11 posts tagged “cosplay”

It's COSPLAY DAY in 24/7 !!!

Is cosplay becoming a fad in BPO's now? A few months after I left Teletech, they held a cosplay contest as well.

I originally wanted our team to go as the AKATSUKI but that plan never pushed through due to the lack of funds and motivation. Instead, some of my teammates and I dressed up as "dolls" and I (again) revived my Irene costume.

The preparations took us weeks so I was very disappointed when the actual event only lasted less than an hour. We just needed to submit "one shot"  to the judges and that's about it. I could've just submitted an old photo to them. Grrrr! It was the shortest cosplay I've ever done!

It was a good thing that some of my teammates decided to roam around and take more pictures as souvenirs.

- What is your cosplay alias?
people just call me Meiko or LunarPanda

- How many years have you cosplayed?
nine years. yes, NINE!

- How did you get into cosplaying?
i saw Balat (tagalog for "birthmark", an online buddy of mine) dressed as Lime from Saber Marionette J. i got curious and buddies told me to join the next cosplay contest.

- What was your first convention and how did it go?
AXN AnimExplosion 2001 ... went as Fei Feiring from Gate Keepers. EPIC FAIL. the odango was messed up and i know zilch about the character i was cosplaying.

- How many cons have you been to?
lost count

- How many cosplays have you done?
uhm, i lost count ... but i have only used a few costumes.

[[Your Cosplays]]

- What was your first cosplay and why did you choose it?
Fei Feiring from Gate Keepers. no one has cosplayed her yet and GK was famous then.

- What is your favorite cosplay you've done so far?
cosplay contest: my Bellato costume [link] because it's BE-AWESOME!
cosplay photoshoot: my Wrath costume [link] because i look cool wearing the coat

- What is your least favorite you've cosplayed?
FF XIII Agito Student # 8 [link] ... i know zilch about the character until now... hopefully i can be in-character when we re-do the group cosplay soon. har har~

- What cosplay is the most uncomfortable?
uncomfortable in terms of the costume's bulkness: the Bellato costume [link]
uncomfortable in terms of being in-character: Student # 8 [link]

[[Process]]

- How do you research the cosplay before you make it?
depends on the situation. since i mostly join group cosplays, i let them decide on the theme and then i will just pick the character i like. if i'm going solo, i pick a character that is petite but has a lot of feistiness. i don't want to look cute because many girls already go for the cuteness thing. i want a lot of angst-factor in the characters i portray.

- Do you sew your cosplays yourself?
nope. no time nor talent for that. i designed some of them, though.

- If so, how did you learn to sew? If not, do you plan to learn?
as of late, no plans of learning how to make the clothes ... props, yes.

- Do you make your own props?
i just started. i plan to do more in the future.

- If so, how did you learn to? If not, do you plan to learn?
Lyron is ALWAYS a big help. hehehe~ then there're my other buddies and the power of GOOGLE.

- Do you style your own wigs?
no. i plan on learning this in the future as well. making character-wigs is fun!

- What other skills do you use to create your cosplays?
research

- What skill has been most useful for making your cosplay?
character portrayal and accuracy of the costume

- What is the hardest thing when making a cosplay?
inserting it to my uber-hectic schedule

- What was the biggest screw up you've had making a cosplay?
when i revived my Wrath get-up during Ozine 2008 - day 1. I looked so wasted.

- How often do you injure yourself while making a cosplay?
never did.

[[Budget]]

- Do you try to stay cheap or do you splurge on materials?
i go for quality. if it looks good on pictures, then it's worth the money.

[[cos-PLAY]]

- Have you ever cosplayed with a partner or group?
yes, most of the time.

- Do you try to act in character?
always, unless i dont know the character i am portraying.

- Have you ever done fanservice at a con? (Yaoi, yuri, etc)
yuri, once... never again.

- How do you react to cosplayers dressed as character from the same anime/game/etc?
i am always ecstatic... but if the cosplayer happens to have the same character i am portraying, i try to stay away. i dont like being compared to them.

