Interview Transcript

Quotes:
“There’s… actually a mind-blowing logic of Anime, to make you see things in a fantastic way;
but, actually [it helps you] make those choices in real life.”

“I think books are actually like ladders, make you see places, understand cultures… it
stimulates your mind to visualize those words on a page.”

“Some goals are high as heaven but not out of reach.”

Video Links: Alphonse Eric video:

Goblin slayer light and smoke effects video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

Psycho-pass dominator gun video:

Cosplay performance video: (TBUploaded)

IMAGES: 20 or more,
Water colour paintings, Dioramas, Cosplays, Works in Progress, Goblin Slayer Helmet,
Armour, Progress Photos, tools, and so on.

Contact: [email protected]
Fan Mail: Lot 1, Block 15, Village 1 Providence, Balabag, Pavia, Iloilo City, Philippines

___

Nathan (N): Thanks for making time to talk today Art. First of all… You mentioned just now
as we got started that you actually took down your Cosplay Facebook Page recently because
people were attacking you on it?! What happened?

Art (A): Yes sir, I actually don’t know what’s got into them, but life goes on. Some people,
after I placed [first] in a Cosplay Competition at the start of the year as Goblin Slayer, just
start to rant on my page saying that I didn’t make the costume myself and so on, even
though I actually made everything from scratch. They could not believe that I simply used
shoe polish and brush to create a weathering effect on my helmet.

N: It did look amazing. I saw your videos and they look like it came out of the Anime!
A: Thank you sir, its actually flattering to be appreciated by some people who actually not
from your country. You can see in the video my first stage of the helmet making, at that
time, I only got the light there no smoke and I lack the feather on the neck part. Well now,
I’m actually planning to make a chainmail on my Goblin Slayer cosplay soon, just like in the
Anime.

N: I think I saw that video and was really impressed even without all that, so I can't wait to
see your updated video. Love the backing SFX track you made too, and the choreography
too.

A: Yes sir, sometimes I rather have some people from other places like foreigners to judge
the competition because one of the problem here that some local judges are biased.
A: The time I won as Alphonse Elric from Full Metal Alchemist the judges are from Cebu and
Manila.

Yes, and actually I change the music and I don’t actually practice my choreography, I just
move and move and move. I just make the music and listen to it hundreds of times and then
made up my moves

N: Very nice, like a true warrior, adapting on the fly after years of training.

A: Thank you sir. I actually really want to learn how to wield or use sword sir, but learning
here is quite expensive. I just love the poses, the counter attacks, the never say die spirit in
that Anime Samurai X.

* * *

N: Do you do cosplay full time or how does it fit in with your current living style?

A: Actually Sir, I only Cosplay in Cons, when there is an upcoming Con, I prepare for it,
maybe make a new Armor or just original character, like I made a Dr. Plague mask and top
hat and steampunk coat, I was hoping to wear them in this annual con but there’s this
pandemic… so yeah.

N: it is a shame about the pandemic, I know what you mean. A few easy questions too, do
you have any favourite foods?

A: Yes sir, like grilled pork, you just get a slice of pork put some salt on it and put it on a coal
fire grill, also the famous chicken pork adobo, Valenciana, Maja Blanca there are many
foods. I also love pizza! I also love noodles, yes that is one of my weakness, especially when
it’s raining, noodles rice and dried fish perfect combination.

N: That sounds delicious! Do you have any favourite books, movies, or TV shows?

A: Books are actually mostly tutorials sir, like about electronics, watercolour [painting], or
Cosplay Magazines, language books are also on my list, music and biography books. As for
shows, I usually watch Anime series, I’m one of the few who haven’t seen a single episode of
Game of Thrones for example, I love to [mainly] watch Anime because I love how they tried
to make a fantasy feel and seem real, in a way that I can imagine that is what it would be
like if it would happen to me.

One of my favourite shows is Full Metal Alchemist, and from that I learned the law of
Equivalent Exchange that you got to give something to get what you want, and sometimes
you pay more than what you get

Also, in Samurai X, because it teaches to be prepared always, to anticipate the enemies’

N: You mentioned water colour, electronics as well as Taekwondo... so you also paint? you
sound like a man with many talents.

A: Yes sir, I love water colour painting, I do it to unwind.

N: It’s a good relaxing way to spend your time.

A: Yeah, like just let your hand flow, mix the colours, let the gravity show you the art.

N: it's really interesting you mentioned the law of equivalent exchange from FMA and also
being ready like in Samurai X, do you think you like to read to try to try to improve your
knowledge and skills to be ready for the unexpected, or what do you think draws you to
these types of (non-fiction) books?

