I started out as a con-goer back in 2008. It mattered so much to me how accurate and realistic one person can go to look exactly like the character they are cosplaying. So I’d like to take this opportunity to feature some of my favorite Cosplayers, whom I’ve had such honor in meeting and befriending along the way.. -katz

CosFeature n#19: Wryan Melendez.. a.k.a. Dukesa

K- It’s been a long time Ms. Dukesa! *bows* I’m glad I got a hold of you. Konnichiwa! Thank you so much for squeezing some time for me.

DM- Hello!

K- Let us start from the beginning, shall we? What would you like to be called?

DM- You can call me Dukesa

 Chi (maid version) – Chobits

K- Alrighty! Your interest in cosplay, how and when did it start?

DM- Yes well, I was constantly nagged by a friend about cosplaying. He was the first one to introduce it to me in 2002 but I didn’t cosplay until I graduated and got a job in 2004. I took fancy of it especially when I got to see more people at school doing it, and knowing that I can make my favorite characters come to life by being one myself.

I began cosplaying in the year 2004 as Sohee from Ragnarok Online being my first cosplay; but I went inactive in 2007 – 2008 when I got married and had a daughter. I resumed cosplaying in 2009 up to the present, making it about more than four years total.

 

Pet Sohee (with child-master Alchemist) – Ragnarok Online

K- Whow you pretty much started out just like Ms. Jennivy Salazar, a mom cosplayer with an equally awesome son cosplayer who tandems with her a lot. Tell me, did you make your first costume back then? Or you had it tailored?

DM- My first costume was Sohee from Ragnarok Online which I wore for the First Ragnarok World Championship on June 22, 2004 held at the Folk Arts Theater CCP Complex, Philippines. I was an avid Ragnarok Online gamer, and since it was my first time, I chose the easiest costume to make while being a favorite character as well. At that time, I was leveling up in Payon Cave where the Sohee resides.

My Sohee costume was made by a local dressmaker, but the props – hairband, wig, and dagger – were all hand-made by me. Yes, I made a wig out of yarn.

 

K- An awesome YAY for beginner props-making, might I add! Do you prefer solo or group cosplays?

DM- I usually go solo when it comes to cosplay but I also like being part of a small group of two or three up to five members maximum. Most of the time, I plan my cosplay based on my own schedule and preferences and then check out my friend’s plans and see if I can cosplay along with them from the same series, or at least, the same theme.

 

Rikku – Final Fantasy X2

YuRiPa group – Final Fantasy X2

K- Oh I remember this shot! Brings back memories when I used to organize shoots like these! So how much has cosplay taught you? Pros and Cons?

DM- It taught me a lot of things when it comes to creativity. Cosplaying had given me the chance to fully use my “tinkering” talents and abilities in making costumes. It also improved my imagination and resourcefulness. Examples would be making my own weapons and accessories using common household and craft materials; using different type of fabrics and sewing them into a costume; styling my own wigs; and doing my own make-up.

Therefore, cosplay has helped me hone my craftsmanship skills and as well as people relations. I used to be such a shy person, but getting involved into cosplay – dressing up, posing for the cameras, doing catwalk on stage – helped me build confidence within myself. The only thing with having cosplay as a hobby and being part of the cosplay community in general is the expenses (and sometimes politics — it can’t be helped). You spend to buy wigs, contact lenses, make/have costumes. You spend to travel to convention venues, to buy tickets, food, and souvenirs.

Princess Emeraude – Magic Knight Rayerth

K- I am at awe in your beautiful female selections! Have you cosplayed abroad as well? If yes, how can you compare it locally? If not, what could you have wished for?

DM- I haven’t had the chance to cosplay anywhere else, not even outside Luzon. It would be so cool to be able to attend cosplay conventions in other countries, but to be honest, I’d be most happiest to be able to experience cosplay all over the Philippines! I want to go to Cebu, and Davao too!

 

Alena – Enkantadia

K- Hehe that Alena cosplay really makes me proud to be pinoy for some reason! Cosplay aside, what do you do outside the hobby/community?

DM- Obviously when I am not cosplay, I am very much of a domesticated Mom! I care for a pre-school little girl, four cats, four dogs, and four Gold fishes. HAHA. I also love to read when I have the time, and take pictures of all my babies.

 American McGee’s Alice

K- Now that’s what I call a balanced life! *hugs* Based on your experience, how’s about a message to aspiring cosplayers out there?

DM- Save money! Simply because cosplay is a very expensive hobby especially when you want to be very accurate. Also, I personally would recommend not to rush your cosplay plans. Don’t wear your unfinished costumes just for the sake of cosplaying. Cosplay is an art, and we are all artists so let us show our very best. And, if you don’t get your cosplay right the first time, there’s always a second chance to be better. And lastly, have fun! It is the key to enjoying cosplay as a hobby.

K- Now, please tell me something about yourself that no one knows. Like, what makes you YOU?

DM- Oh, I suppose I could say that I am perfectionist, though, I am pretty sure a lot of people already know that. I can be very OC and there’s not a single detail that I ignore. This pertains not only to cosplay, but also to real life. So to say, I am very strict too, I think!

K- Haha really? It doesn’t show, you look like you couldn’t hurt a fly. Well that’s what I thought of you when we first met. You were in your Rikku cosplay that time and I recruited you for a Final Fantasy shoot. You were really nice to me, a complete stranger, now a dear friend and an awesome cosplayer I admire so much. Thanks again!

DM- Thank you too, and hope to see you in future cons!

 

WHERE YOU’LL FIND HER: DeviantART, Dukesa

Till next feature~~! *mhew*