Have you ever wondered what it is like when travel becomes part of your career? For Diane, cosplay has taken her beyond conventions and competitions into a life filled with both creative expression and unforgettable journeys. What started as a simple love for anime transformed into a calling that allowed her to live out her dreams across borders.
Early Beginnings
“I became an otaku or anime fan since grade school. Cardcaptor Sakura was my most favorite anime back then, which inspired me to dress up,” Diane recalled. Her fascination with bringing characters to life only grew stronger with time. She immersed herself in researching costumes, looking for ways to replicate the outfits she admired. That research eventually led her to discover the vibrant cosplay culture of Akihabara in Japan.
Visiting Japan was not possible back then, but Diane saw another path. “Why not bring it here in my place?” she remembered thinking. She submitted a proposal to her teachers for a cosplay competition at her school. To her surprise, it was approved. On the day of the event, she watched as students gathered, dressed in costumes inspired by their favorite series. “It became the venue where people with the same fandom come together and have fun!” That moment planted the seed for what would become a lifelong pursuit.
Growth and Milestones
Since then, Diane has portrayed more than three hundred characters. Each one became a milestone in her journey, and she treated every cosplay as an opportunity to grow. “For me, cosplay is not just about wearing a costume. It’s about embodying the character, telling their story, and feeling their presence,” she explained. Her dedication eventually caught the attention of organizers beyond the Philippines.
“My first international guesting was in Singapore, followed by Indonesia, Taiwan, and Malaysia,” she shared. Invitations arrived through email and social media, and with each one came new challenges. Preparing for international events was more than just choosing costumes. It meant strict planning, rehearsals, and even learning how to adjust her schedule to account for travel.
“For big events, I usually have one to three cosplays ready, depending on my schedule,” Diane said. Packing, too, became a delicate art. “Props go into hard cases, wigs in cake boxes, and I request fragile stickers for luggage containing costumes. You really have to be careful, because these items take so much time and effort to create.” Every trip carried the risk of damage or loss, but the reward was worth it when she stepped on stage.
A Dream Realized
One of her most cherished memories came in 2022 at CLAS:H in Indonesia. “Being invited there was unforgettable,” she said with emotion. “It was an event I had dreamed of joining since 2018, watching my idols stand on that same stage. To finally be there myself, feeling the audience’s warmth, was so surreal and emotional.” For Diane, moments like these were proof that hard work and perseverance could turn dreams into reality.
Travel also gave her a chance to experience cultures beyond conventions. Between events, she explored the world in small but meaningful ways. “In Taiwan, I visited famous landmarks. In Bacolod, I enjoyed the hot springs. Those little moments of travel stay with you. It makes cosplay even more fulfilling, because it brings you to places you never thought you’d see,” she shared.
Balancing Passion and Community
Diane admits that balancing admits that balancing cosplay, work, and personal life requires discipline. “Sometimes you get tired, or you feel like you’re not improving fast enough. But I remind myself that cosplay should always be about passion first. It’s okay to take breaks. It’s okay to just enjoy.” Her philosophy emphasizes growth through joy rather than pressure.
Community has also played a vital role in her career. “Cosplay is not just about crafting costumes. It’s about sharing the passion, learning from each other, and creating connections,” she said. Throughout the years, she has met friends who have supported her and inspired her to continue. Competitions, while rewarding, are only part of the bigger picture for her. “Outside of that, I want to enjoy the craft and celebrate it with others.”
Advice for Aspiring Cosplayers
As her career expands, Diane remains grateful for the opportunities cosplay has given her. Each new stage, whether in the Philippines or abroad, represents a chapter in a larger story. Her advice to aspiring cosplayers is rooted in this perspective. “Continue learning, respect others, and always remember why you started. Cosplay can be a career or a hobby, but at its heart, it should bring joy. If you dream of traveling the world with your craft, take it step by step, prepare wisely, and most of all, enjoy the journey.”
More Than Costumes
For Diane, cosplay is more than just costumes or conventions. It is a passport to experiences, friendships, and self-discovery. Every performance, every trip, and every character is another reminder that passion can truly take you places.
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