- Do you try to duplicate your character's expressions, walk, movements, etc?
YES! as per Nejin-sama, it's a MUST! that's why it's COSPLAY!

- When crossplaying, do you try to act as much like the gender as possible?
yes. i only crossplayed once and people were doubtful of my gender. LoL!

- What was your funniest experience of acting in character?
when i cosplayed a Bellato, i went up on stage and said "Data Did Not Match", a bug that was really common back then which really ticked off RF players. i got a lot of cheers from the audience (and also got some violent reactions from GMs hahah!)

- What was your worst experience acting in character?
none so far

[[Competition]]

- Do you compete in cosplay contests?
before, yes.

- Have you won anything?
nope

- Do you prefer skits or walk-ons?
skits. i dont want joining contests on my own anymore. it's not fun.

[[Community]]

- How many friends have you made because of cosplay?
too many buddies ... few friends.

- Do you attend photo shoots and meet-ups outside of conventions?
yes, i prefer them over contests, actually. no hassles, no gimmicks.

- What is the funniest reaction you've gotten cosplaying from people outside of the community?
"That can't be you! That girl is AWESOME in that outfit! You're always WASTED!" - work-mates ehehehe~

- What was the worst?
"Weirdo"

[[Future]]

- How long do you think you'll be cosplaying for?
so long as i am willing and able

- Name a few cosplays you're planning to do next:
Hrist from Valkyrie Profile
Judy Shakbari Hagstrom from War of Genesis

- What is your dream cosplay?
any from those 2 characters mentioned on the question prior to this

[[Misc]]

- What do you take into consideration when picking a character to cosplay?
height & angst-factor

- Is cosplay serious business for you?
no

- What is your favorite thing about cosplay?
CELEBRITY-FOR-THE-DAY kind of treatment. hehehe~

- What is your least favorite?
politics and elitists

- What is it that makes you keep cosplaying?
this is more on feeding my vanity. i love attention so much and I see cosplaying as a major source. i also meet a lot of people because of this hobby. cliche as it sounds but it's really one of the reasons why i have buddies too.

- How would you like cosplaying to change in the future?
i hope that the elitists would just die...

- How do you want to grow as a cosplayer?
i hope i can produce BE-AWESOME props in the future.

Event: Ozine Fest 2009
Date: April 5, 2009
Venue: SM Megatrade Hall 2, SM MEgamall
Photos: [click here]

Jeiro invited me to get the role of the ACE OF HEARTS for this event. Since Leidi (my younger sister) was going there with her friends, then I decided to come along too. I brought Popay (my youngest sister) as well. This is the first time my siblings attended a convent and I know they had fun because we were talking about what transpired there while on the way home. Hehehe~

Popay joined us as the QUEEN OF HEARTS and she wore my Irene (BJD) costume while Leidi wore my FFXIII-Agito costume. Leidi's friends borrowed some of my clothes to complete their get-ups.

We didn't bother entering the Hall since most of the cosplayers were outside. It was great seeing a lot of my buddies there.

AM I EMO, GOTH or LOLITA ? ? ?

Seriously, do I look like any of these outside cosplays?

What is EMO anyway? A music genre? A lifestyle? A strong feeling or expression? If it's an expression, then I am guilty. Yes, I am a very emotional type of person and I voice out whatever it is I feel. I used to keep things to myself and I grew up as a timid girl with little or no friends at all. When I got out of college, that's when I learned how to express myself more... and no, I am not suicidal, not anymore. Life is tough but I love it because of the people surrounding me and I treasure the memories, may they be good or bad. Thank goodness for the Internet and hooray for blogs!!! I don't know what the emo music genre sounds like. My Chemical Romance? I classify them as a mix of punk and alternative rock that's why I listen to their songs! Regarding emo as a lifestyle ... NO~!!! I don't have fringes and I only hide my eyes when wearing a wig to get that angst-factor. No more, no less! I don't wear tight-fitting shirts nor jeans -- sexy, yes, tight no. All my clothes don't have scandalous prints on them. So when someone calls me an "emo", I get really mad because the first thing that comes to my mind is an image of a suicidal idiot.

