Cosplayer Ricah Baltazar - "Cosplay: Imitation Is The Greatest Form Of Flattery"

An interesting morning to all of you and I'm glad that we are on the right track to be on the number 1 spot for the line of cosplayer blogging. Also gain my interest today is our featured cosplayer. This Filipina cosplayer really have this distinct attitude and I don't think it's gonna be weird on a reason of dealing with cosplay concept and all that. I guess being on the Top 20 of Cosplay Of The Year Award is truly astounding on the level of concept and portraying. She called herself as Snowfallslasher but I want to call her on her real name and that's Ricah Baltazar. Here's our short chit-chat with her. :)

Q: Can you introduce yourself to your fans (Name, Location and your Age)?

A: Name: Ricah Baltazar (Snowfallslasher)

Location: Las Pinas, if not in some bizarre fantasy world created by a mash up of Disney, Jim Henson, and Tim Burton films.

Age: My brain is eternally 12

Q: On your own words, what is cosplay/cosyplaying? What inspires you to do cosplay and when did you start cosplaying?

A: Imitation is the greatest form of flattery, and that’s basically what cosplay is. Cosplaying is giving tribute to a fictional character you have fallen in love it, whether it be from a Japanese Anime or a popular Western film.

I started cosplaying when a Final Fantasy clan member showed me photos of her Faye cosplay (that was the time when TV Cable chatlinks had more than just kinky ads for “hot one night stands”). I’ve been a gamer geek since my dad introduced us to the FamiCom, and have always thought video game characters had the coolest clothes. Even if I had not found the hobby, I probably would have had costumes made for sheer geek-awesomeness factor.

I get inspired to cosplay when I find characters I am extremely fond of. It gives me a glimpse of what it would be like to step into the character’s shoes. In turn, I get to promote the character, and show others what makes him/her cool. 

Q: Can you enumerate all of the cosplay acts that you have done? As for you, what's your best cosplay act for your entire career?

A: In no particular order:

1. Testament - Guilty Gear

2. Klaha - Malice Mizer (Bara no Seidou concert)

3. Klaha - Garnet video

4. Kurai - Angel Sanctuary

5. A.B.A. - Guilty Gear

6. Cossette - Le Portrait de Petit Cossette

7. Asura Zanmaden - Samurai Spirits

8. Amy Sorel - Soul Calibur 3

9. Tira - SC3

10. Harle - Chrono Cross

11. Amy Sorel - SC4

12. Will of the Abyss - Pandora Hearts

13. Momohime - Oboro Muramasa. 

My costumes gradually improve, as I continue to learn new things from the hobby.

My best would be either Amy Sorel (SC4) or Momohime. I really tried to make them accurate as possible. They were tough to make, but it is so worth it. Nothing boosts my cosplay ego better than searching Google for their names + the word “cosplay”, and seeing my photos being the first to pop-out of the search. Not that I’m arrogant, but I love the fact that fellow fans of the character appreciate my portrayal.

Q: Some expectation this 2011?

A: A lot of big projects. I plan on doing a major cosplay Photoshoot of Myobi (Alichino) some time this April (I’m looking for a Ryoko, btw). And I’m excited for our group cosplay.

Q: It's time for promotion so if you have fan page, twitter, or any social networking sites, just share it here. Also contact no. (if ever)

A: Dev Art: http://micahmidnight.deviantart.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/klaha.niikura

My BJDs Website: http://houseofnoblerose.multiply.com/

For all the readers of this blog, please support her as we support her on her venture to be on the top of the line when it comes to cosplaying. I guess she have this aura of becoming a popular cosplayer. Also thank you Cosplayer Ricah for the trust that you gave us and for the chance to be featured here at Cosplayer Studio.

Cosplayer Leny Sloveene Astralis - Definitely Alluring and Humble Cosplayer

Another friday madness to the readers of our blog. I guess a lot of you will go partying after school or work. I'm considering one of the events today and really glad that I'm having a break. Anyway, ending the weekday is another cosplayer who is so humble, talented and I love her (just kiddin'). Her name is Leny Sloveene Astralis. On my opinion, when I first saw her pictures especially the maid-sama costume (maybe you should consider to be a meido in Meidolls Cafe), I think she can pull it off internationally. I forgot to ask if she joined a cosplay contest but there will be next time for that. So here's my short interview of her. ^_^

Q: Can you introduce yourself to your fans (Name, Location and your Age)? 

