Announcement: Semi-Hiatus

Hi peeps, I have an announcement to make.

It's not a big deal but I thought I should inform you guys that this blog is going on a Semi hiatus. I hesitate to say ‘Hiatus’ in full hence a ‘Semi-Hiatus’. I’m sure I could have just disappeared but I feel it’s my responsibility (and stupidity) to inform. I just feel better being upfront =D

This hiatus thought have been pending since forever but stuffs just kept piling in.

With Cosplay: The Series finally ending season 1 and WWCPJ on stand still (we're waiting for the parcel to arrive!), I decided that this will be the best time for me to slack off a little and ponder about other things in life such as answering the question; Am I a cosplayer who blogs or Blogger who cosplays?

Nothing big or drama. I just really, really, really need a break. Juggling work, social life (or lack of!), Cosplay, Video and blog is really toiling me. And the recent wonder about ‘worth’ is making the climb extra tough.

It’s ironic how a blog about a specific hobby indirectly distant me away from said hobby.

Don’t worry, I won’t be away for long, probably just a week or so, maybe even earlier! So don’t give up on this blog yet! The writer just need some time to clear her horribly piling Cosplay and Video backlog.

Like I mentioned, nothing big and drama. I just really miss watching anime without feeling guilty. I miss cosplaying and most of all, I miss rolling on my bed with a good book or manga.

TCC’s facebook account will continue to stream with nonsense from me though.

Are you a cosplayer ?

Ok so, I am so not asking for the wikipedia definition of a 'cosplayer'. But asking more in a figurative form…
what do you think defines a cosplayer?
Honestly, this is such a flammable topic but I just feel like talking about it so here it is. I can't remember when it started... but recently, I've started to feel weird and awkward to call myself a cosplayer. Before you start slamming me, calm down and read on.



What I've started to feel is a little different. Not awkward to be seen with an awkward hobby but awkward for the hobby to be seen with an awkward me. Very complicated, I know.
In simpler and humiliated terms, I've started to feel both guilty for not living up to the name of a 'cosplayer'  and confused over ... exactly WHAT is a cosplayer? I mean, its hard to meet a standard when you don't have an accurate gauge of that standard right?

I've always been quite nonchalant about this whole definition thing because I believe everyone is entitled to their own interpretation. And by my own interpretation, I consider myself a cosplayer.
But as time progresses and the overall standards in cosplay quality improves, combined with the accessibility of ready made costumes. More and more commercial entities start looking to cosplayers for novelty profit. This is nothing new of course.But as more and more people jump onto the bandwagon, the definition of Cosplay gets more and more complicated.

Especially after the whole OTACOOL2 drama. It's starting to pry my eyes open to the commercialism and bastardisation of the hobby. I know I’ve mentioned before that I’m not against commercialisation. And apologies for the harsh words used here. But like many others out there.... I'm starting to feel the term  'cosplayer' just doesn’t seem much anymore. It's like anyone who dons a costume is a cosplayer, and they get acknowledged for it. For those of you out of the loop, there was a lot of hooha surrounding the publication, on how many of the cosplayers featured weren’t really “Cosplayers” but “Models”.
It’s like anyone who has a blog is a blogger. Anyone who sings is a singer. Anyone who can dribble is a basketball player. Which just makes me pull my hair in confusion and frustration… so exactly WHAT constitutes a “Cosplayer”?!

Suddenly, cosplay feels so easy and do-able. You don't even need any love for the character/Series anymore! Of course, I'm not penalizing cosplayers who buy/tailor costumes, most Japanese do it anyway. Also as a disclaimer, I don’t mind  people who occasionally goes to event, wear/borrow a store bought costume and started playing with everyone else. I believe everyone has the right to enjoy the fun lovingness of the community and I welcome them to join us.

What I'm disappointed with, is how the term “Cosplayer” is being used. I feel ashamed for admitting this because it just sounds so childish and whiny. But recently, this feeling has grown enough to make me feel like talking/blogging about it. But I guess we can't do anything about that, commercialisation and diluting of the hobby is eventual.
 
Another side of me feels guilty for not being more 'dedicated' . Despite myself still continuing with cosplays, I find my own dedication to the hobby pale on comparison to other cosplayers around. A lot of cosplayers seem to live and breath cosplay and invests a big portion of their energy, time and money into it. But I don't. This is where I feel like I’m not living up the the name of a cosplayer.
I don’t have elaborate costumes. I don’t have HQ Videos. I don’t cosplay cute characters. In fact, these days I only seem motivated to cosplay if I can do something fun and novel. So, if by measurement of dedication, I think I fail haha ^_^ ;;;.
 
