Home Features Cosplay with a Cause: How Claude Daniel Ang Turns Fandom into Hope

Cosplay with a Cause: How Claude Daniel Ang Turns Fandom into Hope

If you’ve ever been to a geek convention or a charity event and spotted a Jedi, Sith, or superhero spreading joy, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Claude Daniel Sy Ang. Beyond the armor, robes, and iconic lightsabers, Claude is someone whose heart for community shines just as brightly as his passion for cosplay. His journey is more than just about costumes, it is about connection, giving back, and proving that fandom can be a force for good.

From Fandom to Cosplay

Claude didn’t always have an easy path toward embracing his interests. “I was just mostly a guy who had a lot of fandoms but I was in a cave growing up,” he recalls. “I grew up from a very conservative environment so voicing out your likes and dislikes wasn’t something we could easily do.” It wasn’t until high school, when fandoms began flourishing on Facebook, that he began to connect more with others. In 2015, his cousin introduced him to Asia Pop Comic Con, and that single experience opened up a whole new world.

Even before cosplay, Claude had always been surrounded by passions both in and outside of fandom. “I was an athlete, a singer, a CAT officer back in high school but behind all that I was also a geek,” he says. “Star Wars technically was my first fandom. I used to watch Star Wars Clone Wars and was lucky to have found people who also shared the same interests.” That early love for Star Wars grew into something bigger when he attended a local lightsaber meet-up. “Our local Star Wars community was trying to entice people to use lightsaber training as a form of exercise and physical activity, and I saw some were spinning their lightsabers in Jedi and Sith robes. It was there and then when I was truly introduced to cosplay.”

Not long after, Claude debuted his first costume as Superboy from Young Justice at NexCon 2016. That moment showed him what cosplay could be, a way to bring characters to life and connect with others who share the same love. “Cosplay can be any person’s way of showing their love for a fandom that they enjoy,” he reflects.

Cosplay With a Cause

Today, Claude takes that passion further as a member of Lucasfilm-recognized groups like the 501st Legion, Rebel Legion, and FightSaber PH. These groups are known not only for their costume accuracy but also for their commitment to service. “To be part of the 501st Legion, Rebel Legion, and FightSaber PH means that you have high standards as a cosplayer,” Claude explains. “Since the groups are Lucasfilm-recognized we uphold a certain standard from the type of fabric you use to the components from top to bottom.”

What makes it meaningful is that these standards go hand in hand with purpose. Claude and his fellow members regularly partner with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, helping grant the wishes of children with critical illnesses. “This great work goes beyond just cosplaying around and having fun,” Claude says. “A majority of the charity work we do is dedicated to raising funds so that children with critical illness can have a fighting chance at life.”

He has seen firsthand how much these efforts matter. “Some of these kids have cancer, some have tumors, and there are way too many more to count. If people see Star Wars characters in major conventions raising funds, those funds are used for granting these children’s wishes because their families are too concentrated on paying for medical bills.” Sometimes it means granting a material wish, and other times it is simply bringing a smile during difficult days. “The idea is to give hope to those who are in need of it. A simple visit from your favorite character is more than enough to lighten up a person’s mood and uplift their spirits in such a dire situation.”

For Claude, cosplay is first and foremost about passion, but the chance to inspire others is what makes it truly fulfilling. “Honestly before, I was surprised that I would have gone as far as I have in doing these events,” he admits. “I do it because I am doing my best to express my love for the fandom… the added bonus is that if someone sees the cosplay and is happy to see it, that’s already enough.”

Beyond Conventions

Beyond charity work, Claude also shares his love for fandoms online. His content focuses less on skits and more on recreating scenes, highlighting events, and showcasing the community. “I hope that when people watch my content they see it as fun and informative,” he says. “That being a geek is seen as more normal now unlike before when we were shunned for loving that one fandom we have.” Balancing content creation with work, charity, and conventions can be a challenge, but Claude sees cosplay and charity as deeply intertwined. “Sometimes cosplay would be the reason why there is some charity work to be done.”

When asked what advice he would give to young fans who want to cosplay with a cause, Claude keeps it simple but powerful. “Get to know the fandom and the community, be genuine about your love. When people see the passion that you have, everything else will slowly follow but with effort. Don’t be afraid to show your passion, don’t add on to any drama in the community and you won’t get into big problems.”

Looking Ahead

Claude is excited for upcoming charity appearances like Star Wars Reads Day in October and the Manila International Book Fair, as well as conventions such as SuperManila. “It’s the chance for fans of comics to meet the artists behind the stories we’ve been reading, and of course to fully express our fandom,” he says with a smile.

For Claude, cosplay has always been about more than dressing up. It is a way to spread joy, to connect with others, and to turn passion into purpose. And in living that out, he reminds us that being a fan isn’t just about loving a story, it is about becoming part of one that uplifts others.