A: Fans, uhm, I'm not really sure if I have those XD Anyway, hello everyone! :D Most commonly known to con-goers and cosplay enthusiasts as Leny. I use Leny Sloveene Astralis as my "full name" but that's just my screen name XD (Would not want to disclose my real surname) Hehehe XD Anyway, I live in Manila, Las Piñas to be exact and I'm 22 years old (just revealed my real age right there XD) Just a few more info about myself, I absolutely love watching shoujo anime, ice cream, cakes, coffee and kpop :D

Q: On your own words, what is cosplay/cosyplaying? What inspires you to do cosplay and when did you start cosplaying?

A: Hmm well, for me and most of my friends, cosplay is nothing more but a hobby. We cosplay because we want to portray certain characters that we like. Some people who don't have really that much idea about cosplay think that you can only cosplay anime characters. In reality though, cosplay can be from anime characters to game characters (even movie or tv personalities!) :D What inspired me when I first cosplayed was the idea itself. In college, I really liked dressing up and watching my favorite anime. Then my friends told me that I should try it since it's fun. So there~ Everything else after that is history, lol XD

Q: Can you enumerate all of the cosplay acts that you have done? 

A: As for you, what's your best cosplay act for your entire career?

Cosplay act? Errr well if this would include acting on stage or catwalks, I couldn't provide any. I haven't really joined or participated in any contests. Hehe. But so far, I like my CC cosplay, it's one of my overused costumes so far :) I've also done Chii from Chobits, Pheles from Shana and Yoko Littner from TTGL :)

Q: Some expectation this 2011?

A: Well, I have been on a slight hiatus last 2010 and I've been planning to release some of my cosplans this year. I hope I'd be able to release everything. Cosplans are piling up anyway :) So I hope people would appreciate them~ :)

Q: It's time for promotion so if you have fan page, twitter, or any social networking sites, just share it here. Also contact no. (if ever)

A: Oh I have a lot *enumerates*:

1. http://facebook.com/sloveene.x

2. http://twitter.com/leny17

3. http://leny.tumblr.com/

4. http://astral17.deviantart.com/ :)

Bravo Leny! As of the moment, I'm setting a deal again to have another shot of interview with her. Of course I will not forget to say thank you to Leny for the response and I'm hoping to see you at the Toycon Convention 2011. So guys and gals, don't forget Toycon 2011. I will say, it will be fun and really worth your money because of the toys, stuff and people that you'll meet.

Cosplayer Miles Semblante - A Cebuana With A Strong Passion For Cosplaying

Hello Cosplayer Studio reader, kinda feel the heat right now coz' it's summer time. Yey! Of course a lot of people right now are planning for beach outing but I guess I need to pass this season. Anyway, another cosplayer is on our sleeve right now and her name is Miles Semblante. This Cebuana cosplayer got my attention because of her strong will and passion for cosplaying. I guess the aura of her told me to contact her for a chance to be featured here and I'm happy that she responded to my message. I can't wait to see her personally ^_^. So here's a little bit of interview of Cosplayer Studio for Cosplayer Miles Semblante.

Q: Can you introduce yourself to your fans (Name, Location and your Age)?

A: Hello, my name is Miles Semblante. I am a 20-year-old cosplayer and student from Cebu, Philippines. Nice to meet ya~(*O*)/

Q: On your own words, what is cosplay/cosplaying? What inspires you to do cosplay and when did you start cosplaying?

A: For me, cosplaying is dressing up my favorite character and once I get in costume, I feel like I'm confident and have the guts to consider myself on the character that I portray. Cosplaying is basically something fun to do, a hobby, from planning to getting everything done. Ever since I was little, I like making things with my hands. I guess that's were it all started. I haven't started learning sewing yet but I will in future. What got me into cosplaying was a person who visited our school once and mentioned "cosplay" in a conversation. I looked it up and the prettiness lured me in. I started cosplaying late 2007.

Q: Can you enumerate all of the cosplay acts that you have done? As for you, what's your best cosplay act for your entire career?