So am I GOTH instead? I do like the colors black and red, black nail polish, punk accessories and cross pendants (not crucifixes) but I don't wear ankhs and put on heavy make-up (except when needed). I am also agnostic -- I believe in God but he's just of little importance to me. I like Gothic as a fashion statement but not as a lifestyle. I don't like vampires nor fangs! I don't even know what true-blooded Goths do or what their beliefs are. I don't like being called a Goth as well because that brings up a lot of issues. I recall one instance wherein a friend and I were planning our next cosplay and she wanted it Goth-themed. Then, a true-blooded Goth started explaining to us that we have to be "careful" when interpreting it because it might spread over the Internet, reach other true-blooded Goths and then we might get a beating from them -- or they might even kill us if they mistake us for posers. That thread got about 250+ replies! We ended up changing the title of our photoshoot to avoid further argument with them. X_x

How about LOLITA? I am petite and I like ruffled clothes but I don't wear Lolita stuff at all times. I only started liking the EGL accessories when I got hooked in the OtakonEK. I wanted to do an EGL photoshoot to see if I can pull it off - maybe one of these days. Dada said he also doesn't like Lolita clothes on me because that makes him look like a pedophile -- He's 6'1", I'm only 5' tall and I am often mistaken as a 14 year-old kid. XD

So what am I? A hybrid-poser? LoL! I don't want being called a poser.

It just so happens that I am a vocal person, I like black, I like cross pendants and I like cute laces and ruffles. 

I don't consider myself as any of those three except when I need to be -- in cosplays.

I like being called a punk, though. Makes me look tough. XD

 

 

*************

I woke up around 5:38AM and put on black nail polish. Good thing it dried up fast so I was able to finish within an hour.

I left the condo around 7:15AM because Dada was supposed to give me the ROSE installer before I leave. We met up in KFC beside the Ayala-MRT station 15 minutes later. Well, he forgot to bring the installer so we just had some chit-chat. I wasn't sure if he was serious or if he was just teasing me when he said "'wag ka na pumunta sa EK" (don't go to EK anymore) because he was smiling. So I told him that there would be several conditions if I am to do that. I asked him to reimburse the expenses I had so far with the OtakonEK preparation and that we have to go to EK next month. He then said "Sige na nga, umalis ka na lang!" (Alright then, just go!). Hahaha!

We met up with Jeiro and Ten around 9:15AM and we headed to the EK shuttle service. The situation was contrary to what we have expected -- there were less than 10 cosplayers waiting. Dada gave me his ATM card sleeve and shades pouch so I can put my money in there. He noticed that my Lolita bag was so cluttered so he snagged it from me and arranged my stuff so that everything would fit inside --- yes, he's OC! He also asked me to text him once in a while so he'd be updated as to what's happening. He said he would sulk if I don't! Well, I would be texting him often even if he didn't tell me. ^_^

The shuttle left at 9:30AM and we reached EK around 10:30AM. I was shocked to see a lot of vehicles already parked and what's more, a lot of cosplayers are already dressed up! In short, WE ARE SO LATE!!! I forgot the fact that about 90% of the cosplay community is composed of wealthy kids so they have their own cars and personal assistants. LOL!

Jeiro and I changed into our cosplay clothes in the ladies room outside the park because the marshals wouldn't let us in if we're not dressed up. What shocked me more was that there's this teenage girl cosplayer who, probably was in much of a hurry and couldn't wait until one of the cubicles became available, undressed herself in a vacant portion of the ladies room! The door of the CR was open and there's a HUGE mirror in front so she's a free game to those nose-bleeding guys standing outside. OMG! It was hilarious!

