At Penny Arcade Expo 2011, I represented War Inc. Battle Zone. It was awesome since I got to have an exhibitor badge and see everything before everyone else saw it.

Short video of our booth.

Check out the gigantic booths at PAX.

Here’s a short overview of War Inc. Battle Zone from the game’s website:

War Inc. Battlezone delivers hard hitting combat action to you in a free to play, online multiplayer, session-based shooter game, where you will compete with your friends and other players in real time, action packed team vs. team ground combat. All for Free! You can take it slow and easy, or rock as hard as you want to!

In the span of three days, we gave away airsoft rifles to people who signed up in our booth. ^_^ Do visit their Facebook page for more pictures.

Here are our lucky Saturday winners taken hostage.

Here’s what happens at the booth at the end of the each day.

I finally met the ultimate Link cosplayer Pikmin Link, and it was AWESOME! XD

Along with that, I was invited to attend the awesome party hosted by Trion Worlds, creators of Rift and the most recently released End of Nations at Hyatt at Olive 8.

(Top photo by Ryan Buchanan.)

I finally got a chance to do a winter photo shoot last January. We finally got a good downpour of snow, and to tell you the truth, it was so much snow that the government declared state of emergency for days. Regardless of what happened, it was really beautiful, and we really enjoyed doing this set. I was wearing a total of four layers of kimono, and water boots, but it was still cold. Thank you to my dear friend Archimedes Belardo for providing me this set and the parasol.

Here’s the behind-the-scenes video. Enjoy!

It was fall, and I hope we were able to catch the beauty of this season in the stills. We went to Cochrane Memorial Park in the city of Yelm, with the ducks still in the midst of migrating. We were hoping to catch some of them on camera. I found it very surreal to see the very colorful assortment of leaves as they fell on the ground while we went about our work. You could see pathways lined with the leaves, like delightful Persian carpets.

For this kimono photo shoot, it took me a lot more time to do my hair and put on my kimono than it did to actually take the photos. LOL. The kimono set and the fan were provided by Mr. Archimedes Gavina Belardo, shipped from the Philippines to my house here in the United States. Considering the long journey this set made — it actually started its journey all the way from Japan — I thought it would only be fitting if I tried my best to give it a good photo shoot. With the colors of this one, I thought it would be nice to use for the season of fall. It was my very first fall in my two years of residence in this country, because I usually spend this time of year in the Philippines. Without further ado, here is my fall kimono photoset. Hope you guys like it.^_^

Everything on myself was from their shop, with the exception of the makeup, wig and shoes.^_~ I woke up early that day, drove to Seattle, and meet them at the KING 5 studio for the early morning taping. There I dressed up and went through backstage briefing/rehearsal. For a brief moment I met Jodie Foster, who was at that time promoting her movie The Beaver on the show. Regrettably, I wasn’t able to take a picture with her, since we were next on queue to get on stage. T-T Backstage, everyone on the 6%DOKIDOKI team was as colorful and friendly as can be. They were saying kawaii all the time, especially while they were styling me from head to toe. *^_^* I felt like a super pampered princess! Needless to say, I was very delighted to have met and worked with them.

Vani, Yuka, me, Mr. Masuda and Emi backstage in the dressing room, right after our spot on the show.

Thank you to Ms. Murohashi-Cartier  (President of Axia Media Group, Inc./Ibuki Magazine) for the television appearance with them.^_^

Lunch! Clam chowder sampler from Pike Place Chowder YUM!XD

After that I checked in at the hotel, claimed my badge, and met with friends for sushi night. Day one was relatively just me enjoying what the con had to offer. I attended a cosplay technical panel by fellow cosplayer Hoshikage. The panel was very insightful, and I actually included parts of her lecture in one of my broadcasts: Armor Making Materials Part 2. After that, I roamed around the exhibitors’ hall, and just pretty much enjoyed myself as a regular attendee. ^_^ I met up with cosplay superstar Yaya Han and her lovely partner Brian Bowling! She was such a sweetie, and that was actually the first time I met her. She’s an international model, cosplayer, makeup artist and successful businesswoman. She is someone I aspire to be, since she makes all her costumes and products, making a living out of my beloved craft and hobby. It’s such a pleasure to actually see her costumes up close and admire the details. As a fellow cosplayer, I actually appreciate how much time a person puts into their costume down to its very fine details. And Yaya Han’s costume was SUPERB, from head to toe, back and front! *.*

Yaya Han as Faye Valentine from Cowboy Bebop. Me after the fashion show dressed to go home.

Day two was a bit busy, I actually got to help out at Yaya Han’s booth. XD The hours seemed to pass by really fast! It was a pleasure to be able to help out, and experience the con from the exhibitor’s perspective.^_^ The crowd was kind, pleasant and easy to deal with.^_^ After my shift, I went to the Japanese artist studio, where I was fortunate enough to consult with a Japanese culture expert on how to properly wear kimonos. After that I prepared for and had a photoshoot with the very talented Eurobeat Kasumi.

