FiCS Issue 3 - The Bulacan Issue (Bea Glaze Edition) by FiCS Magazine

Volume no. 1 Issue #3 The Bulacan Issue Cover 1 of 2

Beru Kashiragu

Cosplay Features: Cosplayer Speaks Cosplay Suggestions Cosplayer Profiles

Gerald Avenda単o

Krisha Franz Lerie Ly

My Cosplay Story

ISSN: 2244-615X

Xeb er L i

David D'Angelo

Bea Glaze:

Bows, Arrows and Rabbit Ears! Bea Glaze cosplaying as Chiester 45 (Umineko No Naku Koro Ni)

EDITORIAL Two highly acclaimed issues released and hopefully this issue gets the same feedback as well! People around us are asking this and that on what keeps the FiCS Team going. Little do these people know that they are the reason why we keep on going. Seeing printscreens and screenshots of our magazine together with the very encouraging comments of the cosplay community really drives us beyond motivation and inspires us to up the game on a monthly scale. Within every issue that we have made, are currently making and about to make are the pieces of our hearts and soul shared to the cosplay community!

For our third issue. We are heading to Bulacan, the home province of Editor King, Staff writers Lerie, Krisha and Franz and Art Directors Erwin and Robin to feature cosplayers within their province. For our cover, we will feature two very attractive covergirls, both of which possess an admirable passion for cosplay. Our first covergirl, Bea Glaze, will share to us her cosplay beginnings, motivations and her obsession to certain parts of a costume that she simply cannot resist. Our second covergirl, Azeleia Petrova Salvatore will be showing off cosplays from both eastern and western roots. She will be sharing to us her cosplay passion and how she chooses her cosplays. Within this issue is also the feature of the very first male cosplayer to make his way on the pages of FiCS Magazine. Gerald Angelo Avenda単o will be speaking about how he sees the cosplay community both in Bulacan and in our capital and what are the changes and developments that we have undergone through the years. Beru Kahiragu will also be gracing our magazine to talk about Beru the dreamer and her dream. And last but definitely not the least. We have Xeber li. A veteran cosplayer with ten years of experience and cosplay passion. She will be giving us a glimpse of what the community was ten years ago. We would like to keep true to the promises that we made on our premiere issue, one of which is that "we will shed light on the cosplay scenes far away to places where others think that cosplay will not thrive". We would like this issue to stand as our testimony to keeping true to our promise and serve as a proof of our passion to deliver a well made magazine to the cosplay community. We will never ever stray away from our advocacy and as long as we can keep on providing quality articles and interviews to our beloved community, we will do so! -Editor King

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The FiCS Team Editor in Chief l Layout Artist: King Constantine Damaso

Art Directors:

Erwin Santos, Robin Chester Santos

Photographers:

Alec Egido, Dee Jocson, Aaron Panlaqui

3D Rendering: Marvin Frago

Staff Writers:

Franz Caballero, Justin Chantelle, David d'Angelo, Maria Krisha Franz Domanais, Mary Joy Joaquin, Andrea Legaspi, Leriely Ann Maala, Kimberly Sabino, Iveth Solevilla

Cosplayer Coordinators:

Danica Casidsid, Jhimea Dy, Dexter Ellis Mirasol, Glaiza Sutilo

Contributors:

Xtian Mack, Ray-An Posadas, Ruichi Realista

Contact:

dweavers.project@yahoo.com.ph 0935-1441-579

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Cosplay Feature: Xeber Li ................................. 02 Cosplay Feature: Gerald Avenda単o .................... 14 Cosplay Suggestions ........................................ 26 Pick of the Month: Bea Glaze ............................ 28 Pick of the Month: Azeleia ............................... 42 Cosplay Suggestions ........................................ 56 Cosplay Feature: Beru ..................................... 58 Events: FunCon ............................................... 66 Cosplayer Speaks: Genderbender ...................... 70 Cosplayer Profiles: Krisha and Lerie ................... 72 Events: Tokyo EDM Invasion ............................. 78 Cosplayer Speaks: Con over again ..................... 81 My Cosplay Story: David D'Angelo .................... 82 Pogi Stories .................................................... 85

Cosplay Feature

Xeber Li:

A decade of cosplay and counting!

A decade of cosplaying, sounds nice doesn't it? Well, Xeber Li has it and within those years are insights and memories of what the cosplay community was and what it has become. Let us now listen to our cosplay veteran to have a glimpse of how our evolution came to be!

Xeber Li cosplaying as Maria Alucard Anime: Blazblue Interview by Nobuhiro Ono & King Constantine Damaso 02

FiCS: Hello and welcome to FiCS Magazine Ms. Xeber Li! First of all, can you tell us something about yourself? Xeber: Hi, my real name is Analiza L. Principio, my friends call me Lhiz, but my cosplay friends known me as Xeber Li. I was born on June 18 and my age well, I would like to keep it secret! FiCS: You are one of the veterans when it comes to cosplaying, how long have you been a part of the cosplay community? Xeber: I started cosplaying way back in 2004 but cosplaying and me have an on and off relationship that is why it's not really the same number of years if we'll count it. FiCS: Wow since 2004? Then that means you have witnessed the evolution of the cosplay community? Xeber: Yes! Yes I did! Back then convention areas were really small and the cosplayers are you know, not that good compared to what we have achieved now. We appreciated the craftsmanship that goes in each costume. And also back then people won't laugh at you if you don't have a proper wig on for a specific character. The venues were small and the events are several months away from each other. FiCS: So back then the community was more respectful compared to what we have now? Xeber: In a way yes. In fact, it really is! One good reason is that because back then, the cosplayers were real otakus and hardcore fans. They share a common love and passion towards what they are doing and

there is a general acceptance of what we provide when we cosplay may it be good or bad. Nowadays a lot of halfhearted people were easily lured into cosplaying due extensive media exposure of cosplay especially these past three years. FiCS: Does it feel like the cosplaying is now more of a fashion trend than a hobby? Xeber: Yes, I think. But this statement does not mean to generalize all cosplayers’ point of view. There are still a lot of people out there who are wholeheartedly inlove with the hobby. At the same time, there are alot of cosplayers who are missing the point of why they are cosplaying in the first place. Yes it does seem that cosplaying looks more like a fashion trend in the eyes of many now because there are newbie cosplayers out there whom I ask for the character they are cosplaying yet they have no idea about who the character actually is. The only reason they can provide me why they cosplayed the character is that the character is cute or this and that cosplay idol cosplayed that character and they want to cosplay it too. FiCS: And as a big fan of cosplaying, are you in favor of this kind of growth or do you prefer the growth slowly but with more passionate people? Xeber: I am all in for the community’s growth because it has its sets of perks like now, people are no longer staring at us like we’re a bunch of weirdos, people are starting to appreciate the hobby too. But despite that, I still prefer people who cosplay because they really love the character they are cosplaying and they have at least