A: Suigintou from Rozen Maiden , Ling Xiao Yu from the Tekken series, Death from the Sandman series, Lunastra/ Empress armor set from Monster Hunter, Miku Hatsune (Love Is War and World Is Mine vers), Hakurei Reimu from Touhou project, Yoruichi from Bleach, Konata Izumi from Lucky Star, Asuka Langley from Neon Genesis Evangelion, Azusa Nakano from K-On (from the Listen!! ending), Yui from Angel Beats, Raspberyl from Disgaea 3, and just recently Stocking from Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt. I have a maid outfit as well, in case of an emergency costume :3

My personal best in terms of experience would be the most recent one, Stocking. But when it comes to detail and work, my favorite would be Lunastra/Empress armor (although it was really hard to move in it).

Q: Some expectation this 2011?

A:More opportunities to cosplay and meet people! Here in Cebu we used to have events here quite rarely. But since cosplaying has been becoming quite popular, there have been a rise of number of events. With the increase of events, the levels of cosplaying here (Cebu)has went up as well the past years. Meeting new people to share ideas with opens a lot of possibilities for Filipino cosplayers to get connected with each other. :3 I want to see that happen.

Q: It's time for promotion so if you have fan page, twitter, or any social networking sites, just share it here. Also contact no. (if ever)

A: I don't a have a fanpage^,^' but feel free to add me in Facebook. Drop me a message beforehand as well. :3 I have a personal, reblog and a 365-day blog in Tumblr if you want. I'm spacepurin, heartfarts and galaxy 265 respectively there. 

It's very hard for me to close something without continuation so I've decided to work out another batch of questions just for the benefit of our Filipina Cosplayers. I would like to thank Miles Semblante for the opportunity to feature her here at Cosplayer Studio and we will be here to support you. ^_^

Cosplayer Nikki Gevaña On Her Art - My Way To Cosplay Stardom

Hello Cosplayer Studio readers, one of the best things about having a blog is you'll need to think of the topic that may be interesting to the eyes of the readers and making sure that they will come back when they read the current article that you publish. What is the sense of this statement to my blog post? Well, nothing. (just kiddin'). Anyway, another featured cosplayer is now loading, her name is Nikki Gevaña. A Saint Benilde graduate on a course of BA Production Design. I don't have much information why she took that course but I guess it's an advantage for her right now coz' she's cosplayin' and for what I think, she is the head chief of all her cosplay costumes that includes the design and something like that. What thrills my interest is her attitude. Well being bubbly is okay but being bully... zzz.... (kiddin' :P). Well here's our short interview of her and hope you like it.

Q: Can you introduce yourself to your fans (Name, Location and your Age)?

A: Hi! Im Nikki Gevaña, 21 years old from Laguna. ^^

Q: On your own words, what is cosplay/cosyplaying? What inspires you to do cosplay and when did you start cosplaying?

A: Cosplay is a hobby wherein a person dresses up in a certain kind of costume & portrays that character's personality & actions. Its like allowing yourself to transform into a whole new persona.

I've been cosplaying since the year 2007. What inspires me the most about cosplay is its craft in which I could continuously use my creativity and passion in costume and props making. Since I am also a graduate of Production Design in DLS-CSB, I could also apply here the teachings that I've acquired before as a student.

Q: Can you enumerate all of the cosplay acts that you have done? As for you, what's your best cosplay act for your entire career?

A: Some character's that I portrayed these previous years were: Haruhi Suzumiya, Black Rock Shooter, Hatsune Miku & Lily (Vocaloid), Chii & Freya (Chobits), Ringo & Mikan Noyamano (Air Gear), Hagumi Hanamoto (Honey and Clover), Ranka Lee & Klan Klang (Macross Frontier) and Juri Han (SSF4).

People actually recognize me before because of my Haruhi Suzumiya cosplay. She's not really my favorite character but I enjoyed portraying her since we have so many things alike especially in our personality.

Q: Some expectation this 2011?

A: I would be focusing more on my businesses this year but I'll still try to push through the variety of characters under manga, anime & games that I have lined up for cosplay plans.

Q: It's time for promotion so if you have fan page, twitter, or any social networking sites, just share it here. Also contact no. (if ever)

A: You could watch me on my Deviant Art account (http://www.n1k3.deviantart.com/) and like my Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nikki-Gevana/173311099362208) where I post and update my cosplay portfolio. I also have my online store in multiply, U-Nik Nails Boutique (http://www.uniknails.multiply.com/), which offers various products and services to fashionistas, otaku fans and cosplayers all over the country. If you need any of your costumes or props made, you can easily contact me there, I could help you guys out.