Day three was busy too. I was participating in the Annual Sakura-Con Lolita Fashion Show, and I was designated to wear two outfits.^_^ We went to the Sheraton for hair and makeup and then headed to the fashion floor. The most interesting thing about it is that, instead of the traditional fashion show stage, we had a huge black and red chessboard!XD

Design by Pink Tanuki.
Hosiery, footwear, hair, and makeup by me.

Design by Scoundrelle’s Keep.
Hosiery, footwear, hair, and makeup by me.

Tek Tok tech engineer Peter Baltazar, Filipino otaku/tech celebrity Mike Abundo, Tek Tok hosts Hannah Villasis and Vince Golangco, and magician/mentalist Marcelle Fabie.

When I’m home, I do a lot of things. Among those are meeting with my family and friends, and taking care of my banking and other official things like my passport. I took care of my passport the same day the UP AME Track 10 event was held at the SMX Convention Center. I wasn’t sure what time I was going to finish, but with the help of the good people at the National Statistics Office, I was able to finish with ample time to drop by the event. And I was so happy I decided to take my costume with me that day, because I met with famous Filipino cosplay photographers, particularly the very talented Kira Hokuten and Romeo Encisa Jr. of Cosplay Network Philippines.

So there I was at the mall, it seemed nothing had changed since I left. I looked for the nearest secluded restroom. Lucky enough I found one that’s not so busy and very close to SMX. I dressed up and there were other cosplayers dressing up there as well. I took advantage of the diaper changing table, near the sinks. Thankfully, no one came in to use it, and I was able to put on my costume with not much hassle or inconvenience to the other regular mall costumers. When I got out, Mike Abundo meet up with me and took me inside the venue. I also meet the lovely Monique Dimanlig. And right there almost as soon as I entered the door, was cosplay photography sharp shooter expert Romeo. He took quick shots of me in less than three minutes, in front of a white wall close to the entrance door and voila! AMAZING! O.O

One of my favorite photos by Romeo Encisa Jr. of Cosplay Network Philippines.

While I was there, there were so many photographers, and Mike introduced me to cosplay photographer extraordinaire Kira Hokuten. He had a strike of inspiration and took me in front of the church next door, and it looked so ethereal what he could do with a small patch of grass! Thankfully none of the security shooed us away, until we got in front of SMX for a bigger patch of grass, and a LOT other photographers jumped in. ^_^; I’m really sorry for the inconvenience to the security of SMX, for we blocked traffic for a good few minutes, because of the very impromptu photo shoot.

My favorite shot of MANY gorgeous shots from Kira Hokuten.

When I go back to the Philippines, I of course conduct a cosplay sources tour at Divisoria and Quiapo. Needless to say, it was a bit dangerous to bring out your camera and take pictures, but as tired as we all were, we had a great time!^_^

The day before I left the Philippines Mr. Raymond Sison of Comic Sale Central allowed me to use his shop for a mini-meet-and-greet with my newly found friends.

Needless to say I’m very happy to have met all these people while I was in the Philippines, and I look forward seeing them ALL again when I get back.^_^

We went to the Sino Center. Lots of awesome otaku items.

Then we went to Heng Hiong, the famous wife biscuit franchise store. Wife biscuits are special cakes given by the men of Hong Kong to women they wish to marry.^_^

Me paying for my orders , while Roch strikes a pose!

Ate at this marvelous resto for lunch. For all the heavens, the name escapes me.

Then more shopping! And we stopped by this resto specializing in mango items.^_^

Shui Liu Shan! A whole resto dedicated to mango desserts!XD And they use Philippine mangoes in HK for the best mango desserts!

Me and Hiyuki’s dessert!

Kaika’s order!

I had to say goodbye to the Singapore representatives, since they had to head back and catch their much earlier flight. Then more shopping, all alone this time. I particularly had my nails done at the same mall where I shopped for my heat resistant wigs.^_^ After all that it was about time to head back myself.

And lucky me, with my nonexistent sense of direction, especially in a foreign land, I asked for directions, and HK people were really friendly to point to the right way. Needless to say that’s how I got around by myself. In the nick of time, I was able to get back to the hotel, claim my luggage, and repack my stuff with the things I bought that day, and rest a little just before our shuttle arrived to take us to the airport. We took it with the Thailand representatives, who had the same flight departure time as us.

Here in this pic are Thailand representatives Yuki Godbless and Jiaki Darkness. This was taken before we boarded the shuttle.

It was a very sad, tiring and long forty minute drive to the airport. I chatted with Yuki and Jiaki about our HK adventures until we arrived.

I really enjoyed HK, and would definitely be going back in the future!XD Thank you Animax Asia and the Hong Kong Tourism Board for this oppurtunity.

So here’s a short video of us fooling around with our cameras before we were presented to the public, and a little footage before dinner. ^_^

Here are some pictures courtesy of Alodia‘s cousin Noel Gosiengfiao during the event. ^_^

After Animax started the program and introduced us on stage, they had us proceed backstage, and the photographers followed us back there. So we were asked to go inside the program area, and we were delegated individually to an area with program posters of Animax as backdrops.^_^ That’s my spot there.