read the manga or watch the anime before making the decision to cosplay them because this is is a hobby and the way I see it, they won’t last in this hobby for shallow reasons. FiCS: Tell us how does it feel back then when other people not familliar with cosplay laugh or makes fun of you? Doesn't it discourage you? Xeber: It feels awful and yes there are times that I feel discouraged especially back during the days when I was just starting to cosplay. There was an instance that I was in the washroom A.K.A. dressing room when these two girls stared at us and straightforwardly called us weird. It got much worse on our way to the venue, people are staring and laughing at us but I sucked it all up and once I got to the venue, all the worries were gone because finally I’m with the people who understand and share the same passion that I have. FiCS: Wow! Now that is real passion! What are the usual dilemmas of a cosplayer? As a veteran we are sure that you had faced a lot of problems while cosplaying that triggered you to stop doing cosplays at some point. Xeber: First off is money, let us face it, we can’t go on to this hobby without it and for

students, that is one of the major things that discourages them and even me at one point. Second will be my parents. It is really hard to convince them how much cosplay means to me and I think it goes the same way for several parents out there since it is a very expensive hobby and it is time consuming. Third will be the people who are not familiar with cosplay. There are times that they can be very cruel critics though I do not understand why some of them hate cosplay so much. FiCS: with ten years of cosplay and counting, give us your thoughts on how would the community looks like in your eyes five years from now? Xeber: Five years from now I think the community will continue to grow and expand and people will love it more. FiCS: in that vision, is Xeber Li still included in the community? Xeber: I think, partly, I am still a part of it! Hahaha! FiCS: Give us your rating of 1 as the lowest to 10 as the highest of the community of 2004 , 2008 and the present. Xeber: For that, here's is my answer; 2007, I will rate it as 8, 2014 as 9, 2004 as 9 and every other years in between will be rated seven.

FiCS: What advice would you give the cosplayers when it comes to their parents? Xeber: My advice is, come clean with them. Explain it to them and then explain it again and again until they understand what cosplaying means to you. Give them something to be proud of, like good school grades or something. If you really like and what you do then do not give them reasons to make you stop it like failed grades and bad company. I i always show my cosplay pictures to my mom, at first she is against it but in time, shee accepted it because she begins to understand how important it is to me. FiCS: And for the readers who have no idea when it comes to cosplaying what could you tell them? Xeber: Cosplaying is just like any other hobby, it needs time, passion and investments to perfect it. People may appear to make it look glamorous and it is in a way but at the end of the day, it is still just a hobby and it should be enjoyed FiCS: Thank you for sharing us your cosplaying experiences Ms. Xeber Li and we hope to see you for a long time! Xeber: The pleasure is all mine and I will continue cosplaying as long as i can. Thank you very much for the interview.

Cosplay Feature

Gerald Avenda単o:

Old School is Cool!

Gerald, a cosplayer with seven years of memories and cosplay experience will now share to us a glimpse of what the cosplay community was seven years ago as well as his preferences in cosplaying anime characters from the 90's!

Gerald cosplaying as Ascot Anime: Magic Knight Rayearth Interview by King Constantine Damaso 15

FiCS: Welcome to FiCS Magazine Gerald. First of all, tell us something about the costume that you are wearing. Gerald: The costume that I wore for the photoshoot is Ascot from Magic Knight Rayearth. He was an antagonist on the first season of Magic Knight Rayearth but on its second season, he joined the protagonists. He has a one sided love affair with Umi which is one of the main characters. FiCS: Why did you choose this character? Gerald: Well, it is because I grew up watching the anime. I like it due to its fantasy theme and I can relate to him. Just like me, he is shy and he finds it hard to mingle with other people.

FiCS: What made him the dream character? Gerald: It is challenging since he has purple skin and he has rocks on his face. FiCS: How about current age animes? Is there a character out there that you would like to cosplay? Gerald: Characters from Magi and Free. Most of these cosplays are requests but I have to watch them first in order for me to build a relating feeling to the characters. FiCS: Speaking of ages, how long have you been cosplaying? Gerald: I have been cosplaying since August of 2007. Through those years, I have seen the rise and fall of cosplay.

FiCS: This anime is pretty old especially if we are to consider the characters FiCS: Rise and fall? May we know what that Filipino cosplayers are currently is that rise and fall? cosplaying. Are you into old school anime cosplays? Gerald: Fall of acceptance and cosplaying for fun. Back then there Gerald: Yes Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m into it since the people is a general acceptance among of the same age as I do and the cosplayers that no matter how people who know the animes that poor the materials you used or I cosplay appreciate it. Cosplaying no matter how much effortless it characters from past animes also took you to cosplay, everyone provides nostalgia. Most of the time, cosplays for fun back then. when I cosplay old school characters, Looking at todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cosplay the ones who can recognize the scene, things like rankings characters I cosplay were the and stratification organizers or the cosplayers and had destroyed congoers who are 20+ of age. the essence of cosplaying for FiCS: Is there a dream character that fun. you would like to cosplay that came from an old school anime? Gerald: Oh yes, there is! FiCS: And that character is? Gerald, He came from the anime Slayers, his name is Zelgadis

FiCS: Oh, that’s quite sad to hear especially from a cosplayer whom had almost seen it all. How about the rise of cosplay? Gerald: For the rise, costumes developed drastically. Costume details and availability of every props developed too. Every material became accessible and easier to attain. FiCS: Tell us something about being a “probinsyano cosplayer”. Gerald: People ask me “where are you from?” and when I say Bulacan, they are like “Wow! Really? That is pretty far!”. People from the capital look at Bulacan as somewhere so far, and my distance makes them think that we are admirable. Passion really makes us probinsyano cosplayers special. FiCS: What can you say about your fellow bulakenyo cosplayers? Gerald: Probably since us bulakenyos have less privileges and access to materials; it makes us more resourceful and creative. I see a lot of recycled materials from my fellow bulakenyo cosplayers and I’ve got to say, they have made quite an efficient use to these materials. FiCS: How about the cosplay scene in Bulacan? Gerald: I am happy that within the past years that I am cosplaying, I have seen it grow, and we can even manage to pull off several events in Bulacan. Some of which I was a part of the organizers. FiCS: Can you give us your comparisons of cosplay events on Bulacan and on our Capital? Gerald: On Bulacan, Cosplay events are still small but it is steadily growing and everyone from exhibitors to cosplayers and attendants are growing in numbers as well. In fact they are growing on a scale that can match NCR events. Even the ones from our capital and neighboring provinces are making their way on our local events.

FiCS: Any future cosplans that you can share to us? Gerald: I have a work in progress for a Heimerdinger cosplay. He is a character from League of Legends.

FiCS: Do you have plans to go cosplaying internationally?

Gerald: It has always been my dream to. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not that conmpetitive in cosplaying but I would like to try. Perhaps when my friends head first to FiCS: Why did you choose him? join international competition then I will. I want to experience Gerald: He is my favorite the international cosplay scene character from the gameand to see how people abroad I like his looks. I think that is enjoy cosplay. enough for me to choose him for a cosplay. FiCS: What is the best part of cosplaying for you? Gerald: That would be meeting new friends. I have always wanted to meet new friends and travel to islands within our country to meet them. FiCS: Wow, travelling to meet them? Where have you travelled to so far in order to meet new cosplay friends? Gerald: I have travelled to places like Cebu and Iloilo.

