Celebrated international cosplayer Rithe recently returned to the Philippines for her third guest appearance at FANFES’25. In a separate exclusive interview, she shared insights into her 11-year cosplay journey, creative process, and the challenges behind the craft.
For Rithe, cosplay has always been about passion. While she hasn’t faced major struggles within the community, she admitted the real challenge came from home. “My family was against this hobby-turned-career,” she said. “It’s the pure love for cosplay that kept me going.”
That same passion is what she hopes to pass on. “When I started, I just wanted to look like the cool characters I saw in anime and games. I hope by staying true to what I love, I can inspire others who see my work,” she added.
If not for cosplay, Rithe said she would likely have pursued interior design—her college degree. But cosplay opened unexpected doors, including international travel, new friendships, and full-time work. “All my friends are cosplayers. My first solo overseas trip was because of cosplay. It’s shaped who I am today.”
Among her most demanding costumes is Saber Alter’s HUKE version, known for its intricate design and difficulty to wear. Another milestone was crafting Saber from Fate/Stay Night for the World Cosplay Summit (WCS). “It wasn’t just any costume—I was making it to compete. That added a lot of pressure.”
Now a full-time cosplayer, Rithe juggles multiple roles—creator, editor, manager, and marketer. “Time management is the hardest part. Everything takes time—from livestreaming and boothing to editing and making costumes,” she explained. Despite the workload, she remains driven. “I just enjoy cosplay. As long as I’m well-rested and hydrated, that’s all I want to do. I get excited to share photos from shoots—that’s a big part of my motivation.”
At FANFES’25, Rithe also served as a judge for the cosplay competition. What impressed her most? “The confidence. You can have great stage presence, but it all starts with believing in yourself.”
As a long-time fan of Saber, her favorite version is still the original. “OG Saber is best Saber,” she said with a smile. Her dream cosplay? A large-scale mecha or Gundam build, just for the challenge.
When choosing characters, she follows her instincts. “Sometimes it’s because I loved the game, the design, or even a meme. But it always comes down to one thing—I just really like the character.”
Reflecting on her experiences in the Philippines, Rithe said it now feels like coming home. “My first visit here was when I was four years into cosplaying. Now it’s my eleventh year. Fans here have seen me grow—not just as a cosplayer, but as a person. I miss that bond.”
From emotional fan moments to silly photoshoots, she treasures every encounter. “There’s no one memory that stands out—it’s all the fun moments put together.”
To newcomers feeling overwhelmed, her message is clear: “Don’t worry too much. The cosplay community is mostly friendly. Costumes are more accessible now, and there are tons of online tutorials. You’ll find help even before your first cosplay.”
Her advice to those wanting to try cosplay? “Nothing is stopping you. Just go for it—it’s fun, and you’ll have a good time.”
More stories at www.ANIMEPHProject.com.