Blah, I sound so whiny! But seriously, despite this post seemingly indicating otherwise. I'm actually really alright with not being a top notch/famous/popular cosplayer (okay, this is so NOT tsundere mentality). After all, cosplay has always been just a hobby to me albeit a very heavy one. I enjoy cosplaying the characters/series I like and I enjoy the memories etched.  And that's good enough for me.

What does your parents think about Cosplay ?

JOINING COSPLAY MASQUERADE, WORKING ADULT DRESSING UP AS GHOST OR HORSES, PARENTS DISAPPROVES.
He is usually a normal working adult but some times, he changes into a ”Death God” . Lim Yong Hong (23 years old, administrative worker) spent $120 last weekend, making his own Death God costume from the Japanese Animanga title; ‘Death God’ (Anyone knows the Japanese title?) and went to Downtown East to perform (direct translation here :P)
Cosfest 2010 is an event co-organised by NTUC and SCC Square. Attendees for the event are all dressed up as different Japanese Animanga characters.
Most of the demographics are students but there are many working adults as well, like Lim Yong Hong.
In our interview with Lim Yong Hong, he mentioned that his parents have disapproved of this hobby before but he doesn’t mind.
“After a year or so, they have come to terms with it and don’t want to care about it/me already”
Another lady named Lim Ruo Yu (20+ years old, Designer) holding a scythe and a skull head, is cosplaying as the main character from a new Japanese anime (obviously didn’t bothered to do much research).
She has cosplayed for 10 years . And for this costume, she spent nearly $800. The costume she wears is also made by herself. Fiber glass (?) is used for her armour. Her friend Wu Yi Hua(25years) has also spent 2 months on her costume.


==== translation of article in the purple column ====

PARENTS SPEND ONE DAY MAKING PROPS
Many parents do not disapproves of their child doing cosplays, in fact, some even help to make props for them.
According to Wang Xin Hui (15 years) who was cosplaying as a character from “Demon dispelling shounen” (okay, I seriously need help in finding the Japanese title=_=|| ) along with Chen An Na (16 years), both their parents are very supportive.  Wang Xin Hui’s big Hammer is even made by her parents who spent an entire day on it.
According to Chen An Na, “The materials are bought with my own savings, I did not particularly spend anymore of my parent’s money. With this hobby, I’ve gotten the chance to meet many like minded people henceforth my parents are both very supportive”

 

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This article is a classic example of how typography is superbly ultilised. And how one can make your content juicier and more attention catching than they really are.
Really gotta give it to the peeps behind this write up. Not only have they successfully garnered the attention of their regular readers, they have also drawn in attentions from outside their usual demographics, (albeit negative or positive attention, I can't comment) to their publication. What a great media tactic.
Isn't it interesting how a simple change in perspective,  usage of words and grammar can result in totally different meaning? I'm always very amazed by how one can subconsciously manipulate the thoughts of others with words alone. Death Note, Monster and Lelouch of the Rebellion anyone xD?
*Giving out flyers is a great promo tactic! No bunny suit deducted  points though =X *

On a totally different note, check this grammar video (below) out just for lols xD

My mom don't like me spending time on cosplays and she's forever chiding me for the amount of rubbish I've accumulated.

Yuanie doing some costume stuffs at my place ^_^

The most annoying part comes when I start drafting or sewing my annual costumes. And my mom will start commenting that I "keep doing these things" when I obviously don't! In case you guys haven't realized, my cosplay quota per annum is very low. Meaning to say, I really should cosplay more but am not.

Another awfully fine example of how the older generations disapproves of cosplays can be seen at Cosplay events held in public places. How many of you have tried changing/doing your cosplay make up at a public toilet before? And how many of you have gotten “shooed out” or received rude comments from the toilet cleaners before? 
Share with me your experience in the comments.

J

Sigh, I personally have a lot of such experiences. Many a times I really feel like retorting straight in their face to shut them up. But…. let’s just say I’m usually both too tired from costume rushing and too panicky (with costume changing) to bother with people of their level.
Or maybe somewhere in my heart I feel guilty, for being the “problem”.  It’s a difficult scenario to assess who is right and who is wrong =\ More on the topic of public/event unhappy incidents next time. We experienced a lot of unhappy drama last weekend at TGX. Would probably blog about it in another entry.

What makes a Cosplay Photo popular?

I know I shouldn't be blogging about this as it is such a flammable topic, again. But in sight of the many Cosplay photo competition that have been popping up. All these competition just begs the question:
exactly what makes a cosplay photo POPULAR? 

 

Cosplay quality, photography, costume etcs aside. Let's focus on POPULARITY.
What do YOU think makes a cosplay photo popular? What makes a single picture stands out from the competition? Why do you think the winner of such competitions won/deserved to win?

feedback surveys

To be honest, I feel that smaller scale competition (most Cosplay competitions are small. Big scale would be stuffs on TV like American Idol etc).are very much waivered by the popularity of the cosplayer. And of course, their ability to garner their help to vote.