FiCS: How about the hardest part of cosplaying? What is it for you? Gerald: For the Hardest part, I think that would be making my own costumes and props. I am not good at making my own costumes and props so I rely on my friends most of the time when it comes to those things. I am not used to photoshoots too. FiCS: How does it feel to become the very first male feature of FiCS Magazine? Gerald: I am very honored to be chosen as the first male cosplayer for FiCS Magazine! It is my first time to see a cosplay magazine for the Filipinos and I am really hoping that it goes a long way! FiCS: Send your message to the cosplay community. Gerald: For those cosplayers that has seen both the good and bad sides of cosplaying, please ignore the bad sides of it because the more you look at it, the more the fun of cosplaying dies. If you were hit by the negatives of cosplaying, do not delve on it too much. Do not let other people drag you down and do not let them take the happiness away from cosplaying.

Cosplay Suggestions Pair Category Characters: Ririchiyo Shirakiin (Left) Miketsukami Soushi (Right) Anime: Inu X Boku S.S. Ririchiyo Shirakiin is a half human descendant from a youkai family. She moved to maison de ayakashi, a mansion especially for youkai half breeds like her where she wanted to live alone independently. She is bad at communicating with people and usually ends up saying bad things to them and in the aftermath, she’s left alone. However upon arriving at the mansion, she was greeted by Miketsukami Soushi, her secret service agent who declared that he is to protect her and follow her every command. When ririchiyo declined his suggestion, he offered her a katana which she is supposed to use to kill him with since his life is “now useless”. But in the end, ririchiyo surrendered and accepted him as her S.S. agent after a long troublesome dramatic debate.

Angel ayanami (Right) as Ririchiyo Shirakiin & Alex Chiong (Left) as Miketsukami Soushi ©Photography by: Jene Kirishima

Miketsukami Soushi, a half breed youkai who has inherited the blood of the evil nine tailed fox. His distinct feature is his heterochromic eyes, the left being gold and the right, blue. He stated that he would do anything for “ririchiyo-sama” and tend to sparkle when he talks to her in such a devoted manner that creeps ririchiyo. Despite Ririchiyo’s cold treatment towards Miketsukami, the two eventually grew close together and can be seen he sharing sweet little moments.

On an overall look at this cosplay suugestion, this cosplay is an easy yet ideal cosplay for the begginers and veterans alike who are looking for an instant pair cosplay.

With these things said, this pair is a good copslay suggestion for begginers in cosplay especially for the lovers out there who are into cosplay. The simple yet eleganlty formal outfit of the pair is easy to create and combined with the setting wherein the pair started out with cold treatment that gradually developed into something romantic, this pair cosplay will have a variety of possible scenarios and poses to recreate especially during photoshoots. The outfits are quite normal looking too, making it less noticeable for the bypassers during photoshoots on a public location to stare and lure unwanted attention. With the costume's normal being comes another benefit, comfort. Having a comfortable to wear costume makes it easy to pull off nice poses for you reenactment of the anime's scenes.

https://www.facebook.com/Lokis-Haven

Cosplay Cover Feature

Bea Gl aze: Bows, Arrows and Rabbit Ears! Meet Bea, one of the main reasons why we are now enjoying FiCS Magazine. Due to her encouragements, the FiCS Team managed to pull the magazine off to completion. We will now know more about this very admirable cosplayer from what her cosplay inspirations are and what are her cosplay preferences.

FiCS: Welcome to FiCS Ms. Bea Glaze. To start this interview let us talk about your fanpage. How long has it been since it was created? Bea: It was created last 2010 FiCS: With how many followers? Bea: More than 2,400 FiCS: What made you start the fanpage? Bea: It was originally created to serve as my fashion and cosplay portfolio. FiCS: What were the first pictures uploaded in your fanpage then? Cosplays or Fashion? Bea: It was my first cosplays and BTS of photoshoots and my fansigns! Haha! Back then I used to call them “friendsigns” for majority of the people asking for them were my friends. FiCS: How frequent were those fansigns then? Bea: Back then since it was not that popular as it now was, I was making around 1-2 fansigns per month but for now, I am no longer accepting fansigns. FiCS: Speaking about a page that was made for a cosplay portfolio, how many characters have you cosplayed in the course of four years?

FiCS: Do you separate your personal and cosplay life? Bea: Yes, Super! I am a private person. I do not post rants or statuses about personal matters. FiCS: Now let’s move on a more personal side of Bea Glaze, Bea, as you described yourself is simple and happy. If I want something, I work hard for it. Working hard for something, may we know more about this? Bea: Yeah! When I want something, I work really hard for it. I just do not quit, I simply do not quit because I believe that when someone wants something really bad, they must strive and do their best to get it. FiCS: Well, that is a very admirable outlook on working hard. Another thing that you have mentioned that there is something that attracts you to cosplay characters with either a bow for a weapon or a pair of bunny ears. What is it then that makes Bea Glaze attracted to them? Bea: I do not know! Haha! I have been noticing that my favorite cosplayed characters were the ones that possess either of the two. FiCS: So, You cannot explain what is there in the bunny ears and the bow that gets you attracted to them?

Bea: In those four years, I think there were around 20 characters.

Bea: No! Really! Haha!

FiCS: Is there a border between Bea the cosplayer and Bea the individual?

FiCS: Then within all your cosplayed characters, how many of them have either a bow or a pair of bunny ears?

Bea: Maybe a little, but as a whole Bea: I have cosplayed 2 characters Bea is still Bea. I like to meet new people whether they are cosplayers with bows and 2 characters with or not. I want to experience things in bunny ears. and out of the cosplay community and I want to see people smile.

FiCS: For the Bunny ears, who were those cosplays? Bea: First one was the Chiester 45 from Umineko No naku Koro Ni and the other one was from Mondaiji, her name was Kuro Usagi or “Black Rabbit”

FiCS: For Bea Glaze’s inspirations, before you stepped into the cosplay world, you were inspired by the Gosiengfiao sisters. On what way did the sisters inspire you?

Bea: I have been looking at the on the internet before I stepped into cosplaying and FiCS: And for the bow? I’m seeing great cosplays from them. I have also witnessed Bea: For the bow, it was Grand how they have gained their Archer Rena from the game success from their cosplays and Elsword and the second one how awesome they are when was from Final Fantasy, Sara they cosplay especially Alodia, Farron. she is one of the best talaga! Haha! Then there it goes, I FiCS: 4/20 means that the bow started cosplaying and I can and the arrow took 20% of your say that my desire to cosplay total cosplays though we have was kickstarted by them. no idea what is with them that got you hooked. FiCS: Was there a character Bea: Yeah! Haha!

FiCS: Among all the characters that they have cosplayed, is there any of them that you would like to cosplay? Bea: There was this character that Alodia has cosplayed but I have forgotten the name of the character. What I remember is that it has orange hair. FiCS: Through those four cosplay years, what are the things that you have enjoyed on our community?

Bea: Well, I met different kinds of people, I met friends, real ones. I also met awesome cosplayers and photographers and the thing that I have enjoyed the most are the times cosplayed by the sister that you that I have spent with them. cosplayed as well? Bea: I think there were none.

FiCS: How do you choose your cosplays? Bea: How do I choose, hmmm, whenever I watch a certain anime, there comes an urge that pushes me to cosplay characters within that anime that catches my attention via their personalities or whether they resemble a part of myself.

