Now showing in Japan is Crossroads, with no less than Filipina actress Alodia Gosiengfiao as lead actress.
A Waray (her parents Maria Gloria Arraiza and Eduardo Gosiengfiao are from Catarman, Northern Samar), Alodia has initially made a name as a Cosplay Girl dated back to 2003 when she was 15. Cosplay (Costume Play) refers to young people who dress up and act out characters from animation films and movies (Star Wars included).
Last August, she was invited to Sweden to sit as judge in one of Cosplay’s championship events, with contestants from Iceland, Norway and other Nordic countries.
It was Cosplay that paved the way for Alodia to showbiz and eventually to the Japanese-produced movie that premiered last week. Alodia graced the event together with co-stars Japanese actors Tao Okamoto (who was in Wolverine and Superman), Dai Watanabe (son of Ken Watanabe) and Keiji Kuroki.
Two years ago, Alodia performed in Japan and she caught the attention of the Japanese producer.
Alodia Gosiengfiao cosplay as Cosplayer in Attack of the Titans
“He asked me if I was interested in doing a Japanese movie and I said, ‘Why not?’ Before I knew it, we were already shooting in Japan, and some scenes in Baguio and around the Rice Terraces.”
Produced by Toei Company, LTD. and Fresh Hearts Productions and directed by Junichi Suzuki, the movie casts Alodia as a Filipina from a depressed area in the Philippines.
“Pinapakita nila that my character comes from a third-world country and Japan is helping the country,” said Alodia who has previously done only small parts in local movies (Kimmy Dora Part 2, etc.). “I have Cosplay to thank for where I am now,” said Alodia who graduated from Ateneo with a bachelor’s degree in Natural Fine Arts & Information Design. “Mahilig talaga ako sa arts. My friends and I kept on joining art competitions until I got noticed in Cosplay. You know, Cosplaying is not just about being resourceful; it involves thinking of things such as how to attack, how to solve a problem and how to create things from scratch.”
Although basically a Waray, Alodia didn’t grow up in Northern Samar but she and her only sister visit the place as often as they can.
In a scene from Crossroads.
“One place that I haven’t visited there is Biri Island,” said Alodia. “I heard that it is a beautiful place.”
Next week, Alodia is leaving with her family for L.A. where they are spending Christmas.
“We have to stay there a little longer because there’s another Cosplay event where I am invited to judge again,” added Alodia.
Aliw awardee
Ronnie Liang wins Best Actor in a Featured Role (for Bituing Walang Ningning The Musical) at the 28th Aliw Awards held Thursday night, Dec. 10, at the Star Theater.