 Konata wonders why …

And even though I’m unwilling to say this… but I too feel that the looks of the subject is a determining factor 70% of the time. Let’s admit it, we all love eye candy. That’s why high profiled celebrities get paid so much. Because people like us are willing to shell out money to see/watch them. Or at the very least, pay attention to them or any publication/promotional medium they appear on. And that pulling factor in them is what outshines ‘normal people’.

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Of course, voting is not the most accurate/fair way of judging but it sure is the best and easiest way to garner attention to your event or organisation. And I guess it’s also more interactive for the participants =)
What do you feel about competitions that are based on a voting system ?

Would you wear your costume out?

Haven't done discussion entries like this in a while but this is pretty interesting. So recently, I was craving for some cool bubble tea and decided to pop into the nearest store to get my craving fixed. What greeted me as soon as I stepped in was this….

Which reminded me of this picture a friend sent me ages ago.

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And she couldn't stop expressing her disbelief while filling me with details of how everyone was gawking at the girl.
So opens the question, would you wear your costumes (wigs, clothes, boots etcs) out for NON cosplay purpose? Has anyone tried it before? How did it felt? What made you feel like wearing it out?
Personally, I haven't done it much. Except for maybe, wearing a casual portion of the costume before or after the photo shoot/event. But I usually do that for convenience sake. It would be really cool if your costume had certain parts in them that would look blend in as a fashion accessory.

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But personally, I haven't come across any costume that would escape looking awkward in the crowds of normal humans except for maybe NaNa. So, unless you can really work the outfit, I don't recommend wearing your costumes out for normal usage. Not so much of a '” it’s spoiling the character!” reason but because... it is usually a fashion disaster =/
But that's just me. How do you feel? Hmm... okay, on second thoughts... I think I might have been guilty of this act too.
http://newcosplay.blogspot.com/

My most notable achievement was going out in my almost full Kinomoto Sakura movie 2 costume to catch a bus to some event. Can't remember what event that was.

Went home in this 2 uniforms before because I was too lazy to change out

Disclaimer

Please note, that the images posted in this blog are mostly found on the Internet. They are not mine unless I claim them to be so. I don’t mean to infringe any sort of copyright, and if you’d like to claim some of these images to be yours and/or would like me to take them down.
If you would like to contribute to this blog, please leave a comment, or send me an email in the same address as above. I can’t promise I’ll be featuring all the pictures I’ll be receiving, but I’ll do my best.
Thanks for visiting! I hope you enjoy my cosplay blog. ^_^

Thanks Soooo ...

And the results was announcd

Hhmmmmm  .... .. Those of you who follow me on Deviantart would have seen this post already. Wasn’t wanting to do an entry here but figured I should give my supporters from the blog an answer too.
Thank you minna-san, for voting for me endlessly and listening to my shameless pimps repeatedly. The Smiling contest has officially announced the winners and as expected, I didn't win.
But I just thought I should officially tell you guys about it since I owe you guys one =) And yes, I'm disappointed with the results. Going to Japan is definitely on my Bucket List. In fact, it has been the biggest reason of my joining numerous Cosplay Competition. I aspire to be a world traveler because I know that the world is big and beautiful and it would be a shame to be stuck in my little cement confinement watching my time go by. Sadly, financial ability does not allow and I have to turn to such contest. But ah well, I guess I'm just not popular enough and does not have friends who are super h**ker =(

*

Soul Eater Maka Cosplay Dark Khaki Wig

Soul Eater Maka Cosplay Dark Khaki Wig

Specially custom-styled according to the original character!

Material: 100% high quality Kanekalon fiber.

include：1,one wig with adjustable inside hook;

2,separately packaged high quality wig cap.

Hong Kong Halloween Treats Party Tour : Day One

As everyone knows, myself together with 2 other bloggers and 6 cosplayers were graciously invited by Animax and the Hong Kong Tourism Board to enjoy a weekend of splendor at of course, Hong Kong. Participants from Singapore had 2 cosplayers; Hiyuki and Jason. While I was not good enough a cosplayer to be selected, I was lucky enough to have a blog that can! Again, its all thanks to you guys =)

  

Spooky Series running on Animax

The event was organised to promote the Halloween culture and tourism in HongKong and a showcase a string of ghostly Anime titles showing/launching on Animax.

Well, the trip itself was so.so.so wonderful. We all had so much fun enjoying and interacting I don't even know where to begin talking! But since this is a sponsored trip by the Tourism Board it only seemed appropriate to talk a little about travelling. Which is what I'm about to do xD
Alright, enough digression! Travel blog begins!

The day started at the airport with HKTB's luxurious arrangement. A private coach for just 7 of us!! Envy that hah!
 