FiCS: So it means that you have to bring your props and costumes with you to public vehicles? Bea: Yes but most of them are on buses and taxis only. I rarely take a jeepney ride with my costumes. FiCS: Can you give us three of your best experiences through those four years?

FiCS: Was there an instance then that in a single look, it is an instant go for cosplaying Bea: Well, I was invited to judge a cosplay competition in New Era University, I that character? managed to join cosplay competitions in which I was able to get a number of Bea: Yes! Haha! awards and of course, meeting new cosplayers, photographers and fellow conFiCS: And that character was? goers. Some of which ended up as my friends! Bea: That was Lightning from Final Fantasy. FiCS: How did cosplay change your life? Bea: It helped me grow in several aspects especially in life. I learned how to prioritize your time and of course money. We all know that cosplaying is not a cheap hobby; you need to work hard in order for yout to be able to pull off a good cosplay. FiCS: Being a “probinsyana” cosplayer, tell us something about it. Bea: First of all, people call us weird! Hahaha! Especially on my first year of cosplaying, they are not really familiar with the hobby but, these past two years, cosplaying is starting to become a mainstream hobby, they are starting to recognize me as not that weird anymore. FiCS: How about the distance? Bea: For me, it is not a problem at all. FiCS: Do you commute your way to conventions? Bea: Yes!

FiCS: Through those four years, what are the changes that you have seen in our community? Bea: When I started cosplaying, the cosplay community was much more awesome. Whenever I attend conventions back in 2010, I can recognize the cosplayers either by face or by name. Everyone is familiar to my eyes. They are friendly, they are not snobs and the most important of all, they are not fame “seekers”. The last convention that I have attended was like “Whoah, who are you people?” and things like “rankings” are everywhere. It somehow no longer looks like a community based on cosplay but more on fame. FiCS: Speaking of cosplaying entering the mainstream, how do you prefer cosplays progress? A passionate handful or a halfhearted crowd? Bea: Actually, everyone can cosplay if they want to, I think what matters is that you can inspire people just like what Alodia does. She inspires alot of people because of her passion towards cosplay though we can’t deny the fact that there are cosplayers out there that are only cosplaying because it is “cool” or it is an “eye catcher”.

FiCS: How about on costumes? Bea: It improved alot! Back then cosplayers just stack boxes together to make a Voltes V cosplay. Nowadays, there are very few people who want to cosplay that way. Materials improved too! They are now more efficient than ever and can be used on more flexible ways.

FiCS: Leaving the community, what are the things that you are about to miss? Bea: My friends and the atmosphere of being in the anime world where everyone lives in a fantasy world. FiCS: Let us say that you have now managed to invest something for your future, will you return to cosplaying?

Bea: Maybe, or maybe my children! FiCS: Do you see yourself cosplaying Haha! five years from now? Bea: Five years from now, that’s a tough one because these past few weeks I’ve been thinking about quitting cosplay to prioritize personal matters. We must invest something for the future. FiCS: Is it also because of you losing interest in cosplaying? Or is it that you would like to venture new areas of life?

FiCS: Is it just a consideration or is it for good? Bea: It is a tough choice! Really! As much as possible, I want to settle down and have some time with my family and if given a chance, I will not totally quit cosplaying, but I will return! FiCS: How about this year, will we still see more cosplays from you?

Bea: This year, maybe a little more because hopefully, this might not be Bea: I have not outgrown the love for cosplay yet but I have this hunger the year that I will quit cosplaying. to land a job because I have never FiCS: For your last cosplay, since had one. I want to try different stuffs you are considering to leave aside from cosplay and I want to the community, who would that experience more aside from that. character be and why? FiCS: With that said, have you found one already? Bea: Yeah! Currently I’m working as a private nurse.

Bea: That would be Lightning from Final Fantasy! Why Lightning? It is because we have similarities. It is rare for you to see lightning smile with her teeth exposed. I am like that! Haha!

FiCS: Last question, how do you see FiCS: Since you are thinking about the community three years from leaving the community, what do you now? think is your biggest contribution to Bea: I guess, more cosplayers will the community? improve their costumes. There will be a brand new generation of Bea: I think I inspired some people cosplayers. I can see them as a with my cosplays. There are some much better than what we are kids sending me messages like “ate today. magco-cosplay din ako katulad mo!”. That is really something to me!

Photo Credits: Alec Egido, Aaron Panlaqui Bea's Cosplay Character List: A - Chiester 45 (Umineko No Naku Koro NI) B &C - Grand Archer Rena (Elsword) D - Kunimitsu Tezuka (The Prince of Tennis)

Interview by King Constantine Damaso

Cosplay Cover Feature A

Azeleia Salvatore:

Games and Friends, not about the likes!

Azeleia, an avid gamer got influened by her sister and urged to cosplay by her classmates. Fast forward to today, she has now made a name in cosplaying and the fans are lining up on a continuous scale. Let us now listen to what our dear cosplayer has to say and one thing is for sure, this is not about the likes!

FiCS: Welcome to FiCS Magazine Azeleia! First of all, how does it feel to become the covergirl for FiCS Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third issue? Azeleia: Thank you for making me the covergirl. It gave me excitement as well as an unexplainable happiness.

FiCS: If weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ask you for a third character for your cosplay feature, who will that character be? Azeleia: That would be Jinx from the online game League of Legends. FiCS: Why Jinx?

FiCS: How does it feel during the shoot? Azeleia : I think because she has a different killing smite. Azeleia: Tiring because of the weather but we were able to manage it. I really FiCS: Is there any aspect of your lifestyle that changed because of enjoyed it. cosplay? FiCS: What was your first impression of Azeleia: Yes, and that is fashion. the team? Sometimes I go to school wearing wigs and other cosplay stuff. Azeleia: Since today is my second outdoor photoshoot, at first I felt FiCS: We heard that you are shy because there are other crossdresing too. We would like photographers than the team. to know what your reasons are for The FiCS Photography team were cosplaying the opposite gender? approachable and friendly. FiCS: You are only 16 years old and you are already cosplaying for three years now. Do we still have a lot to look forward for your future cosplays or there are tendencies for a burnout? Azeleia: That, I cannot guarantee. It is not about the likes and what the people say and appraise me with. I just want to cosplay and make new friends. FiCS: With that answer, it seems that we are about to a lot more from you. Moving forward, tell us something about the characters that you have cosplayed for this interview. Azeleia: Astrid Hofferson is the amazona type, main character and partner of Hiccup on How to Train Your Dragon 2. I have chosen her because she is not the girly type of character. Same goes with my second chosen character which is Sinon from Sword Art Online 2. For Sinon I have chosen her because she is my favorite character and aside from that fact, my favorite color is light blue.

Azeleia: I crossdress male characters because some of them are more gorgeous than female characters. FiCS: Are there any hidden talents that Azeleia keeps from the public? Azeleia: Well, there is, that is acting. FiCS: If we were to make Azeleia choose between games and anime for her cosplays, which one would it be? Azeleia: I will choose videogame cosplays. FiCS: Why videogames? Azeleia: Well, I am a gamer and I like character design from games more than character design from animes. FiCS: Among all the videogames that you have played, which game have you picked your cosplayed character the most? Azeleia: League of Legends

FiCS: Why did you choose league of Legends?

FiCS: What made your Elsa cosplay one of the best experience?