A: I think books are actually like ladders, make you see places, understand cultures, in
Anime, they make you see what they are trying to tell you, like reviving a mother need
another life for it, not only materials, in Samurai X, Kenshin is really a kind-hearted man, the
military offer him a position but refused in order to directly protect the weak, so there’s
another trade there.

N: I guess it helps you see the same ideas in reality? That's beautiful about books being like
ladders.

A: Yes, there’s… actually a mind-blowing logic of Anime to make you see things in a fantastic
way but actually [it helps you] make those choices in real life. Yes ladders, it’s like a book
stimulates your mind to visualize the word on the page.

* * *

N: The “choices” you mentioned is quite an amazing revelation. I feel like you might have
had to make some important decisions along your journey so far. Is there anything that
inspires you, particularly when it comes to decision-making?
A: Music is very inspirational, rock music is freeing, Bon Jovi is one of my favourite, Skid
Row, Scorpion, also Air Supply, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, My Chemical Romance. Actually, I
got laid off last June, and last year October I got thrown out of the by my parents, so I’m
here now with my older sister living and helping here by looking after her kids, [so from
experience], choices are really life-changing, they will impart to you, life lessons.

N: That sounds really tough. why did your parents throw you out?

A: Well there was a power outage on our area, and my mom asked me if I could go home
ASAP. Well I finish work usually by 5pm, but [that day], my boss kinda needed to finish his
work, like he needs some extra minutes to do it, so I stayed because I was in charge of
locking and securing the office. So, we got out like 5:40pm, I got home by 6, and she [my
mom] was raging in anger. I was late for an hour and she said “Pack your things, and go!”
So, I went to turn on the power generator and left.

N: I see, so maybe it is you wanted freedom but I guess as you say there is that price
sometimes we all maybe paying.

A: Well actually every time I disappoint my mom she always tells me to pack my things and
go, maybe I got tired of it and it’s a calling to change my life and make a life of my own.

N: That does sound like a big decision. I hope you can succeed in your goal(s)! you can do it.

A: Yes sir, winning the Cosplay Contest, it was one of my proud moments, only if my straps
[of my costume] didn’t fail it would be perfect. Yes, some goals are high as heaven but not
out of reach.

* * *

N: Is it mainly music you find inspiring, do you have any heroes or favourite characters from
any series?

A: Yes, music tells life stories, tell us what the writers went through, how to overcome them,
or tell you a story about heart break, or about a friend, btw sir, the Beatles are one of the
music I listened to, heroes well Iron man haha, Superman for Justice, Batman for vengeance,
they are actually gives you an idea on how to handle situations. Bruce Lee was also someone
who inspired me.

* * *

N: What are some things you love about the world of Cosplay? what's been some of your
favourite moments in your adventures thus far?

A: I always love the adventure of building a costume, the pressure, the challenge is that you
don’t know the cosplay of your fellow cosplayer, I also enjoy the creativeness, the ability to
thinks out of you comfort zone, try something different, take risk push through, push your
limits to be more competitive cosplayer, make a more complex costume, but I always
Cosplay Armor types, since I’m kind of an over-weight guy so I’m able to hide my shape with
armour!

N: Haha you seem quite fit to me looking at the Taekwondo and your skits!

A: Hahaha I also sometimes surprise myself on what this body can do, some of my
colleagues has student didn’t or can’t believe that I can still throw high kicks and
combination footwork on my size, and I always say, I will spar anyone of you but, only for a
minute, because after a minute, I’ll run out of air hahaha! But I just love to kick

* * *

N: do you have any favourite memories, moments or experiences in cosplay?

A: Favourite memories on cosplay one was when we were in Bacolod city, we just tried our
luck to compete, it was our first competition, so my friend was the Mark VI Iron Man and I
was the Mark I War Machine, and were competing against Attack on Titan rangers, and
Saint Seiya. The Saint Seiya armour was awesome, but I think we won because we had lights
on the eyes, chest and hands, also we got this habit of jumping off the stage on our skit haha
so after the competition our armour is ruined haha. But we are not afraid of repairs, and
also it was a great experience to see international cosplayers like JesukeJess, the other two
from Thailand I forgot the names, but to see them up close and personal actually makes you
realized, they are also stands on the same ground as you are.

N: Congratulations! Yeah, it's true, the moment I saw your cosplay video I already knew that
you are world class. Also, your Alphonse Elric is amazing I love it so much!

A: Hahaha your flattering me sir, but don’t stop hahaha!

N: You should thank yourself for producing great work!

A: Thank you. This was the hardest to see helmet haha, I can only see on those cheek lines
holes hahah. Alphonse was actually one of my favourite, because the character can be cute
and yet a lethal fighter and can do alchemy.

