth when you see pre-teens, teenagers trying to flaunt their assets, and they out do the trap community. And thankfully I will not show the showcase of spotlights in my page, for the respect of the female community, please you are going to a cosplay event, dress to your character without forcing the need to sell some skin.

Someone mentioned to me in the past, that there is a rise of cosplayers of trying to be eye candy to photographers, becomes the number of photo-snobs are there are climbing high, coincidentally that raised the number of perv-photographers are coming out to the community.  I like to let everyone know that when I do photos, I look for the captivating pose you can give me without seducing me to liking you, the number of poses you can do in one set by making me have a hard time catch up with you – and I do not mean in a malicious way. Maybe I am just tired of seeing the same poses over and over again.  I am willing to teach as long you are not a hardheaded learner, and you cosplayer can teach me on things that I do not know about your character, after all I didn’t major in this field if I weren’t given constructive feedback. At the end of the day, it was tiring, and still I got a kick of fun, because I stuck with my south people who kept riding on with me. Thank you, Guys and Gals.

Maria Garcia, Asia Cosplay Meets Philippines

Rain, Wet, and Drenched, thank you vitamin C, is what kept me alive through Asia Cosplay Meets Philippines, slash, meets rain. It was just a 3 week notice when my in-house mode Maria Garcia, wanted me to be a media partner to an Intramuros event. What I thought this will be just a 3 hour of mayhem, it was something longer. Coming from shift from Friday, I blasted myself going to a place that I haven’t been in a long time, I may have wandered in the Wall, early 2000s, and a lot has changed, and thanks to the wonderful app of Grab-a-taxi, I got their way early than I should be. With the aid of the mighty Cobra, I bounced and lasted the whole event for more than 12 hours, I think despite the heavy rain shower which the weather did not so cooperate at all, who pisses on anyone. Cosplayers, fellow-media partners, and the like, were pissed how this rain was. Ad mist all that Hulk Hogan arrived, yes there were some cosplayers he terrorized, but no one blesses an event like he does. The event by the wall was indeed a roller coaster of an event, trying to keep my camera dry, and holding an umbrella, and the same time keep myself perky and happy was a lot to take toil one one’s body. But then with nothing much in the stomach but an energy drink, and junk food – I had to keep going to my host, or hostess.  Helping her and giving tabs on what’s going, at least it was a learning curve for the both of us.   I so wanted to do a lot or cover for the event, bad I couldn’t place myself well in where I should be especially when the bands were performing and the all girl dance group was. Sigh! A lot of controversy happened along the way, in which I omitting details out for the sake of hoping the sponsors would give this a second chance.  It was fun meeting concessionaires, fellow photographer Bryan of arkadymack.com, and a lot more. It was fun, but until the very next day.

Gale Cairo, Fantasy Quest IV

The very next day to Asia Cosplay Meets Philippines was a pain in the body, I felt all the aches in my foot, legs and my lower back but I had to push my body forward to Fantasy Quest. An event I have been waiting for, it was a career beginning to attend to but this something I don’t recommend to the average cosplayer. Fantasy Quest is an event for the elite of the elites of cosplayers, an event is more posh than my lifestyle was, and yes I would be back.  I never had my first dance when I was in High School, I was more of a wallflower at my prom, that I left home early because I was too shy, now I had the opportunity… things happened. WHY??!!!! Flashback - On an adventure of 3 friends, 2 cosplayers and a photographer heading out to what appears the best thing that happened to our lives, come in heat, more heat, and yes humid heat.  Even having several large cooling fans it was not enough to cool everyone down. I wore my long sleeves and tie, just to look dressy and snappy, but it left me soaking in my own sweat, felt like I fell in a pool of it. And my date a cosplayer, so hot, that she is literally burning in heat under her wig. And a friend, who suffered closed to a heat stroke, with sudden rise of his blood pressure, and yes that’s what happened. We had to go home early, just to being a good friend that we are. But with all what was happened, it lived up its name, everywhere I go was visual eye candy, I had to go back to basics, and use my Ultra Wide Angles lens, just to capture everything I want to see, and it did pay off to my favor. If I had fun, not really, it seems going to the event needs your own photographer, and group – I was lost with no purpose, but to the people who I saw, and knew, I took every opportunity and produced the best. And yes, there were no regrets.

November, I have to be ready for, a themed shoot by yours only, with an uninvited guest photographer who decided to show, but it works for me, and me going on vacation.  Yes I needed the relaxation, but I needed to get well first. I am coughing and having a hard time to breathe, and I take blame to the weather for being inconsistent. Howell, hope to write another entry soon, and don’t worry this won’t be my last.

this is it

During my college days, me and my friends promised ourselves we would create chaos in cosplay conventions, be part of major events and be an invasion. We never did live to that promise, but it never stopped us from dreaming that our names will go down in history.