Azeleia: Because I find the game user friendly, stylish and it Azeleia: What made it special is a good stress reliever. is that there were alot of kids asking for me to sing “Let it FiCS: Within those three years, Go”. who is your favorite cosplayed character? FiCS: And did you sing for Azeleia: My favorite cosplayed them? character is Lightning Farron from Final Fantasy.

Azeleia: No.

FiCS: What would be Azeleia’s best cosplay experience?

FiCS: How about the hardest part of cosplay?

FiCS: What made you start cosplaying? Azeleia: My little sister influenced me, obviously she is an otaku. Back in December of 2011 there was an event in Bulacan called “The First Anime Town” where my classmates asked me to cosplay. FiCS: And who is the character that you cosplayed? Azeleia: Maka Albarn from Soul Eater, but I did not instantly fall inlove with the hobby.

Azeleia: During 7th Philippine FiCS: Tell us what happened Azeleia: Wearing your armors Cosplay Convention, I cosplayed and weapons and making your during your first cosplay? Elsa from frozen and it took me eye liner look so perfect. Azeleia: Oh, it was an epic two hours to finish my make-up. failure!

FiCS: Being a cosplayer, tell us about your travel experiences from Bulacan to Manila.

FiCS: How do you choose your characters to cosplay?

FiCS: Why is it? Azeleia: What happened is that my scythe got broken and I'm not wearing a wig.

Azeleia: First, I make researches about the character then I watch the anime to know her further. FiCS: Do you join cosplay competitions?

FiCS: Having said that you did not instantly fall for the hobby Azeleia: Yes but limited to the on your first attempt, how province area only. many times did it take you to love cosplaying then? FiCS: Why not try in our capital? Azeleia: It took me two attempts. Azeleia: Well, because it FiCS: With that said, may is alot of hassle and the we know who the second number of participants are character was? way too many. Azeleia: The second character was Chi from Chobits FiCS: Who is your most unforgettable cosplayed character? Azeleia: Elsa from Frozen, because of the experience that I shared earlier.

FiCS: What were those competitions that you have won?

Azeleia: From Bulacan, I have to ride a bus or an FX then transfer to an MRT which usually takes hours for the whole travelling time. When I arrive on the event, I make my cosplay preparations for three hours. FiCS: We have character stereotypes, what character stereotype will you classify yourself as? Azeleia: I will classify myself as a bishoujo! FiCS: Why bishoujo? Azeleia: Because I like their stories about friendship and being a heroine. FiCS: Let us say a male cosplayer out there wants to be your partner for a pair cosplay. What would be his requirements to make you say yes?

Azeleia: I won on my schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Azeleia: I think he has to be cosplay competition twice, taller than me. and then one was at ACLC Showdown in Robinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Malolos.

FiCS: Any future cosplay plans that you can share to us? Azeleia: I will be cosplaying Frostfire Annie from League of Legends. FiCS: It seems that you really like playing League of Legends, how long have you been playing it? Azeleia: I’ve been playing it for three months now. FiCS: Cosplaying video game characters, which one will you choose, antagonists or protagonists? Azeleia: I will definitely choose the protagonists! FiCS: Since you own a cosplay shop, we would like to know what the current trends are when it comes to customers’ purchased items. Azeleia: Oh, the most usual orders from my shop were Asuna costumes from Sword Art Online and Shingeki no Kyojin uniforms. FiCS: Last part of this interview; send your message to the cosplay community. Azeleia: To all of the cosplayers out there, do what you love and love what you do! No one can stop us from cosplaying, show your talents, share our creativity and appreciate every individual’s worth in our community!

Photo Credits: Alec Egido, Marvin Frago, Ruichi Realista Azeleia's Cosplay Character List: A - Astrid Hofferson (How to Train Your Dragon 2) B - Sinon (Sword Art Online 2) Interview by King Constantine Damaso

Cosplay Suggestions Pair Category Characters: Sanka Rea (Right) Furuya Chihiro (Left) Anime: Sankarea Zombie girl meets zombie-obsessed, slightly necrophiliac human guy ― this is probably the most unique selling point of the pairing Sanka Rea and Furuya Chihiro, from the anime Sankarea. This love team began when the anime’s main protagonist, Chihiro, who is so fascinated about anything regarding zombies and the dead, found a resurrection manuscript with ingredients written on it which he studied and experimented with in order to bring his dead cat, Babu, back to life. However, the events suddenly turned into an interesting situation when his friend, Rea, stole the potion he made based on the resurrection manuscript in order to commit suicide due to her complicated life, thinking it will kill her because of the poisonous nature of the potion’s ingredients, but her attempt failed. Surprisingly, instead of dying, which is what she really wanted in the first place, she turned into a zombie due to an abusive argument with her dad which led to her accidentally falling off into a cliff, instantly killing her as a human but resurrecting her as a zombie. Chihiro looked after her after the transformation, and since he’s fond of zombies and kept a promise to himself years ago that his first kiss would be a zombie girl, mutual affections started developing between the two as the series progressed. During the start of the show, Rea originally had blue eyes but after turning into a zombie, it changed into a crimson red color. Even though she often changes her outfit throughout the entire series, her most memorable attire would be her school uniform, which is what we suggest to cosplayers who are planning to portray her. Her personality is easy to imitate as she is a gentle yet friendly girl who only wishes to live a happy and normal life with the people she loves. However, as a zombie she is constantly seen feeding on hydrangea leaves, which people don’t normally eat so bringing an artificial leaf when cosplaying her is also suggested. Another difficult part of cosplaying her is that she also tends to attempt devouring Chihiro when in “eater confusion” zombie mode, but tends to go back on her senses if Chihiro talks her out of it.

Aionicco Angelo Villa (Left) cosplaying as Furuya Chihiro and Yvonne Caryl (Right) cosplaying as Sanka Rea .Photography by: Priane V ©

Chihiro, on the other hand, has really no signature attire as his casual outfits tend to change from episode to episode, but his trademark would be his spiky, cat-like hair which is quite hard to imitate if a cosplayer is planning to use his real hair. His personality is lazy and rather laid-back yet he is a very effective speaker due to his analytical way of thinking and wide perspective. An example of a great Sanka Rea x Furuya Chihiro cosplay would be the one on this photo: The laid-back attitude of Chihiro and the gentle yet sweet facial expression of Rea were perfectly portrayed in this cosplay photo. Definitely deserving for a two thumbs up!

Cosplay Feature

Beru Kashiragu:

The dreamer and her dream

Beru, a cosplayer created by her owner, Belle, loves to mingle with her friends and make people happy. Let us now listen to what this fictional character has to say to the cosplay community!