N: But for sure we are always striving to improve and innovate, stay healthy, think long term
but always innovate and stay focused, do the right things.

A: Yes sir, to improve, innovate, healthy thinking and focus, also faith. But mainly, I just can’t
thank you enough sir for appreciating my work.

N: Well, it's also encouraging me to see that you are putting in effort and trying, as I like to
say, effort is never wasted. When was the FMA/Iron Man War Machine victory and the
Defcon one with your Goblin Slayer cosplay? Also feel free to give me a timeline of all major
events or things you enjoyed or you're proud of in your journey so far!
A: Defcon was a victory of Goblin Slayer sir in January 26 2020, FMA Alphonse Elric was from
AI Expo [https://www.facebook.com/AIexpo.official] on September 17, 2017, Iron Man War
Machine it was from Cosplay Fest, August 30, 2015.

N: 2015! sounds like you've been cosplaying for quite a while. when did you first start and
was there anything that got you into cosplaying?

A: I started cosplaying way back in 2012.

N: Was there any reason that made you want to start cosplaying?

A: I think it was 2004, there was Friendster that time [a former social networking site], when
my friends and I saw a picture of people wearing clothes of Anime characters on malls, we
had never seen that before, and we had a conversation actually, and we found out that
people are actually building an Ironman suit! So, we thought, if they can build it so can we,
what are the materials, tools, adhesives, techniques we need? And we tried free hand, and
it was like counting grains of sand [really hard]. Then one day my friend discovered a hero
tutorial on Youtube that also shares files of a type that he didn’t know, so he asked me what
files they were. Then I did a bit of research to discover it was a Pepakura file, a software the
can print patterns also shows 3d objects that lets you understand the pattern! And so, we
got a hunger for more patterns of different armoured characters, until we settled on
building Iron man and War machine

N: So, you were learning 3d-printing in 2004?

A: No sir, learning 3d was in 2009

N: that's so great that you believed you could do it, and actually did do it.

A: Yes sir, actually did it, though it was kind of luck for me, a friend of mine was a mechanic,
and I’m an information technology graduate, so it’s kind of I help him on his problems on
identifying the file, and we keep sharing to one another.

N: That's so great to hear, we should mention your friend too, does he also cosplay with you
or mainly help you with making your cosplay to perform like behind the scene?

A: He cosplay as the Iron Man of Iloilo city, but not that active, he also went to Manila to
represent Iloilo city on Cosplay competition cosplay as Zinogre from Monster Hunter

* * *

N: Can you explain a bit about your cosplay making process?

A: My cosplay process always starts at brainstorming, like for example, for Goblin slayer, I
think of the easiest path actually, like print patterns, then put page numbers on parts
numbers on it, not cut the parts place it on the EVA foam, trace it then cut the traced part
on the EVA foam and repeat, then assemble, I always try to make my cosplay build neat
even without paint, most of the cosplay I notice, I don’t know if they are lazy or didn’t see
like they still have hot glue tried there on that part, or they can used cheaper materials but
is better results, why didn’t they used wood on that axe props to make it more sturdy,
things like that. So I really want to brainstorm first, find a better way to build better choice
of materials faster building. For example, on the sword, it will not include the inner
structure, like it will not tell that you need a plastic pipe inside that sword to make it sturdy.
So, while I build, I’m thinking of improvements, like will this one layers of glue be enough?
How about I try three layers? How about I double the wall from the inside for support? How
about instead of foam for the handle why don’t we use pipes? I always ask myself questions,
and take a risk, if successful, you will be happy, if you lose you will be wiser. For example, for
my Goblin Slayer chest armour fell off, it hot that time, my hot glue melted, after that I look
for another adhesive, so I tried silicon glue or glass sealants but using for the whole armour
will cost me a fortune and it also takes longer to dry. Then a friend told me about high temp
hot glue the problem is we don’t have it here, I must order it only with credit card, Paypal,
etc. which I don’t have.

N: I see, so you just have to work with what you got

A: Yes, I always think out of the box, be more creative be more open to different materials
discover more techniques. learn more skills.

* * *

N: what's your favourite materials and techniques to work with? is there a time you were
really proud to think up something new in making a cosplay?

A: My favourite technique was slicing the foam but you’re holding the cutter blade on
45degrees was life changing, using hot glue after 20mins of heating is a plus, glue sticks that
are not clear are good quality for me,

N: Are there any particular projects you're working on or excited about?

A: I’m actually really excited about this sword I’m working on, the Sakabatou of Rurouni
Kenshin from Samurai X, and I’m planning to make the Kamen Rider black with lights and
smokes on body parts as well.