I guess we need a part two on this one coz' I'm waiting for some highlight questions (Well too dumb on me coz' I've been the one who created all of the questions). I hope I can catch her on Toycon 2011 if she's coming. But I guess as a cosplayer, you will never gonna miss a big event like that. Before I end up the article, I just want to thank Nikki Gevaña for the interest of being one of the featured cosplayers here in Cosplayer Studio.

Cosplayer Mary Lou as Chizuru Kagura from the Game King of Fighters

Cosplayer Mary Lou as Chizuru Kagura from King of Fighters! She'll surely kick ass!

Cosplayer Mary Lou was one of the very first cosplayers I wanted to feature together with Cosplayer Ayumi Kassinique and Cosplayer Judielyn Chang. Now that she's here, I can proudly say that I have another great cosplayer in the house!

Cosplayer Mary Lou as Mitsuki Sawatari from the gag comedy manga "He is My Master"

1.What are your current cosplay gigs and what are you gonna cosplay?

I have so many cosplay plans, but for the next event and upcoming event Im going to cosplay mugi from k-on and misa amane.

2. What are your previous cosplayed characters?

I cosplayed mitsuki sawatari from he is my master, kureha, noel vermillion from the game blazblue, chobits, chocola, hello kitty, sakura from tsubasa and chizuru kagura from the game king of fighters.

3. Full name, Birth date, Location?

Name: Mary Lou J. Tinonas

Birthday: May 23, 1992

Location: Manila

Cosplayer Mary Lou as Sakura from Tsubasa

4. Have you joined any cosplay contest? event? What are those?

I joined twice, group cosplay and catwalk. But I didn’t get an award or anything hehe... XD. We dance gee by SNSD wearing made costume i think the event is otaku expo

5. Are you having cosplay partners or friends that are always with you whenever you cosplay?

Yes, I’m always with my friends when I cosplay, even thought we have different costumes we stick together but sometimes we do a group cosplay.

6. Were you featured before on TV, Magazine, etc? or endorsed product and service?

Yes, in front act, and there are also some in internet but I don’t have endorsements yet..:)

Hope you guys liked the featured cosplayer! We'll continue supporting cosplayers and give you guys info about them. You can follow Cosplayer Mary Lou's updates on her Fan Page "Mary Lou Tinonas".

Cosplayer Alexandra Keuls as Baby Bonnie Hood from Darkstalkers

Cosplayer Alexandra Keuls as Baby Bonnie Hood! Beware! Lady with a gun!

Cosplayer Alexandra Keuls was recently featured in ABS-CBN's Matanglawin as Baby Bonnie Hood together with other cosplayers and Alodia Gosiengfiao. She got my attention among the other cosplayers because of her costume! I really like her red hood!

Cosplayer Alexandra Keuls as Rena Ryuuga from Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni, scary little child!

1. Can you introduce yourself to your fans (Name, Location and your Age)?

Hi! My name is Alexandra Keuls. I'm 20 years of age, and I live in Manila, Philippines. I've loved anime and video games for as long as I can remember. :D

2. On your own words, what is cosplay/cosyplaying? What inspires you to do cosplay and when did you start cosplaying?

Cosplay is all about getting into character and dressing up just like them! It's almost like pretending to BE them for the day. My friends inspired me to cosplay, it looked like alot of fun and I decided to give it a shot. I started cosplay in 2009.

3. Can you enumerate all of the cosplay acts that you have done? As for you, what's your best cosplay act on your entire career?

Not that I have performed on stage but, I've gone to conventions as Misty from Pokemon, Tohru Honda from Fruits Basket, Reimu from Touhou, Ty Lee from Avatar, The Last Airbender, Baby Bonnie Hood from Darkstalkers and Rena Ryuuga from Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni. The most fun I had with was Baby Bonnie Hood, she's my favorite character to use when I play Darkstalkers. :)

Cosplayer Alexandra Keuls as Ty Lee from Avatar

4. Some expectation this 2011?

This year I plan to go for more video game characters. :D And I can't wait to see what other friends have in stored for this year, we've got some awesome cosplayers from the Philippines!

5. It's time for promotion so if you have fan page, twitter, or any social networking sites, just share it here.

I'm not into fanpages or twitter. I like my facebook page just as it is. So friends, feel free to add me up there anytime!