Beru cosplaying as Miwako Sakurada Anime: Paradise Kiss Interview by King Constantine Damaso

FiCS: tell us who Beru the cosplayer and Belle the normal person is? Are there any similarities? differences? Beru: As what is stated on my page, Beru is a fictional character, A character made by myself! She’s a cosplayer who loves to mingle with her friends and love to make people happy. Behind the character Beru is me! Belle! As a student, I study hard to keep up my good grades at school. As an entrepreneur, instead of having a part-time job, I decided to apply what I have learned from school so I started an online business. I earn enough to fund my cosplay needs and other commitments with my family and friends. About my personality, I enjoy stuff both for boys and girls. I do not get easily upset but still, there’s a limit. I am a strict sister to my younger brothers. I am a joyful person, dancing and singing for fun and I love street foods. For the Similarities, I think we are similar in creativity, friendliness and cheerful of course! As for the differences, we have a very big difference! When Belle doesn’t have classes, she usually stays home. She really looks bad whenever she’s at home for she wears pajamas and the used large shirts of her brothers or her Dad together with her oily face and ragged hair. Beru on the other hand, always have to look like a moving doll! She should always look like the character that she portraying. Belle is the dreamer, and Beru is her dream! FiCS: Who makes your costumes? Beru: My costumes are mostly made of fabric. Since I don't have a talent or skills in sewing, I have a trusted taylor who sew the costume for me. Even if I'm not the one who sew the costumes I always make sure that every costume I used have a touch of me. I'm always hands-on with the making of my

costume to be used, like I'm the one who will personally buy the cloth to check the quality as well as with the materials like buttons, ribbons, etc . The fun side of buying those materials in Divisoria is that I enjoy both shopping and haggling despite of the people jamming the place. FiCS: How long did it take you to make the costume? Beru: It only took me a few hours. I just combined/used some parts from my other costumes and I also checked what is available on my wardrobe. FiCS: What made you choose this character? Beru: I chos this character because she has mixed emotions, cheerful and childish like me! FiCS: Aside from anime/manga and gaming, what else are the sources of inspiration that you have for cosplaying? Beru: My Friends!! I think without them, I would not enjoy this art and it would not be interesting. Because of my friends, I am able to enjoy everything! FiCS: For Beru, what is the best thing in cosplaying? Beru: SMILE! Cosplaying gives me satisfaction, a feeling that you can’t explain. I’m happy when people appreciate my craft and when I see my friends everywhere. I’m happy when they can recognize me and call me. Cosplaying makes me smile! FiCS: Up to what age do you see yourself cosplaying? Beru: As of now, I don’t want to think about how far I should go or to stop. I want to enjoy the moment and be happy, because thinking of quitting makes me sad. FiCS: Tell us an unforgettable

experience as a cosplayer. Beru: I think the most unforgettable experience of mine was when I sang â&#x20AC;&#x153;Twinkle Twinkle Little Starâ&#x20AC;? on stage. It was for the talent portion but since I was not prepared, I decided to make the audience laugh by singing an unexpected song. FiCS: Who are the cosplayers that you look up to? Beru: The one cosplayer that I look up since I started in this community is non other than Ms.Alodia Gosiengfiao. Honestly, I never know that this kind of community exists until a good friend showed me a photo of her. From then on, I told to myself that I want to be like her. I adore her for her passion to cosplay, to make our favorite characters real through us by cosplaying.

FiCS: How do you choose your cosplayed characters? Beru: I usually base it with the costume of the character as well as with the personality. It is very important that the cosplayer can relate with the character he/she is cosplaying to be able to portray the character well. FiCS: How much is the highest amount of money you have spent? As well as the lowest? Beru: My average cost per costume is 2,000. As much as possible I want to be resourceful that's why I'm always looking for the cheaper alternatives, I think the lowest amount I've spent was 500 and the highest is about 4,500 for the armor costume. FiCS: Tell us what happened during your first cosplay.

FiCS: Do you consider going international for cosplaying?

Beru: My first character was Golden Darkness or Yami from To Love Ru Beru: Definitely! I also want to witness for Pinoy Otaku Expo. It was a very how other nations love the culture. I memorable one because I was able to love how passionate they are on their convince my best friend to come and hobby like me. I love meeting new cosplay with me. She's not into that people and gaining new friends is like thing, but she did it just for me. And I a reward for me wherein we can share think it's the sweetest! different experiences and ideas. To explore the culture and the country is FiCS: Who is your favorite cosplayed also the best thing I look up to. character? FiCS: how frequent to do you attend conventions? Beru: It depends on my availability, as much as possible I want to balance my responsibilities, priorities, and hobbies, but if I were lucky enough and given a chance to make cosplay as my profession then It's a dream come true. FiCS: How many characters do you cosplay so far? Beru: I think more than 15 characters since I started.

Beru: Miwako Sakurada from Paradise Kiss. FiCS: Why is it? Because she's the most fashionable among the characters that I cosplayed . Whenever I cosplay her character It's like a reality and a dream, her character and I have lots of similarities from the fashion taste to personality. That's why I really love her .

FiCS: Any message to the cosplay community. Beru: To all my co-cosplayer, it's always good to enjoy what we are doing but always remember the purpose of cosplay is not just about the competition and popularity, cosplay is about portraying the characters that you love while enjoying the company of other people that has the same interest and passion for what they are doing. Cosplay is a world where we can be what we want to be or wish to be without being judged.

Events FunCon 2014 by Xtian Mack For those of us who have been frequenting anime, otaku, or cosplay conventions for years now, you may have already become jaded and weary of seeing the same things at these events. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really hard to be excited about another bland and predictable con afterall. Luckily, Funcon was a departure of the usual conventions and events the people of our community go to. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t held on a plush mall or an enormous convention center. It was held on a small restaurant with attendees barely reaching the hundreds but that did not really matter. It lived up to its name as its attendees had a great, fun time with lots of games, music, and surprises from start to finish. Dutifully organized by Mark Vibas and supported by his family and friends, Funcon was conceptualized as an event that made pleasant deviations to what people have been used to in otaku events. Although quite new to event organization and planning, the group had thought things through and had done their homework and more in coming up with something innovative the community can look forward to.

The Funky Monkey Bar & Grill in Fairview, Quezon City was a favorable venue for the event, having an ample stage, space for booths, and space for the attendees to do their preparations, dress up, congregate and take photos. Around the venue were guest sponsors like Azaleia’s Cosplay Shop, Serendipity Beauty Products, Loki’s Haven & Lyme Cosplay which gave attendees the opportunity to browse through their products and learn more about them and cosplay in general. Great music was provided by amazing indie bands: Zoryl, Kupita, Pikoy, Shigai Cake, Asterysk, Ikuzo Iwa, Radyo, and the Mirage. Playing a variety of songs from various genres, they kept the crowd up and alive all day Funcon also had the debut of Kitsune Da~O, the Philippine’s first Baby Metal cover group. Theirs was a much anticipated performance enjoyed by everyone in attendance. There were games for everyone, like Low Cost cosplay, where participants dress up one of their own members as a particular character using literally whatever they can find lying around.

Panel discussions and talks were given by some of the most prominent cosplayers in the community about the many fascinating aspects of cosplay that gave Funcon its unique edge. Naru discussed “Art of Choosing” for those new to cosplaying and their considerations when choosing their characters, RB Cheng shared “The Art of Mechas” with tips and techniques on building mecha and armored costumes, Shiela Millette discussed “The Art of Versatility” in cosplaying, and Ms. Loki Heart shared “The Art of the Trade” which dealt with being smart and frugal when it came to cosplay necessities. Then there was Deadpoolicious, Mark Vibas himself, who talked about “The Art of Performance” in cosplay. Everyone had a wonderful time partaking in the sight and sounds of this event, small but cozy enough for participants to make new friends, catch up on what is going on, share opinion and ideas, and take lots of photos and videos from. Best of all, everyone who attended got to help out as proceeds from the event help Colors and Doodles, the Funky Monkey Bar & Grill’s project to help the community through supporting the education of the less fortunate, as they now help send 365 children/scholars to school. We congratulate everyone who was involved in organizing this event for a job well done and for boldly trying out something new for the community. We eagerly look forward to the next installment.