N: Can you walk us through how you make say the Alphonse Elric armour to get an idea of
your crafting style? mainly you will use always use foam, or would you prefer to make more
sturdy use like something else

A: Alphonse was built at my mom’s house, I was jobless at that time so I help my mom on
her store in the morning till 9pm, then 9pm-12am, I make the Alphonse, that’s the time I
discover the slanting slice, also the plug the hot glue for 20mins, then use it to cooked the
glue better, the cone tutorial was made because a lot of cosplay community asking for it,
and I realized those moments that every project you build your skill are improving, your
work becomes neater and neater. And I got a lot of trials on it, so a lot of fail and do it again
situations.

N: For difficult fine details you will prefer to 3d print? How do you know if it will fit you and
how big to make the parts?

For 3d prints is very expensive here, and you got to asked someone from afar like Cebu or
Manila. Every little detail I make was EVA foam, sanding, sanding and more sanding. For
fitting problem, I just make sure that the height measurement of my head is the same of the
pattern then print.

Creating is the best thing there can be actually, this is why I go for Building, it’s like taking
care of a rooster condition, until now it’s ready to fight!

* * *

N: Any dream plans? what would be some goals that if you achieved them would have a
special meaning for you?

A: I really want to step on Japan, visit the Akihabara district, the Anime city of japan, to see
Mt Fuji with my eyes, visit some Anime place that exist in Japan, but more importantly I
want to be a representative of PH to compete to the world cosplay summit! That is my top
goal!

I want to earn a lot and a house too, make even just a second-hand car, just a place to sleep
warn and not to get wet when it rains, a place you can call yours.

That said, right now, I have to say it’s really just a pleasure to be working with passion

N: For sure, no matter what we do, we have to try to do it well if we can

A: For now, I’m doing whatever I can to earn, accept some weird jobs Lately, like grooming
grass, clearing a lawn, rice delivery…

N: I hope you can achieve your goal but either way to make amazing cosplay that you're
proud of and having fun too.

A: Oh, I won’t stop building and cosplay, I will build more and cosplay more. These days I
feel many people can’t make great things anymore, maybe they lack creativeness or
perseverance or an idea, hopefully I can change that trend.

N: Well, it all starts with the thought and desire and faith that you can and you will make
something great! and slowly but surely it will happen, though as you say, maybe there is a
price.

* * *
N: Well moving on, I guess this is a good time to ask the question we always try to squeeze
in: if you would tell your younger self anything, what would you tell them?

A: If I could tell my younger self, I would tell him to save money, spend wise and
importantly, Learn, Practice, and Apply.

N: That sounds really wise, thanks Art! I wonder what our future selves might tell to our
current selves too. I guess probably it will be like: "Look after your health, eat/sleep well,
enjoy time with your loved ones like family because you only have one, and go ahead and
do the things you wanted to do that you believe is important and your calling.

A: If have the desire on something work for it is the price to pay in exchange for what you
want to achieve.

A: Yes, I didn’t save back then it was a bummer, I was a spender, another bummer, but
during this hard time, I learn something, I practice it, and then when I’m confident, I apply it.
It’s like on my Taekwondo kick, watch and learn, now practice, and then apply in sparring.

N: I think we all go through this, but if you don't try sometimes you don't know. I think it's
not so much saving but investing wisely too into something that will give you a positive
return, like a war chest. Easier said than done though of course.

A: Yes sir, easier said than done, exactly. About watching your health, yeah, my mom has a
store right. So, when I was in high school I always stayed late at night washing dishes
because we also offer food [in the store] at that time, so while doing that I [would] get a
bottle of soda every night, and now I got GERD [Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease]. And for
the sleep they say happy people requires less sleep, and actually it’s true.

N: Very wise words about the Taekwondo kick, that's an amazing analogy.

Yes, actually I made that myself, I’ve been in a lot of Taekwondo gyms, but none of them
told their students about that. Whenever my lowerclassmen ask me for advice, I share that
with them, especially when it comes to Youtube, where often, you can only see what they
can do but they won’t tell you how they did it!

Yes, plus meals that are not at the regular time.

* * *

N: What are some tips you would give people looking to start making their cosplays? or
even making armour?

A: Cosplay learners are tough, you demonstrate while telling them, they won’t understand,
but if you will make it for them, then they will prefer it. I think they don’t want to learn or
understand things, they want to buy or get it for free or you do it for them for free.
N: I see so from your experience people starting mainly want a short-cut, the results without
the effort. Perhaps it’s because they’re disillusioned by seeing so many people try and fail.
But it’s good to know! What about for people that enjoy just making things like you? Or
maybe you can share the mindset or principles that keep you going when it's tough making
the cosplay.

