Alodia: Onto New Realms
Alodia Gosiengfiao-Quimbo is a woman who needs no introduction. She’s a master at the arts of cosplay, gaming and business. She was one of the country’s first internet celebrities—and turned it into a successful career. Last year, she married entrepreneur Christopher Quimbo. And she’s worked and collaborated with countless individuals and companies. Time and time again, she has proven just how much grit, creativity and passion she has, and how she has a unique ability to channel it all into something worthwhile.
Locally celebrated and internationally recognized, Senpai Alodia knows a thing or two about exploring new realms—in game and off.
Alodia is wearing Ha.Mu
“Growing up, gaming and creation were always a big part of my life,” starts Alodia. “At that time, it wasn’t widely seen as a career path but, over time, it naturally evolved into one. There wasn’t a specific turning point; rather, it was a gradual journey of following my passion and collaborating with like-minded individuals in the industry.”
Now, Alodia describes herself as someone who has been bringing characters to life through cosplay as she mixes creativity with craftsmanship. “I dive into virtual worlds, exploring different genres and sharing my experience with fellow enthusiasts,” she says. “Through my work, I aim to inspire others to embrace their interests and unleash their creativity.”
But forging her own path inevitably brought on doubters and naysayers. Alodia looks back on her experience thus far, calling it “incredible” to have worked alongside people who share her same enthusiasm and dedication. Besides, walking this path allowed her to nurture and inspire others, “rather than focusing solely on personal gain.”
She sums it up as “It’s wonderful feeling to know that our efforts can have a meaningful impact on others’ lives.”
Nurturing and supporting others is something that has and continues to come naturally to Alodia—something she chalks up to having a younger sister, Ashley Gosingfiao. “Growing up as the older sibling, I often found myself in the role of the ‘ate,’” she explains. “This experience instilled in me a sense of self-reliance and a natural inclination to help others with similar passions.”
But Alodia understands that being supported is just as important as being able to support those around her. “I’ve come to understand the importance of collaborating with others, recognizing that it’s okay to seek assistance when needed,” she says. “I learned that I can achieve a lot more by empowering people who have been proven trustworthy. Freeing up my time allows me to focus on my strengths”
Alodia is wearing Lynus
Christopher Quimbo is one of her staunch supporters—one of the millions, but the only one who can say she took his last name. Their relationship is another thing that makes Alodia feel fortunate. “With his unwavering support and encouragement, I’ve not only grown professionally but also as a person,” she shares, endearingly.”It’s truly a blessing to have such a positive influence by my side.”
Alodia explains that her romantic relationship isn’t one that has demanded to be her top priority, saying that she has never “felt the need to compromise” between the professional and the personal. Maybe it is luck, divine intervention or just positive karma, but the 36-year-old is able to genuinely tell us that these two sides of her have seamlessly intertwined and even enriched each other.
But despite her generally positive experience and attitude towards collaborations and relationships, Alodia also warns us against giving our trust away too easily. She says: “I’ve also faced challenges that taught me valuable lessons…These experiences have made me more cautious, yet they’ve also deepened my appreciation and protective instinct for those with genuine and pure hearts.”
Videography and Editing Pao Burgos
In 2024, the tables have turned for Alodia. While she draws inspiration from the game characters she plays, Capcom recently invited her to partake in a character design campaign.
“It’s an incredibly surreal experience because I’ve always loved bringing characters to life, yet I never imagined that, one day, I would become a character myself within a much-anticipated realm,” she says of her collaboration with Capcom, the company behind titles like Breath of Fire, Dead Rising, Resident Evil and Street Fighter.
The collaboration in question is for Capcom’s Dragon’s Dogma 2, where Alodia partnered with Capcom to co-design one of the official roles in the game known as a “Pawn,” which is a selectable trusty companion to the player’s main character. “It feels like stepping into different worlds of imagination and creativity!”
Not one to leave all the creative decisions to other people at the table—which we can attest to, given how much she gave to her own cover shoot—Alodia recalls how thrilled she was to learn that Capcom was using their innovative in-game technology to design characters with active partnerships. She says, “This approach aligns perfectly with my dream of being more involved in the creative process rather than just being a consumer.”
“There were some calls with the team to ensure that the rendition was perfectly tailored to my vision,” adds Alodia. “I am immensely grateful to the entire team for their patience and dedication, as I’m someone who pays attention to every detail. Their support and understanding have been invaluable throughout the process.”
Dragon’s Dogma 2, which will be available on March 22, 2024 for the PlayStation 5, XBox Series X|S and PC via Steam, is a narrative-driven, action role-playing game set in an open fantasy world. You can recruit up to two “Pawns” who you take to accompany you on your adventure—of which one is a Sorcerer named after Alodia and is shaped with her own personal touch.
Who would have thought that Alodia’s passion for gaming and cosplay would have led to this? But as she likes to say, “Taking a leap of faith is inevitable. Whether it’s facing doubts from others or questioning yourself, it’s a common part of [any] journey.” It’s just a matter of surrounding yourself with people you can wholeheartedly trust and provide a positive force in your life. “It’s about finding your tribe,” concludes Alodia. “People who are honest, loyal and supportive.”
Otherwise, you’ll never make it to the next realm.
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Photography Joch Bermudez assisted by Lee Morale
Creative Direction Alexandra Lara
Interview and Cover Story Adie Pieraz
Fashion and Beauty Direction Sarah Santiago
Styling Lynus assisted by Jasper Añonuevo
Makeup Slo Lopez
Hair Ronnie Hernandez
Set Design Paul Jatayna