After getting lockers, we started strolling inside the park. There were plenty of people who asked us to take photos with them and we gladly agreed. Some kids got scared of me, though. It's probably because they see me as a huge walking-and-talking doll with a Sharingan! There's this one cute Chinese baby who got curious and kept on staring at me. I wanted to take a photo of him with me but I got shy asking his mom. Besides, he was too delicate that I got anxious because I might hurt him. I'm really not good with kids... A lot of people would also pass by and murmur "Oh my! She's got red eyes!" Jeiro and Ten laughed when I told them that I get that comment a lot when I wear these contact lenses.

We entered Eldar's Tent and I got to see Jaja. I got the Victoria headdress from her and also bought another annulet to complete my Lolita ensemble. There were a lot more items I wanted to buy from her but I couldn't decide that time! Shucks!

We were not able to eat while inside EK. The restaurants were jam-packed with normal people, cosplayers, and other patrons. So we decided to just have a drink and rest a bit before we continue strolling around.

We didn't join the cosplay competition because I don't want to feel the pressure and I wanted to go around the park as much as we can. I also didn't have time to take photos of other cosplayers. They paraded around the park, according to one of the employees, and they asked us why we didn't join. I told her "Namamasyal lang po kami tsaka ine-enjoy yung rides. Hindi po kami kasali dun." (We're just strolling around and enjoying the rides. We're not part of that.) Anyway, I did indicate on the online pre-registration that I will not join the contest.

While occasionally posing for photo-ops and all, we also tried some rides and tested the "KAPIT" POWER of our blond wigs!

STAGE 1 : Roller Skater *CLEARED!!!*
STAGE 2 : Anchor's Away! *CLEARED!!!*
STAGE 3 : Flying Fiesta *CLEARED!!!*
STAGE 4 : Wheel of Fate *CLEARED!!!*
Bonus Stage : Grand Carousel *CLEARED!!!*
STAGE 5 : Up! Up and Away! *CLEARED!!!*
STAGE 6 : Rio Grande *CLEARED!!!*
Hidden Challenge : Space Shuttle *NOT ENOUGH POINTS!!!*

The last ride we took was the Rio Grande and that's where I got drenched up to my undies. The Rio Grande and Wheel of Fate photographers took about 4-6 shots with me in it and and I liked them all but it was too bad they do not sell soft copies anymore. It would be too expensive if I buy all of them! Hah! Nevermind . . .

On the way to the locker room, I saw my crush but since I was not prim and proper after the Rio Grande ride, I got too shy to ask a photo with him. Instead, I just said "Hi!" and then left. *sigh* I wish I can see him on the next conventions. *dreams on* I also saw a lot of my cosplay friends and online buddies. I just said "hi!" to them too. We were in so much of a hurry to change our clothes because we were soaking wet!

We wanted to try the Space Shuttle but there was no time left too. *sob*

I guess it was also okay to leave early since we're not cramming and there's no competition in the dressing areas and transpo.

The shuttle left at 6PM and we arrived in Glorietta after 30 minutes! We had dinner in KFC before going home.

I reached our house around 9PM and everyone was already asleep. I tried editing some photos while talking to Dada via the YM phone. *sigh*

Well, there it goes. One month of waiting for this event and it's over just like that. Hah! Ang bilis! I had loads of fun though. I hope there would be another event like this next year!

I spent the weekend with my friends Mayumi and Maiya. We went to Divisoria, SM North and Munoz scouting for boots, wigs, props, fabric and accessories for our next photoshoot. We were able to find the right things for just the right price but I guess I spent a lot of money and effort for this one. My pocket money is down to 1k and I need that until my next paycheck arrives! Anyways, it was fun and I'm still looking forward to it!

We had some minor setbacks, though... Especially with the theme. Kune and Kes warned us about trying to portray Goth. They said we hafta research more before trying to cosplay these characters. So as not to have a conflict, I told Maiya to change the theme from Goth to Macabre, which is (according to some) more appropriate for our costumes.

