September 2023: What a month that was! 💖
How's your September? Did you put up Christmas decor already? 🥳
Hi awesome souls,
It’s been a while since I last wrote because a lot happened in the previous month. Honestly, this is my 3rd draft for this entry and I kept on writing and deleting everything. I guess, ADHD problems. 🤣
But now, here’s a recap in no particular order.
First Cosmania Experience ✨
This is the first time I went to a big event after the pandemic because my anxiety about things could get easily triggered.
I guess the entire experience can be summed up with these two photos.
Disclaimer: This is my very first cosplay fan girl experience!
![First photo is a selfie with Hakken, 2nd photo is a group photo with Prince de Guzman and Awie](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F700408fb-a1b3-4cec-ae4b-42f91f387a84_7296x5472.jpeg)
![First photo is a selfie with Hakken, 2nd photo is a group photo with Prince de Guzman and Awie](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F480531cf-3453-4cff-8a96-d8f8b99b171a_4000x3000.jpeg)
Low-key bittersweet that I didn’t line up for Knite’s meet and greet, but still grateful.
This is how I embrace my fangirl era, and it began this 2023.
Quick history about this:
I initially bought the tickets for Hakken’s fan meet the moment I laid eyes on the post about it.
I didn’t pay attention to the ticket price that much because I was eyeing on getting my seat in the premium area. As much as possible, I wanted to get the exclusive experience any fangirl would ever get to meet their idols or the people they admire the most.
When I secured my ticket, the organizing team sent an email about a discount for the main event itself. Of course, I asked J if he would be glad to join me throughout the day. He gladly agreed, and I was set to get our discounted silver tickets.
I describe the experience as life-changing, exhilarating, and fun! It’s quite hard to put into words how I felt at the moment, but when we got home — I knew that it made me happy.
Meeting Prince and Awie for the first time in real life! ✨
Right after Hakken’s fan meet, we looked for the hall where the meet and greet for legendary cosplayers was being held. We got lost for a while because of the sea of people around, though it was a cool experience since I got to see creative people portraying some of my beloved characters.
Once we found the area, I checked out the meet and greet booths and saw Knite. I initially thought of falling in line, but it was too damn long. I couldn’t risk not meeting Prince, so I told J to forego meeting Knite (deep inside, I know there’s still a next time) and fall in line for Prince’s booth.
When we got to his booth, the line was pretty long already. We secured our spot and entertained ourselves by naming characters that would pass by. Honestly, I’m not very knowledgeable about the other characters in there. But, I enjoyed seeing the creativity that every person at the event had.
There were gender-bent cosplays, and even life-size props. I asked some cosplayers about their props and someone thought I was a crafter. Oh, how I wish I were!
Here’s a quick list of the characters we saw while waiting in line, in no particular order (All from Hoyoverse):
Cyno
Bronya — portrayed by Hakao Coser (I didn’t know her, and J told me who she was after I asked for a photo with her.)
Candace
Albedo
When Prince’s team arrived at the venue, people rejoiced! He thanked us for our patience. Indeed, traffic is the worst in Metro Manila.
Prince cosplayed Kaeya, one of the Cryo husbandos from one of my favorite games — Genshin Impact. He’s also one of the most intriguing characters for me because of his genealogy and history.
Conversations with Prince and Awie
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3396e21c-57d0-4654-ad08-3f6040c9a928_3648x2736.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa8f11579-2a2e-4c57-942e-c70ea453dac9_4000x3000.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F93033bda-63d0-4b24-900e-ea4340fb5467_4000x3000.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffdfd54fd-4d30-451b-83ea-71f3510318fc_4000x3000.jpeg)
Okay, this is where it gets better. 🫰🏽
I did not expect that both of them would recognize me at all! I mean, a celebrity/influencer to recognize a fan or supporter in an event?? THAT IS CRAZY! 🤯
When we got home, J told me that they called me through my name and didn’t ask. In his eyes, I was one of the cool fans. 🤣
I also loved the fact that they remembered minute details about me. They even asked me how to pronounce my username (mariaisquixotic). I gladly told them how.