September 2015, Over countless events I have been to, from Ozine, Otaku Expo, Fatasm, Animax Carnival, Dutdutan XIV, Best of Anime, Nexcon and now the Asia Pop Comic Con 2015. I have been a geek all my life, growing up to my brother's comic book collections, to watching cartoons growing up, playing Magic the Gathering with my peers, now, I am living the dream. And now I can really stop and slow down and see where now? what now?

Alice Chang, Asia Pop Comic con  2015

APCC 2015 was close as I can get to attending international conventions, without a passport, leaving the country and facing jet lag, it was a euphoria, that I hope I can be part of staff and the community someday. Seeing celebrities face to face, to seeing adults with childlike hearts, to kids dressing up as their heroes, and being a goof, and that's okay... I got to talk to staff, see media fly by before once me again, to see Instagram idols, and seeing where my favorite comic book artist sat and signed stuff, I cannot get over the feeling the high. 

Tatiana Galas, Best of Anime 2015

BOA, Best of Anime 2015 was milestone for me, I am nearly getting to my 2 year mark of doing cosplay photography, and yet I have to learn more, from lighting, strobing, and properly photo editing - I feel I am still a toddler, walking, and soon I will be running for more. But sadly, I will be putting an end to covering small events, as  I try to focus on larger events, and someday brave and handle weddings, and to focus back where I started, and why I began shooting in the first place, it would really give me some time to think - do I need to do more? why I'm doing this? is this what I really want?

A lot of things has to face as new challenges arises, new photographers are out there, better than I am, versus one creepy photographer, I lost my team, I lost my daughter, I lost a muse, I lost my sanity - I got to continue fighting, despite all the negativity that has brought me down, I go to face the music, face the shadows, and keep doing my best. I have pulled myself out from Dutdutan XV,

but i hope it doesn't stop me to keep on swimming.

My brand hasn't settled yet, it's slowly getting a pace and kick from the south, I can only hope and just pray to the heavens, for a rain of endless opportunities for me to swim on.

7am too early

It’s past 7 AM, I hear my baby niece crying, she shrieks and cries in terror, to what, I will never know. August left in a hurry, and to me it’s already the second week of September and a lot has happened since I left my last entry. These were my highlights:

The South Cosplay group I am forming is slowly getting together, and I learned the value of who to trust amongst the people who volunteered their time to. It took much of discernment and sheer gut to find people who are willing to do all things to make things work, but I do hope in time – the South Cosplay community would be widely recognized, and a force to reckon on events to come, and by which not a community to Cosplay, but more to various of interests.

Maria Garcia, Sillykonpeito

Learning my lesson that to never to do back to back photo shoots, I slapped myself again in getting to one again. The Asylum’s House of Dolls: Rainy Season Edition was a success, with the weather played to make the most interesting of shots, and got to meet a new fellow photographer. The more makes me interested in pulling of a photo face-off. But I am thankful for the likes of friends from the South who helped in and bothered really to spend time to be as my models, the likes of Ghelianne Li and Belle Montesclaros and my in-house model Maria Garcia.

M'Belle Montesclaros, The House of Dolls
Rainy Season Edition

A lot of events happened in this shoot, one my models were in the area, didn’t bother to get my number showed up and ended up to having a shoot of her own. The other, lost her wallet on the way to the event. It’s sad that these things happen or I didn’t want to put my models in danger, but they happened. Funny thing, that Maria also lost some big bucks too, on the course of the shoot, she dropped a Ninoy somewhere, and whoever picked that up, is lucky to treat themselves to the restaurants nearby.

I am thankful and fortunate that the BGCMYCITY.COM was able to help me publish what I need, despite pushing the shoots due to uncooperative weather, model schedules and my procrastination. I was about to cancel but by God’s grace, I said to heck to laziness and it’s now or never for me.

The following day, I was brought to a venue that filled with possibilities the River Walk of Alabang which I will nickname it as the Wildlife of the South is really something. I can imagine this to be the new haven for photographers like me doing all shoots less the equipment. But mainly the purpose of me being there is do a shoot of Kiseki no Sedai, which translates to The Generation of Miracles. It’s a basketball drama, anime, which I am more familiar with Slam Dunk than this one. So pulling of shots in a park is hard to do since they were mostly men, and I have to be honest, this is the first time to do a shoot filled with testosterone.