And then check in at our hotel, The Kowloon. As we were all invited to attend this launch party at Harbour City Shopping Centre, our accommodation was selected to be walking distance. The first hotel we got was actually YMCA, The Salisbury, but due to typhoon Megi and her projected occurrence, the entire event had to be postponed. And so our hotel had to change too... no more harbour view ToT.



But I really shouldn't be complaining because The Kowloon is awesomely located and probably has one of the BEST breakfast spread I've ever seen =). Though I might have set my expectations too high because I wasn’t super impressed with the service staffs. My best experience with the staffs was the cleaner auntie who brought me the iron I requested and the concierge staff who helped me find Akira’s Room number.

http://newcosplay.blogspot.com/http://newcosplay.blogspot.com/
Day one was a super marathon. Almost as soon as we checked in, we dumped our luggages at our individual rooms and sped down to our first tourist spot; the Wishing Tree!
 
I bet you guys probably bet (pun intended xD) we were going to hit the malls right xD? Having just returned from an endless shopping trip at Korea, I decided I want to have a LESS shopping infused trip this time. And hence decided to explore the lesser known rural side of Hong Kong.

The entrance to the tree and temple

   

With thanks to this blog and his written instructions, we actually managed to find the wishing tree without difficulties! We then proceed to write our wishes down on two different sets of incense paper, bought from the local aunties. 

The poor tree is now so weak from all the human abuse it has to rely on stilts and bamboo poles to support and help it recover.

Now, instead of throwing our wishes onto the tree, we just hung it onto these wooden boards. Kinda like the shrines in Japan =)

 
Squashed starfruit on the concrete

 failed camwhorexD

 

There was another garden sort of place just beside the Wishing tree with miniature plastic oranges hung around it. I’ve read online that a plastic tree was set up around the original wishing tree to let prayers have some fun with it. Sadly, it had already closed by the time we reached

   
One thing we noticed about Hong Kong, was the fact that is actually has a lot of mountains! Those high terrains really makes for gorgeous backdrop =) It felt really nice to be at the rural area, inhaling the cool fresh air and occasionally getting a whiff of burning incense. Though I was slightly disappointed to not be able to throw oranges at the tree ON to the tree. I still enjoyed the feeling of just being there. Now let's just pray my wishes come true ....

Next, we took the bus to the nearest MTR station and went to The Peak!

 
 

Somehow their MTR facilities look veryyyy much like MRT in Singapore xD

At the famous Central!

 

Seriously, my research only told me to take the train to Centre MTR but they didn't say how to walk there! Thankfully we got lucky, coupled with Jason’s memory and some vague signage, we managed to get to the ticketing counter without getting lost at all. It’s not stated anywhere online but you can use your octopus card for the famous tram ride.

The tram itself!

 The inside of the tram

The tram ride itself was pretty amazing. At some point of the journey, the houses by the side looked like they were tilting 45degrees! Yeap, it was a very steep slope and it actually made me a little nauseous. I'm bad at these kind of things =(

And finally the peak!

 

 

Presenting to you, the ever famous night scenery view you see at every Hong Kong Drama! It was soooooooooooooooo cold but the view was really beautiful! The amount of lights from the cityscape was overwhelmingly beautiful and seemed to stretch endlessly. Though don’t mind if I confess that the cynical side of me can't help seeing the intense light pollution in the air. Nevertheless, still really pretty ne?

 

Oh yea, we met Michelle Yeung and Bruce Lee too!

Hahah, don’t play play, even matured caucasian men knows how to Yaoi hor!

 

I just wanted a normal picture…but they cajoled me to do this=_=|||

 

Disney’s official ticketing counter at The Peak. Damn gorgeous decorations!

After that was dinner at Burger King followed by a mad rush to Ocean Park Halloween Party! The Hong Kong Tourism Board had kindly arranged for 5 of us to visit the Ocean Park’s Halloween Bash and we just had to pick up our tickets at the counter. 

Yup, its the Halloween bash with that awesome promo video! FYI, Team Philippine and Team Malaysia got complimentary tickets to Disneyland T_T… I also want…

…

I'm not the biggest fan of this whole scaring business but boy does the Hong Kong-ers know how to party!

Ocean Park really went all out to scare and amaze its attendees. 

We were most amazed by the awesome performance put up by the ghost actors. It must be really hard to stay in character and scare random passerby yet they did it with such ease and realism. And the Halloween decorations were all so elaborate and intricate! You can totally tell it was not just some makeshift pathetic excuse of a Halloween decoration. Apparently its an annual event hence the splurge but its money well spent imho *-*

Jason and Hiyuki with the pumpkin light shining on the ground

I don't know about the other countries but I'm sure that's something you won't find in prim and proper Singapore! We really enjoyed the whole spooky ambience though sadly, as we arrived too late and only managed to get onto one ride T-T.

Leave your guys with some random photos of the park to show how awesome it was.