Today, I put spray paint on the reiki sword and boots I bought. My folks here were all wondering as to why I am wielding a huge katana. XD

July 28 - myDESTINY 2nd Annual Cosplay Competition

    I was with my boyfriend during the morning and then we headed to Robinson's Galleria sometime around 12nn. I introduced him to Jeiro, who's already geared up for the cosplay! My boyfriend left shortly after 1pm then Jeiro and I went to search for familiar faces so we can request them to stash our stuff.

    One of the event volunteers approached us and asked us to sign up for the contest. We told her that we just came to costrip, but since we dunno where else to place our bags, we immediately agreed! BAD IDEA! We were asked to stay in a particular area so we weren't able to roam around and take pictures of other cosplayers. We were also asked to introduce our characters on stage and that got me really nervous. I don't like the feeling of being in front of a large crowd.

    We saw Hester during the afternoon so after the catwalk, we immediately left the fountain area and headed to the FHL Furniture stall, where we held a mini-photoshoot. Then we stayed in Chaicofi before we changed clothes and went home.

July 29 -  Hikarian Maidens Photoshoot

    I told Maiya that I only wanted to go as a backup photographer, but since she said there are already 5 photographers present, I should just join them as models instead. Yesterday, I spoke to the other model and I thought she didn't want me to join them so I got pissed off... but that's settled and we continued with the shoot.

    The 5 photographers were Jake, Leo, Homer, Erving and Lawrence. There were supposed to be six or so models but only 3 of us showed up (Maiya, Faye and me).

    Faye said we're supposed to hold the photoshoot in UP-Diliman but I told them that based on experience, it's not comfy. Either the weather is too hot or too cold in UP. So, we headed to Faye's house instead. We thought that Faye's mom will not like the idea of us holding the photoshoot there, but I was wrong. She even provided us make-up and gave me extra accessories. Hahaha!

    I left my camera at home and I didn't get the chance to take some shots but I enjoyed being a model. It's really fun!!! Here are the photos taken by Erving [link]

   

The Wait...

    Haha! 7am daw... Mmffftt! 7AM I was still dozing off and dreaming. I left the house around 9AM already, been constantly blocked by the MRT security guards asking all sorts of questions as to why I was carrying an MP5 in public. "Manong, ORANGE yung nozzle o. Toy gun lang po yan!" Upon reaching Market Market, Hester and I strolled around and did some shopping. The Panic folks also bought some stuff before we headed to the venue. It was 12:30PM or so when we reached Chi's place.

The Mansion...

    OMG! My dream house! It's huge! It's just perfect for the photoshoot, especially on the 2nd floor. It has the vanity mirror of all vanity mirrors! Haayyy, nakakainggit si Chi. X___X

The Photoshoot...

    Heheheh! Masaya! I didn't expect to see Louie there too! Grabe may nadagdag na namang GAY (este, lesbian pala)! Hahahah! Nandun din si Kuya Lawrence. Golly! ^_^ It was a long, exhausting yet exciting day. Darn, my digicam ran out of batteries even before the pictorial started. Haayyyy... Pengeng pics na lang ulit! X___X

The Family ...

    Not really official... eto lang yung medyo malapit.. hahaha!

    Hester = Capo di Tutti Capi (Boss of All Bosses)
    Shinji = Capo Bastone (Beat Head - Underboss)
    Angel = Consigliere - (Counselor/Advisor.. pero sa totoo sexy-tary yan XD)
    Louie = Capo Crimine (Crime Boss)
    Chi = Consigliere - (Counselor/Advisor... pero Lawyer daw e... hahaha!)
    Shin = Uomini D'onore - ("Men of Honor")
    Faye = Uomini D'onore - ("Men of Honor")
    Meiko = Soldati (The Soldier)

Aftermath ...

    Thanks to Louie sa paghatid. Hahaha! Dinner in Tokyo-Tokyo with Angel, Shin and Hester. Sarap! Haayy.. Nakatulog ako sa bus pauwi. Sakit din ng paa ko coz of the boots. @__@ Pero masaya. Weeee!!

Up Next ...

    Pirates Photoshoot!!! Weeee!