A: Yes sir, actually I’m just a yes or no person, need my help ok no problem, I’ll help you not
expecting any return from you, but don’t "Who are you?” me after that because damn you
won’t get anything from me after that. I’m really not a person not to share my wisdom, I
always want to share it but sometimes there are people that after you answer the problem
they have on this Cosplay, they don’t know you anymore. Like if you should tell them your
secrets, and you’ll be a stranger next time you meet.

N: Hmm maybe they just didn't recognise from your social media profile pic, but yeah, I
think we all must have experienced it before, this feeling of people always 'only taking' from
you, but frankly I don’t really care or think about it anymore, I honestly feel like Jesus has
given me everything and I’m very lucky in so many ways, so I can’t help but share something
with others!

A: Yes sir, that’s why I would rather have foreign friends that local, because for local, they
just ask to you what they want, then leave.

N: Well there's no problem with that, I guess with the internet your friends and role models
can be anywhere that is the power of the internet and thought! If it can help I think of it like
a journey sometimes people will walk with you for a bit of the journey, some a long time,
others less, but in the end where you go is up to you. I think in the end you have to surround
yourself with people that will make you better and we can't please everyone. I guess we
must just choose the friends and people wisely. Golden rule, treat everyone like you would
like to be treated.

A: Yes, I couldn't agree more on that sir, as they say, your life is a ship and you're the
captain. it’s just that, you know you expect them to help you too or just a little support or
appreciation, like every post they you liked it, [they like] none of yours.

N: Well, in the end, we can only give what we got and it's up to you! so I think mainly we
just focus on the work and in the end the results and actions always speaks the most more
than the 'friendship' because that is always up and down I think.

* * *

N: I think this is very interesting to hear about this, especially that you mentioned how
people can treat you differently in and out of cosplay or if they only want something from
you. Can you describe your experience as a cosplayer? what is it like to be a cosplayer at a
Con?
A: Well it can be a bit… a story I remember is that, for two years I didn’t cosplay, and we
have this Deadpool cosplayer won over and over again on those two years, but on Defcon,
he went third after the awarding ceremony he went to me and said "well it sucks because I
got an ankle Injury that’s why I can’t do my stunts etc., but congrats btw" and I was thinking
"dude, we saw every single skit that you did with one that cosplay, and you been doing the
same thing every time!" I just smile in front of him.

Relating to that, we have this photographer here actually that asked for our picture, well it a
common to say yes, so we say yes, took a picture of us over and over on our different
cosplays at different Conventions, and one time we were not in cosplay and we greeted him
like “Hi”, he stared at us and look to the left and left.

After that every time we cosplay and he always ask for a photograph and we now always say
no.

N: Wow did he know who you were though? maybe he never saw you guys out of cosplay?

A: Well actually sir armour cosplayers wear no makeup and from time to time we removed
out helmets to freshen up, and every time we got a runner up or something we removed
our helmets for a speech, I doubt he won’t recognized us.

N: Well, in the end, we can only give what we got and it's up to you! So, I think mainly we
just focus on the work and in the end the results and actions always speaks the most more
than the 'friendship' because that is always up and down I think.

A: That’s why as of now sir I make made to order props, and some dioramas and to expand
my skill knowledge and ability.

N: I guess in the end, you will know yourself best!

A: Yes sir, I agree to that.

N: I'm always learning about too. most important I think is ability and grit/determination
and relentless action.

And having a community/some people to bounce ideas/WIP off can really help too.

A: Yes sir, to share WIP is really helpful. Sometimes a community can challenge you too.
There are I think 6 crafter or builders here, the one has a family and a kid so quit, my is three
hours away, there is a kid has potential but more focused on digital art, another at three
hours two of them who are good from three hours away, so yeah, we can’t really meet up
that much.

N: I see, so in person is a bit difficult. But maybe, as you say, through social media and
internet you can make a thread or group to share ideas together, like for example your
friend who you mentioned was a mechanic?
A: We have tried that but none of them are really that active.

N: I see.

* * *

N: How can we support you and your work? how can we get involved in what you're doing,
or is it mainly you feel your cosplay you just have to do yourself?

A: Speaking of support you can actually give some constructive criticism, also you can tag us
every time you take pictures with us, compliment us to fuel us to keep going, like and share
our page. Subscribe to our Youtube channel.

N: that sounds so great Art! well I guess we will leave it there for now, have a safe + very
productive week ‘til the next time.

A: Yes sir! Good night and thank you.