Finding poses were tough, finding angles were tough, and more so I had two ladies. But I am grateful that Tatiana Galas was able to step up to the fold, being my apprentice for the day. She made me smile and help kept my composure, and even bothered to chill with me. Cute, right?

Tatiana Galas, The Asylum's Apprentice

It ended me being so tired, but when it came to editing it was just utterly hell. From 7am of Saturday, the week thereafter my shoot until 9PM the next day I had to stick to my promises, finishing up and squeezing into my deadline. Of uploading crops, fixing lighting and moods, it was just goddamn worth it.

I barley squeezed my work with pretty much less of an allowance. But thankfully I was able to get to where I needed, now here comes September, It will be a flurry of being in getting tickets to Asia Pop Comic Con, and agreed myself to be Best of Anime, the day thereafter. Followed by a week in Dutdutan XV, the Philippine Tattoo Convention, which I promised myself I won’t stay long. It’s just a week away, if August left in a dash, I can’t believe the September is hurrying up.

Am I ready? I don’t know but I can only tell once I stepped on the floor and start snapping away. Until then, I will post here a new set of highlights or lows.

three conventions and a delayed photoshoot

It has been pretty a long time since I wrote something in my blog, and I still feel the falling out from a colleague who helped me get to where I am at. A lot has happened over the course of the month itself, tragic or joy – thankful that I got through. May, was a busy month, where I was able to attend three cosplay conventions from Saturday to Sunday to the end of the month, and tried to pull off a photo shoot in the same but got delayed due to unforeseen things.

 I never realized how much the month of may drained me, that to this very day I still felt never so tired – never again will I do something like this but down the line I had fun.

April, O-Kun Fiesto

Nica, Nexcon

Shion Goddess, Animax

On the 16^th of May I attended the O-Kun Fiesta which was held in the SMX of SM Mall of Asia, sad to say the event pretty much disappointed me, in which I felt the event proper felt flat – I got bored right away where I took a few shots and left home early. Maybe it was the crowd that got to me or maybe it was the lack of sleep, which I think I had only 3 hours of – I came in to see two of my daughters, April and Yuriko, and did a small shoot with some friends that I knew who were present in the area. I was pretty much convinced that I will not go the event the day after which was Nex Con, but sure enough with a few tugs from Vincent aka No-face and Nica, I surprised myself by boarding the cab heading out to the function rooms of SM Aura. With all the cosplay events I have attended, I have never gone to something that felt organized and clean with Nex Con. Though the cosplayers wore western influenced characters such as the likes of TV series the Game of Thrones to Lord of the Rings to DC Comics characters – it was fun. More so that Vincent and I helped opened the 2^nd day to the event with  a game called Face Palm the Music, in which we had to guess the theme or song by face palming a human buzzer. I lost by one, because we had to spin around before buzzing… I lost to “Mortal Kombat”.  And my friends, this is how I humiliated myself with loads of people, but I can't stop smiling from then on.  I had a number of shots, from shooting a gang load of Daenarys attacking a Tyrell, to seeing the New 52 Joker harassing a Batman mannequin, to bumping in person the famous Jin and Tadashi cosplayers, and scream my lungs out on a Lip Synch battle in support of people who I just met. I went home late with a smile as oppose to O-kun.

The very next week I had to go to BGC for a photo shoot I organized with inked friends, unfortunately I had to postpone due to having one of my models not feeling so well that day. I was pretty much tired, I didn’t want to go to any other events until my officemate the cosplayer, Shion Goddess pushed me to attending Animax which was on the 31^st of May. To be honest, I never wanted to go and support Alodia events because I felt cheated on overpriced tickets and felt it was not worth m time – but it was Shion Goddess’ return, I had to pay my respects and help get her career going – thinking nothing could top the experience and fun I had with Nex Con, the event of Animax was rather almost as par, same chaos though, but meeting colleagues like my idol Sir Christian Mack, seeing my old model Ysa, meeting up with Cjaze and others I had a decent amount of fun. From the cheesy lanyard I got from the ticket to laughing my ass off seeing Shion Goddess try to grab a soda, and ended up almost half an hour or so because the fanatics just can’t stop admiring and take a shoot of her, to having mysef just chilling and having a good time without stressing myself too much.

Maybe I should keep on having this mentality of not stressing myself too much on the next cosplay events – and just really feel and rock the vibe of people and meet new friends. I am ever grateful to all of the time I have had – it helped me overcome the depression I had along the way, especially dealing with my Mom’s cancer and work performance blues… I hope the momentum keeps on going.