This photo has nothing to do with the topic, I just needed something. So yeah lmao

Am I the only one who feels incredibly uncomfortable with the use of the phrase "Cosplay For Fun"?
With Cosplay being a hobby that's progressively growing into the mainstream, the size of the cosplay scene has at least doubled the amount each year with fresh hopeful blood coming in and while some opt for a change in priorities and could no longer support this hobby. Volume was not the only thing that has changed, mindset/attitude has also drastically evolved, some for the best and others, not so favorable.

Personally, the perception of simply "doing it for fun" doesn't quite equate with reality.
In reality, Cosplay is stressful, heart-breaking, pressuring, and more than ever, you'll face more rejection than you could possibly meet in most hobbies. I have broken down and cried over this hobby more times than I have ever cried in RL (for the most part, I rarely ever do). Rushing to catch up to deadlines, bleeding over sewing/crafting props, sacrificing the little amount of sleep left from work/studies, painful hours of researching about a character's background and fabric/material accurate to their era, and then being shit on for standing out.

It's a tough hobby to survive in, it tests your ability to persevere whether it be in mind, skill, emotional, or social relationships. Time and time again, I question myself "why do I do this", "why do I continue"?
Why.

It's because I LOVE it.
I love the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction after sacrificing so much emotion, time, money into this costume/photoshoot/skit and be like "Fuck yeah." No amount of rejection combined would be able to drown the fire, passion and love I have after successfully bringing out a character I respected, adored, and looked up to. Nothing in this god forsaken 7 years of cosplaying would compare to the pride I built when ever so rarely, someone comes up to me and say "I see this character in you". Nothing could ever washout the feelings of warmth and support from the people that I happen to bond through cosplay and to this day, means the world to me.

So, no. I don't do cosplay for "fun".
I do it because I love it.
And because I love it, it becomes fun.

A/N: So, I decided to create a series to tag under "Reality Check". These blog posts are purely my opinions on certain topics that I feel the need to address. You may or may not be able to relate but point is, I'm not here to shove my opinions down anyone's throat, but to share my 2 cents on things. So agree to disagree! 😊

We made it, guys! We survived!
It was an unbelievably fast weekend and as much as I hate to admit it as it was the first time, I truly wish this was not our last panel together. It's hard to let go of this moment and say goodbye to my team again. I love you guys too much!

Thank you for having us, Anime On Ice!

Lord knows how nervous and unprepared we were, especially when the clock was nearing to 5-10 minutes in before our panel started yet the crowd was barely seen. Thankfully though, the crowd soon came in! It was not as big as our first but we were more than happy for a crowd to form (since we barely did much sharing prior to the event). Bless you lot! And by the grace of everything merciful, we had an extra hand in help with Serena helping out with controlling our slides (so sorry you had to be dragged into this and yet I barely did a double check to show you how to control the slides).
Despite the rush 5-day prep, the team pretty much knew what they wanted to do this time and for good or for worse, we were given the green-light to throw the PG-rating out the window.

On an overall, the panel was pretty decent and as usual the panelist line has absolutely zero chill against each other. A little pressuring that the audience was a little more silent than before but clearly, once the shipping and sexy sexy moments started, we needn't worry. But I admit, you Otayuri fans have seriously no chill HAHAHAHA. Good god-
Q&As and dares were alright but I do have to point out that my favourite dare by far is Phichit having to impersonate Otabek to Yuri. I think the world dropped on me when our Phichit did the Madness gun gesture.

As the highlight of the panel, the lipsync battle was no joke. Everyone was prepared to one-up each other on all aspects; stage choreograph, props, get-up, and song. I cannot get enough of how good everyone was! Unlike the previous round, everyone in the team participated and it was pretty lit for a last-minute thing.
Of course, I had the most ridiculous time resisting the urge to join in their performances, and not to mention, trying not to gush so obviously over our Kazakhstan rep's performance (do you know how hard it was to keep it all in? Half of me wants to be in the crowd and just scream but then I wouldn't be serenaded like that////// BEST AAAHHHH).

I have absolutely no clue how are we supposed to up-stage this round if we do have another.
Any who, will link the full videos here!

LIPSYNC BATTLE

PHICHIT: Bollywood Meets The Ice

Watch full vid here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZ1nTXtQL3I

Funny story! Prior to this day, Phichit had planned for Wannabe by the Spice Girls but decided otherwise because who doesn't love a good classic Bollywood musical with full dance choreograph and all? See the struggle in my face as I try to hide the urge of joining HAHAHAHA. Move those hips!

YUURI: Not So Innocent

If anyone has the link for this, please comment down below!

This katsudon of ours is quite the shy bugger no matter how many times we told her to abuse Vitya. I mean, you've got full access to a lap dance coach (Mila)! But ay, love the change in mood from that sweet high school crush vibe to a little 2nd base frustration if you know what I mean.