Shop Hours:

6:00 am - 8:00pm Mondays to Saturdays only

Contact:

azeleiacosplayshop@gmail.com / 09355889792 facebook.com/BeeYuu14

Shipment Schedule:

Wednesdays and Satudays only

Pre-Order Cut-offs: Every Tuesday

Cosplayer Speaks Genderbending: Cosplay or nay? by: Mary Joy Joaquin Genderbending anime, manga, game and comic book characters is currently becoming a trend in the cosplay scene. Many cosplayers nowadays seem to enjoy genderbending their favorite characters just to see how these characters would look like if they turn into the opposite sex in a sudden magical twist of fate, while others try it just for the sake of having fun. On the other hand, there are also these cosplayers who really wanted to cosplay a certain character they admire but since the character belongs to the opposite sex and these cosplayers cannot pull off looking like the opposite sex, they just decided to genderbend the characters instead. For example, let's say there was this female cosplayer who wanted to cosplay Naruto Uzumaki of Naruto Shippuden. However, she cannot pull off looking like a convincing guy, or rather crossplaying no matter how hard she tries to change her appearance through the use of makeup. So, instead of looking like an extremely girly Naruto, she decided to just genderbend the said character by altering his official design. Come the day of the event, she then cosplayed him wearing a yellow skirt on instead of pants, and without binding her chest as well--- making the character genderbent as a girl which can now be called "Naruko".

Nonetheless, genderbend cosplays require creativity, since you have to alter the character's original design according to your imagination of how he/she would look like as the opposite sex, and still recognizable despite the alteration.

However, there are a number of cosplay "purists" on the internet who are against To make it easier for you to understand, genderbend cosplay, in layman's terms, is defined genderbend cosplays. Since cosplaying requires being in as altering the character's original design to turn him/her into the opposite sex for cosplay purposes. character and portraying a specific, officially existing character at that, these cosplay "purists" This should not be confused with crossplaying, believe that genderbend cosplays cannot be wherein it is the sex of the crossplayer that is considered cosplay anymore since changing the opposite to that of the sex of the character he or she is portraying, and therefore the original design character's sex would mean turning him or her into a different person. This would mean that the of the character is still retained. Genderbending cosplayer is just portraying a non-existing, fanand crossplaying are two different things, and made character instead of the actual character should not be taken similarly. he or she intends to portray.

Regarding this debate, we decided to ask a number of cosplayers for their opinions on genderbend cosplays. Here are some of the answers we got: "Yes, it is still cosplay. Each cosplayer has his or her own interpretation when it comes to portraying a character. If they can express themselves well enough on that gender in cosplay then I think it's okay for them to do so."

- Zonasha Avvy Musa, 20

"I think it's not considered as cosplay since you need to alter the original appearance, outfit and personality of the character. Since they can only base it to the original character, people who would do the genderbent ones would have different kinds of views and ideas on the "new" character that they would create so for me, you could also consider that as creating your own Original Character."

- Rei Yazawa, 20

"Of course it is still cosplay. If not, even O.Cs or own characters wouldn't be considered cosplay."

- Outa-sensei, 23

“Yes, for me it’s just being creative because you want to cosplay a certain character you love, that’s why you want to portray him. For me, genderbending is still considered cosplay because there are times when I also feel like I want to genderbend characters such as Edward Kenway, as in, ‘cause he’s my idol, super. Haha! The only downside about genderbending is when others genderbend a character just so that they would be able to show their boobs or make it sexy. I am really pissed off by those cosplayers who put a “twist” in the character’s design just so that they could show their boobs and some skin. But for me, genderbending is still cosplay unless the cosplayer jeopardized the character for the sake of “boobplay”. What the heck.”

- Ruru Kumi, 18

Genderbending a character is still up to the cosplayer in question. In the end, whether it is cosplay or not, no one has the right to stop a cosplayer's freewill if he or she decides to try genderbending a character. The rest, however, is up to the critics. How about you, what do you think of genderbend cosplays? Can it still be considered cosplay or nay?

Share your articles to the community by sending them at dweavers.project@yahoo.com.ph Let us make the community enligthened and entertained about the art of cosplaying!

Cosplayer Profiles

Lerie Ly

Krisha Franz 72

Nickname: Lerie Age: 20 Location: Marilao Cosplaying: Kuriyama Mirai Anime: Kyoukai no Kanata Cosplaying Since: 2009,2012 Characters Cosplayed: 9 Otaku Level: 47% Blood Type: O Cosplay Motivation: The joy that the experience brings to me and my friends. Hobbies: Illustrating, Reading Mangas & Novels, Watching J-Dramas & Anime, Playing RPG Games, Dancing to K-Pop Music Favorite Food: Anything chocolate flavored Favorite Drink: Milkshake & Water

Nickname: Krisha Age: 19 Location: Meycauayan Cosplaying: Nase Mitsuki Anime: Kyoukai no Kanata Cosplaying Since: 2013 Characters Cosplayed: 4 Otaku Level: 65% Cosplay Motivation: Seeing Filipino cosplayers express their fandom and art through cosplay Hobbies: Sketching, Doing Anime Marathons, Reading Mangas and Novels, Playing the Guitar. Favorite Food: Ice Cream Favorite Drink: Any chocolate flavored drink.

“Living without power, without the ability to change my course, was bound to lead me to a slow death. ”

-Lelouch Lamperouge (Code Geass)

“ There are no such things as coincidences in this world. There is only the inevitable. ”

-Yuuko Ichihara (XXX Holic)

Events Tokyo EDM Invasion By Xtian Mack More than just the biggest rave party of the year, it was a spectacle of music, art, and dance as the best from Tokyo and Manila come together last August 2 at the SMX Convention Center. All roads led to the SM Mall of Asia as this much anticipated event finally took place after being the talk of the local club scene for quite some time. Tokyo EDM Invasion 2014, organized and produced by Red Alert Live and Nijiiro, was conceptualized as a party like no other with a distinct and dynamic Japanese feel, guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on Manilaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events scene. This was Tokyo EDM Invasion 2014, and the FICS Team was there to get a piece of the action and to bring you the highlights of this unique event.

The organizers wanted Filipinos to have a one-of-a-kind experience of what it is like in Tokyo’s dynamic, ultra-modern club scene as they fly in their best DJs and performers straight from Japan. Teaming up with them are Manila’s club scene best. Laying down the welcome as they had the crowd grooving on their feet and pumping their fists to their best mixes with their frenetic sets. Rocking SMX Convention Center Hall One were Ace Ramos, Deuce Manila, The Zombettes, Curse & Bless, and VIP Events Manila DJ Ais Mark Nicosia. The Invasion part of the program started off with renowned Taiko drummer, Makoto Yamamoto, performing for the first time in front of a Philippine audience. He gave a strong, emphatic performance on the traditional Japanese drums. He was followed by the hard-rocking sets of Japan’s best DJs: Ayumi with Tsubee and Daijiro and kept the audience moving and shaking. Renowned choreographers/dancers, Kai-zen Crew, had performances incorporating ninjitsu techniques in their dance moves, much to the delight of the audience. VJs Tsubasa and Dynamo added a unique visual experience through their performances on stage.