Me when I was presented on stage for a short Q&A about cosplay in our respective countries.

Me and Kaika.

Me and Hiyuki.

Me and YukiGodBless.

Here’s a group shot on stage.^_^

Thank you Animax Asia and the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

Especially to:

Mr. Gregory Ho - Vice President and General Manager – Animax Asia
Ms. Tracy Wong – Director of Creative Services and Marketing – Animax Asia
Neo Yen Nee – Affiliate Marketing – Animax Asia
Rita Yuen – Animax Hong Kong
Irene Lo – Animax Hong Kong

Video courtesy of Singaporean blogger participant Elpheal “Kaika” He. Watching this video, I realize, I’m really a bit too tall. ^_^;

After we got settled in, it was a mad dash to Hong Kong Disneyland with tickets courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board. I’m a sucker for details, so it was a real eye candy treat for me.XD

Special Disneyland Resort Line train.

Jiminy Cricket statue inside the train. There were classic Disney character statues all over the train.

The Mickey Mouse shape was all over the train as well, from the windows down to the handles.

My first time to be in Disneyland, so happy!XD

What a way to greet their guests at the theme park. Interesting animated fountain with the surfing Mickey Mouse elevating when the water shoots out from the whale.

Giant Buzz Lightyear! The ride was really interesting as well, considering the much awaited Toy Story 3 came out a few months earlier.

Couldn’t help but splurge on Toy Story related items after, and yes, lots of souvenirs from Disneyland Hong Kong. I pretty much bought things that are not available in the Disney stores here in the US.^_^ Yes I did some serious damage. ^_^;;;

It’s a Small World building. The dolls were totally adorable, as much as the whole building itself. Yes, there were Philippine dolls as well, singing the song in Filipino.^_^

It was Halloween and I got treated to a special Halloween Disney Parade. Lots of sale items too, so yes more shopping after that.^_^;

Pretty much we headed home after that, and I prepared for the Halloween Treats Party the next day.

Stay tuned for Day 2.

During my last visit to the Philippines in November, I met up with Japanese culture enthusiast Archie Gavina Belardo, a mainstay and often exhibitor at local bazaars and conventions selling authentic Japanese merchandise. To my surprise, he presented me with kimonos. I wore one of them for this photoshoot.^_^

Just to test out the lighting, we took a couple of shots near the neighbor’s fence. Can you tell?

This shot was taken at South Puget Sound Community College, after which we headed to the quaint Yashiro Japanese Garden, where the rest of the following shots were taken.^_^

It was a Sunday, and the weather wasn’t friendly, but somehow that turned into a blessing in disguise (I suppose) for us. There were no people around to disturb our mini photoshoot, it felt as if the places we went to were reserved especially for us. ^_^ I am pleased with how this turned out, and so I plan to do more season-inspired photoshoots in the future. Hope you enjoy this set.

Kimono set: Archie Gavina Belardo
HMUA: ME^_^
Tama-kanzashi and earrings set: Charles Murray
Editing: None
Camera: Canon PC1309

Hairstyles are based on the videos below, posted in the order I did them.^_^
1. CuteGirlsHairstyles: Lace Fringe Braid
2. Binosusume: French Braid Updo

This gown is based on C.C.’s artwork version in the Code Geass Mutuality artbook. I guess you can tell by now, I LOVE C.C.! These shots were taken last July by the very talented Vince Milum, owner/photographer of darkain.com. Fortunately our location, the gorgeous Olympia Capitol Building, didn’t require getting permits.^_^ We shot to our hearts’ content with the very lovely Etaru as the co-creative director of the shoot! Spoiled little me, for having one of the most talented photographers around and one of America’s top cosplayers for this one! Happiness is not enough to describe what I felt that day.^_^

Costume Notes

This is a black ball gown with a boned corset top. The skirt is made detachable for easy washing; the top is made to be dry-cleaned only. Believe it or not, I actually made this one from ten yards of black satin and organza. Midway while I was making it, I ran out of cloth so I hope I got away with using different types of the same fabric for this costume.^_^; Those frills made this costume REALLY heavy, bias cut and all it was still heavy and needless to say very HOT. The hoop skirt was a steal on eBay for $12. The pattern is a highly modified Simplicity Pirate/Maid costume pattern, and the rest I made from scratch. The wig is heat resistant fiber by Arda Wigs that I brought last Sakura-Con. Unfortunately I didn’t check if they gave me the right kind, and when I took it out of its packaging to cut the bangs at the last minute, it was only then I found out they gave me the wrong kind of wig. The bangs stuck out stiffly in front of my eyes. T-T Vince was really nice to take shots of me in angles that made it not too noticable. Still love the heat resistant wigs, they are A LOT easier to comb and manage. I will curl the wig and probably add more fibers on the bangs for future use. I found a very interesting sewing technique recently while I’m here in the Philippines. I might apply it to the frills when I get back to make the gown extra frilly. XD