VIKTOR: Livin The Wild Life

Watch full vid here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QKWVgyVMwE&t=17s

Goddamn finally! Can't find any other song more suited for this balding crisis than Livin da La Vida Loca. They were actually planning to dance around Yakov a little more but they ran out of time lol. But yo, I was expecting some decent push and pulling between Viktuuri. Mana la weh?

YAKOV: A Mentor's Nightmare

Watch full vid here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYrpS_erRxs

Coach. Why. Don't lump me with that traitor! I'm not that bad.
In all seriousness though, it's about time Yakov had his say. The old man has had enough with the Russian bunch (both as a character and as a cosplayer too hahaha), and even the crowd agreed to his headache and crowned him his win! #bestcoach

CHRIS: Booty Call

Watch the full vid here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8cQZBYeNe0&t=2s

This was the one rehearsal I had not really witnessed at all and good god. I'm torn between having a front row seat live or  bleaching my eyes because there was so much booty, flying kisses, and lip-bites that even watching the video again, I just go "astagaaaaa" all the way. Props to the impromptu Michele though!

MILA: Special After-Hours Service

Watch full vid here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUUQiUKF7Cg

The first time I saw the cane, top hat and chair, I'm pretty sure everyone instantly had an inclination that there was going to be some lap-dance action going on and sure enough! Good lord, we need some sacred priest's blessing for that chair; it has seen more action than the Russian kitten will ever have (well, till he's of legal age of course). Deep deep inside, I want a lap dance from Baba too!

YURI: Lights.Leather.Shades

Watch full vid here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3J9CTChISM&t=12s

I have to admit, once I saw Mila's cane, it had me thinking of ways to up-stage the Baba because that's what this Russian does; out-flash everyone hahahaha. Clearly, what batter way to be the spunky punk that Yuri is and still answer that huge Otayuri question, than your classic Addam Lambert; leather and all.
Story time; I joking said I wanted to do the Madness version on Twitter just days before the event, and sure enough, the team caught-on and Syn, being the sinner that he is, was down to lend his stuff. WELP- bare back it is then!
// hides face because I can't take myself seriously //

OTABEK: Friends

Watch full vid here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFFN9I0NrTc

GOOD GOD MAN! At first I was completely prepared for some up-beat sexual-tension song, and not this heart-breaking feels shit. Legit, my heart broke with the first line, "We're not friends". LIKE YO, WTF ALTIN. THE FUCK ARE WE THEN? My heart cannot handle the performance. Half sakit, half tengah busy being swooned. Shit-

Photo by Sophia

It was a mere 2 months since our last panel and as much as I want to say goodbye, I don't think I can. It's super rare to have such a fantastically supportive and all-out team who can fight civil wars on stage with each other but still have one of the other's backs like an LA gang. Even through the rush, the uncertainties, lack of sleep, everyone pulled through, with extra spice and fire.

Cosplay panels are a tricky creature to manage. Being in character for an hour is hard enough, creating a whole program to accommodate each character whilst taking the crowd into account is a headache. But the feeling of having successfully unite the audience under one fandom makes it worth every second!
Really proud to be a member of this team. Don't think I can survive without them, really. Thanks for having my back, I love you guys and everyone else who don't agree can fight me at the alley.

Photo by Lowies

And hey, if you guys, the fellow history makers out there are as hungry as we are for another round, let us know. Let the organizers know! And who knows, they might open up a slot, and we can slither in and make history again with you guys!

Russian Kitten Out!

Now, I know what you're thinking; "I thought the team's not gonna do another cosplay panel anymore?". Well, we did mean it, however, we meant it specifically for the following years, and we never thought that we would have another chance at it but BOOM! And what's even more amazing is that this time, we're part of a literal "on ice" event, and all for the lovely fandom we know and love.

Anime On Ice Festival 2017
Venue: Empire City (Ice Skating rink), Damansara Perdana
Date: 23-24 September
Yuri!! On Ice Panel date: 24th September, Sunday
Panelists: Sky & Yuan (Team Manboobs), Nao & Joe Yee (Team Chevalier), Ay Jay, Kid and Princelingcat

As you might have guessed, we will be bringing the whole team, including a new special addition to the team and it is no secret; hero of Kazakhstan, our very own Otabek Altin! Although it was a rather rush decision, we will do our best to deliver as best as we can. Same segments, spicier content! I assure you, we'll bring up a different kind of excitement this time. So do come!
And yes, due to high response from our previous panel, we'll be bringing back LIP-SYNC BATTLE in encore!

And before you go on your merry way, here's a few things that you need to know about Anime On Ice!