Having the honor of delivering the finale for Tokyo EDM Invasion was DJ Dantz, Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s number one DJ. His skills and showmanship sent the amazing night into its climax. At its conclusion, he and the other performers had delivered an exciting fusion of traditional Japanese culture and Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s modern club scene. Easily the biggest, most exciting club/dance/party event of the year, the organizers and the performers were visibly pleased with the overwhelming support and turnout and promised that Tokyo EDM Invasion will be coming back next year. We would like to send our gratitude and congratulations to them as Tokyo EDM Invasion 2014 had just delivered the best Japanese clubbing experience ever.

In My Opinion Cosplay Events: Too Many, More of the Same by David D'Angelo When I started cosplaying in 2010, the events we have in the cosplay community can be counted by your two hands. These were quality events with distinct features and things which you definitely would look forward to. Fast forward today, we have the same number of events in just a month or a quarter at most. Events are happening almost every week, from major events organized by known organizers and groups to minor events organized by newbies in the field. These perhaps is the result of the mainstream rise of cosplay in pop culture. Everyone wants to be a cosplayer in fact if he or she will be given the chance and do not deny that. The basic ingredient of every event consist of a cosplay competition that would usually involv those competing to go on stage and compete with one another to win categorical titles such as Best Male, Best Female, Best Mecha, Best Anime, etc. and then they will be given prizes for that. Events like this are popping out in every corner with various add-ons of course and various prizes. Before events would only cost you as much as P250 and that is the highest for a regular ticket. A VIP back then was never really implemented. Today however, in order to enjoy an event there were ticket prices sold to as high as P5,000 and regular entry fees range from P100 to P500. What would you get if you purchase the VIP tickets? Well, a meet and greet with your favorite cosplayer together with signed autographs, photos and freebies. Not bad right? The question however is does this really improve the quality of experience of everyone going to the convention and of the person himself? Events nowadays just differ in sizes, the special guest they would have, and the venue but generally they are just the same overall. Of course we cannot blame organizers because it is really a big risk to try out something new because it might not work or they can lose valuable time and money for it. Would the events of the future have foreign cosplayers and guest going to that event for free because they believe that it adds value to them and that they love what the event brings? Would the events of the future truly develop the passion of cosplayers, anime lovers, artists, photographers and others? Would it be more than just seeing someone very popular? Let me ask you then, what events do you like to see in the future? What features are you looking forward to? Share your articles to the community by sending them at dweavers.project@yahoo.com.ph Let us make the community enligthened and entertained about the art of cosplaying!

My Cosplay Story David D'Angelo a two week event planning. I

was intrigued as well on how would I feel if I would cosplay, so I borrowed a costume from Gerald Avenda単o. On August 19, 2010, I cosplayed as the Priest of Dawn from Lineage II. The event was successful and I am happy to have organized the first ever cosplay event in Bulacan. However, the cosplay experience was not complete since it did not feel correct for me. From there on, I started to have cosplay plans and eventually went on cosplaying many other characters like Kakuzu, Max Domon, Borat, Master Pogi (Mr. Satan), Kratos, Killer B, Mr. Incredible, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Spawn and more.

David, also known to the community as Master Pogi is quite renowned as an active event organizer and the Vice President of Naruto Cosplayers Philippines. Behind this colorful resume is a life that is filled with struggles and triumphs, David, you may now tell us your cosplay story. How it all Started?

It was in August 2010 that I was asked to organize a cosplay event for SM City Baliwag. I am an avid fan of anime but cosplay was never my thing. I contacted Bulacan Cosplay Mania (BCM), the known cosplay group in Bulacan that time to help me create the event. It was

Who am I outside of Cosplay?

have to endure everything in order to give them the best I can give although I know they deserve more than that. I am lucky to have kids like them who understands me, no matter what my shortcomings are. What is my greatest struggle as a person? The greatest struggle for me is being an orphan. I never met my father since he died before I was born and then my mother died when I was 5 years old. I have to decide for myself, know what is right and wrong, endure the pain of growing up and most of all struggle to be accepted by people around me since I terribly need to find belongingness and something to hold on to. What about love?

Outside the cosplay community, I am a very social active individual. I participate in social issue discussions. I am also a blogger which write about product and movie reviews, events, inspirational stories, music, social issues, and personal opinions. I am a single father to three lovely kids: John Dwight, Helen Cleodara and David Jr.. Since my wife and I separated, I had to endure nine long years in order to get reunited with them. I missed them every single day. Now that we are together, I

Love? Well, I guess love is the greatest feeling in this world and we should always express it. I tend to do that most of the time. Sometimes I know I have caused pain on others but most of the time I caused pain also on myself. They say too much love will kill you but the true thing is it would not but it will only hurt you and eventually lead to you becoming a better person. I have been in many relationships and some of them did not really went well. I am a guy who can easily fall in love with someone but when I love someone so dearly I stick with that person and wish I would have no one else. Right now, I am trying my best to really stay in my relationship and would do all I can to show my love and affection for that person.

What is your greatest challenge in cosplay? I am e very vocal person and when I feel something is not right I would definitely speak up. This characteristic most of the time put me in the hotseat several times. I remember an article way back then which even bashed my kids and hurt me so much. People would accuse you of everything and throw all the blame they can without even thinking if it would really be helpful or the effects of such things.

Friendship in cosplay is great and noursihing but there are people who would only use you for their own sake. I was approached sometime to coerce in doing something favorable to them but I certainly

refused such offers. By that refusal, I felt that they would always make sure that I would feel their dislike over me and what I do.

What is my message to others and to those reading this?

How did I triumphed over my most recent battle?

In the end, remember that our future is determined by wat we do at the present moment and not by what we have done in the past.

We all have our lives outside of cosplay and it is that life that we should concentrate more I choose to be silent on and build a strong foundation. things like this. It is better that Always remember that we will people do not know for in time not be cosplayers our whole life they would eventually realize and we have more important the truth about things. There are things to consider. Build those which tried to bring me down, spread gossips and more bridges not walls, friendships not enemies, empathy not but for me, I am not living for compassion, positivity not other people for I am living for negativity, and love not hate. myself and those that I love.

It was with my friends and the people who love and supported me that I was able to triumph over it. They lend the help and trusted me. The person I lost back then eventually came back and cared for me again. I vowed to never lose her again this time. Just recently I started with my new job as Digital Marketing Officer for Mustard Seed Systems Corporation, a job which I started to love and see as the real ideal job for me. Besides that, I guess the greatest key of emerging triumphant over that battle is keeping the faith in God and in believing that somewhere down the road things would be better.

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Ang sarap nito! Whooo! Parang blade kung gumuhit sa lalamunan! Para lang Banayad Whiskey!

Pogi Stories by David D'Angelo Story #1: Ang Pag-agaw ng RC Cola kay Pogi! May balak ang taong ito, ano ang ginagawa niya?

Huhuhu!! Ang RC ko!!!

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