Honestly, talking to them was like catching up with old friends. Both of them are very down to Earth and so welcoming. Funny thing is, I was able to mano to their mom — which I found adorable because she reminded me of my mom as well.
As a fangirl, I got a sweet autograph from Prince in my journal. Awie gifted me with her cosplay prints, which we framed because I don’t want it to get damaged at all.
Originally, I ordered a Trese print from her Gank page — she also told me not to subscribe there anymore because she’s inactive there. I didn’t even bring it up during the meet. She initiated the conversation and told me that she owes me. I was flabbergasted, yet again. I honestly didn’t expect that. I know how people can get busy in their respective lives, and who am I to demand, right? But when she mentioned it, I caved in. My quirky side cheered on and even said, “I choose you” to which we all laughed.
I only aspired to having a photo with them, but I guess both the Universe and G had other plans. They wanted me to have one of the best days of my life.
My inner child was screaming internally for a few days. I was processing the whole ordeal for a week or more, and writing about it makes me shed happy tears. I guess, I’m at that point wherein I get to fulfill my childhood aspirations that I couldn’t get back then because of certain limitations.
Dia de Muertos Barbie
![A photo with Dia de Muertos Barbie](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff6cdf011-a5ae-445f-88a3-7406260efb39_2992x2992.jpeg)
![A photo with Dia de Muertos Barbie](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8624529f-3d77-4da2-b8fc-d9960d928185_2992x2992.jpeg)
When I was young, my mom would gift my Barbie dolls depending on my academic achievement or performance in school. That was deeply imprinted in my mind, heart, and soul. I received various collectors’ edition Barbie dolls like:
Princess of the Nile
Princess of China
Barbie as the Nutcracker Princess
Filipiana Barbie
So when I saw this in Toy Kingdom (SM Megamall branch), I immediately told J that I must have it. I think it’s instinct already as a collector and a fan. But in hindsight, I realized that this doll symbolized another chapter of my life. Crazy, right?
But, it truly is. Gone were the days when I had to be an honor student or do well in school. The last Barbie doll/s that I got from mom was when I was in high school or college. It were the other princesses from the movies. I remember that the full line had 12 variants, I think I got 3 or 4?
Anyway, going back.
This Barbie marks the era that I could spoil myself or buy a doll using my money. I even told my mom about it through a fairy tale story. She taught me to work hard and be independent, to reward myself for every milestone that I make — and that’s what this Barbie symbolizes. After a painstaking heartbreak last 2021, I fought back, conquered the demons, and forged my path.
Life lately things ☺️
I’ve been studying PPC, and more about SEO since I need it for work. I apply what I learn through my website, which has been performing well.
Dakila is now very much used to having the aircon turned on, just like J.
I won 1st-runner up during our team building which was themed Buwan ng Wika. I wore a piece from Studio Eloise, which was a black top made of pineapple fibers.
I got burnt out from reading because of the self-imposed reading challenge I made — 1 book for every 2 weeks. I finished the 4th book in Tita Rosie Murders.
Coursera approved my scholarship for the 4th course in the Google Project Management certification. 🥳
J helped me build The Mandalorian helmet. 💖
Work has been great. I received the welcome kit from my current company. My client also sent their welcome kit all the way from the US!
I’ve been studying Canva more, on the side of editing and creating videos. Here’s a sample work.
My Ko-fi is growing! I got my first monthly supporter too, plus people who shared one-time coffees. Thank you for funding our wedding! 🤣🫰🏽
Before I forget, October is ADHD Awareness Month. So, I’m highlighting this blog that I wrote to advocate for ADHDers who couldn’t advocate for themselves, at least that’s what my friend told me when I shared the blog with him.
Okay, sorry not sorry for the long letter. But, I do hope you enjoyed reading it. I imagine you hear me squealing and tearing up while I reminisce about my fangirl moments.
If you loved this, don’t forget to like and subscribe! Just kidding.
You can buy me a coffee instead. 💖
That’s all folks.
Don’t forget to be kind to yourself too. Rest and hydrate, and more importantly, stay safe.
See you in the next letter, whenever. 🫰🏽
Maria 🧿