• Free entry! Okay, so before you get too excited, it's only free entrance if you bring a receipt of your meal(min RM10). You still have to pay for skates rental.
• Joel Minas as Guest! If you're a big fan of YOI, you should have already seen his videos being shared around; his skating to YOI's Eros program is just so on-point. I am definitely not missing out on the chance to watch him live!
• Reika! For the lovely fans of hers, you guys don't have to wait till Comic Fiesta since she will be back and attending this event ey.
• I C E    S K A T I N G     R I N K: Need I say more????

To find out more about AoI, please head down to their event page: here.
Let's smash this one last time. See you there! Давай ! !

What is Ballare?

Here's what you need to know!

So yeah! Try giving a few minutes into getting to know what this event is about and what they've done before, and who knows, if you're interested to attend, I am more than delighted to see more faces there. See you if I see you!

Having participated as a Special Interest Panel for VAX for the past 2 years in a row as a Kuroshitsuji Cosplay Panel, it was a challenge to figure out something new and bring it up a notch. On our third year of cosplay panel at Visual Arts Expo, the team decided to change it up and bring on a new series; Yuri!! On Ice. An amazingly beautiful animation with inspirational characters and fantastic story line. Amazingly enough, VAX coincidentally brought down Studio MAPPA (animation studio for Yuri!! On Ice)!
This year we were invited to be an official stage panel, which meant a lot since we all agreed that this would be the last panel we did as a team due to respective responsibilities. The team this year included two new fantastic members; Keito (Katsuki Yuri) and Ay Jay (Mila). So incredibly grateful of having such an amazing team to work with! Best team to be honest. Love every single one of them!

Recap

Panelist line:

Online Q&A Submission

Gossip with Phichit! (Never Have I Ever)

Bonus! We had an Otabek in the audience play with us and lord- the amount of screams.

Online Dares Submission

The dare here was to wear nekomimi ears. Hilariously enough, we didn't bring any but the audience passed it to us. Not just one, but two lol.

Know Your Country Trivia

Posing Game

LIP-SYNC BATTLE

History Maker Sing-A-Long

It was the best way to end our 3 year-run. Thank you for having us. And thank you for helping us make history.
Давай ! ! !

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3

Special thanks to Visual Arts Expo for giving us this opportunity, Mr9 Workshop for working with us for the group photos, the VAX stage team for helping us, and everyone who attended.
Let us know what you thought about the panel and whether or not we should come back in the distant future!

Can't forget the obligatory Otayuri selfie!

Despite my current hiatus status from cosplay, I managed to attend Animangaki 2017 and all due to my partner's pestering. AMG this year was a very nostalgic experience that I haven't had for a long time. This time, I wasn't joining any competition, rushing for COD, or rushing to find people I knew. It was just an easy-breezy, follow the wind kind of experience and got to geek out with random cosplayers that now I can call my friends!

DAY 1: Mistake Messenger

You know you're a fujoshi when you understand this.

"How to talk to short people". Photo by Alex

DAY 2: Chibiyama

AMG Cosplay Competition

The cosplay competition is definitely one the highlights of AMG for me. It has a fantastic stage, lighting, sound system, and fog-machine to perform with, and best believe that it has a few of the best cosplay skits I have ever seen in Malaysia. Not to mention that the winner will be qualified to join Comic Fiesta's Cosplay Invitational. So of course, I would not miss watching this year's competition!
The standard this year was raised quite well. The execution, story line, character portrayal, and stage set up has definitely improved. Despite the small elements of comedy, you could see everyone's effort and seriousness in their performance. Even the judging panel was brutal this year, and for good reason! Like they say, you haven't improved if you're not even aware of your faults.
All in all, congratulations to the winner, Taka and Wen! It was an amazing performance! They performed an amazing skit and pulled through the end despite an unexpected knee injury mid-way performance. Much respect! Safe and quick recovery, Taka! And good luck for Cosplay Invitation!

SUMMARY

Pros:

• Fantastic performances
• Amazing AMG Idol competition
• Great Cosplay Competition & Panel judges
• Stage & sound system was one top!
• Free drinks! Can't tell you how much this is sooooooo important!
• More quality merch in doujin booths

Cons:

• Low energy crowd (stage)
• Escalators that are not working
• Inconvenient crowd flow (long way for entrance)

All in all, a pretty okay AMG 2017 experience. Definitely did not regret attending this time and all thanks to my partner (yay). Not to mention I got to see so many unexpected faces I haven't seen in ages!
Let me know what your experience at AMG this year was like in the comments below!

Full front view. (Photography by Pineapple Collections)

Back view. (Photography by Pineapple Collections)

• 3-4m uniform blue-ish green fabric
• 3-4m soft cream/white lining fabric
• 1/2m white lace
• 50cm hidden zipper

Fabric-covered button Tutorial (coming soon)