You read it right! Add her up there anytime and continue supporting cosplayers. Hope to see you guys for another featured cosplayer next time. :)

Cosplayer Monique Dimanlig: A Unique Geisha, Cosplay and Anime Geek

Cosplayer Monique Dimanlig: Art at the Shang

Cosplayer Monique Dimanlig already cosplayed unique characters like Geiko/Maiko, Fujitsubo-hime and Yukari no Onna. But the one that really caught my eyes was when she cosplayed Sorceress Edea. It's like wow! A big WOW! I've never seen so detailed cosplay of a Final Fantasy villain. Some cosplay are just plain school girl or not that detailed and uncharacteristic. Cosplaying a Sorceress from once rewarded "Game of the Year" is so cool. FYI, Cosplayer Monique Dimanlig was already featured here. This is her second time around here at Cosplayer Studio.



1. What are your current cosplay gigs and what are you gonna cosplay?

I don’t really have any “gigs” to speak of… I just attend what I can. I will most likely continue my geiko cosplay, with new kimono.

2. What are your previous cosplayed characters?

I’ve cosplayed Geiko/Maiko, Fujitsubo-hime, Yukari no Onna, and Sorceress Edea.

3. Full name, Birth date, Location?

Monique Dimanlig

Sept. 30

Pasig City

4. Have you joined any cosplay contest? event? What are those?

I’ve joined several over the span of two years… I try to mount the walk when I can—but not often, because of the rules restricting non-canon characters.

5. Are you having cosplay partners or friends that are always with you whenever you cosplay?

I don’t have regular partners. I run into all sorts of people in the convention, some more than others, so I hang out with them and we all enjoy ourselves.

Cosplayer Monique Dimanlig: Just like a real Japanese Geisha

6. Were you featured before on TV, Magazine, etc? or endorsed product and service?

Yes, I was in Full Time Moms’ cosplay segment, PO5, the TV5 grand relaunch. And I was also featured in Otacool 2, CosplayGen Magazine’s second issue and Code Red Magazine. I also appeared (just a photo) in Game! Magazine.

I'm now a certified fan of Monique Dimanlig and I regularly check her pages, continue supporting her updates! :D



Cosplayer Monique Dimanlig's Accounts:

Fan page in Facebook

Deviantart

Twitter

Tumblr

Cosplayer Monique Dimanlig on her very detailed character

Cosplayer MJ Angeles as Fujiwara no Mokou from Touhou Project

Cosplayer MJ Angeles with the claw pose as Fujiwara no Mokou

Cosplay is not just an ordinary thing to do. Someone call it weird but it's a special fashion statement. As of the moment, a lot of Filipino fans that includes this generation consider cosplay as an alternative to bring themselves up on the public behind the costumes that they're portraying. For this day, we will be featuring one of the Filipina cosplayers that really catched my attention as a cosplay enthusiast and her name is MJ Angeles.



We plotted some templated questions for the cosplayers to answer all of that and here's our question and answer portion with MJ Angeles



1. Introduce yourself to the readers by stating your Full name, your birthday and your location.



Name: Mary Jane l. Angeles

Birthday: Nov. 9 ,1992

Location: Cavite

Cosplayer MJ Angeles in Lolita Fashion

2. Do you have some cosplay gig(s) to attend? If ever that you're going to attend a cosplay event, what character are you gonna portray?



"As of now i'm waiting for a big event and plan to cosplay Rin Kagamine of Vocaloid."



3. Past characters that you've cosplayed?



"I already portray Haruhi Suzumiya and her black uniform version, Mokou from Touhou Project, Oerba Tyun Fang of Final Fantasy 13, one of lolita costume, Maya Natsume of Tenjou Tenge and Maka Albarn of Soul Eater."

Cosplayer MJ Angeles as Oerba Un Fang from Final Fantasy XIII

4. Do you have any experience of joining a cosplay contest? If yes, what are those cosplay events that you have joined?



"Yeah. it will be a century if I mention it one by one but I always attend ozine, otaku expo. etc."



5. Of course, it's time for promoting yourself up by giving your Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites that you have right now.



"I don't have Fan Page and I'm not using my Twitter and Plurk often."



As I end this blog post, I just want to acknowledge our featured cosplayer MJ Angeles for answering all of the question and really like the fact that she answered all of the questions. I guess it will be a matter of time that this doll will make it to the limelight and Cosplayer Studio will be here at your back to support you.