Toy collectors, gamers, cosplayers and anime fans geeked out at the Toy Con 2010 on June 19 and 20 at the SM Megatrade Hall. The weekend event was packed with contests (toy photography, fan art, toy design and cosplay), live performances (Paramita and Rockwell Science), games, fan film screenings, raffles and more. Among the many items on display and sold were action figures, discounted comics, and clothes.

Sister cosplayers Alodia and Ashley Gosiengfiao came as Kagome and Sango of Inuyasha, respectively. Also spotted were cosplayers Jan Pesino Illenberger, Alexandra Keuls, Monique Dimanlig, Nikki Gevana, Jen Ching and Captain Hank Sparrow. Actors Aljur Abrenica and Kris Bernal graced the event—“not in costumes but they did pose for photos with cosplayers dressed as Batman and Joker.

SPOT.ph Q&A With Alodia & Ashley Gosiengiao

By Jansen Musico

1. 
   Ashley (left) and Alodia (right) Gosiengfiao ham it up for the camera.

Animé fanboys break into deafening cheers whenever the Gosiengfiao sisters arrive at any geekfest. Alodia, 22, is no stranger to the adoration. She's won numerous titles in the cosplay circuit and was even named one of the 100 Sexiest Women in 2009 by FHM. She was also hailed one of the Most Influential Women by Uno in the same year. Ashley, 20, is another familiar face in the long roster of cosplay elite. In a matter of seven years, she and her older sister perfected the art of disguise, elevating themselves to levels that amateur cosplayers can only dream of.

As two of the new faces on the international animé channel Animax, the Gosiengfiao sisters can only express their anticipation. "We're nervous," said Alodia. "We're pressured because we were never really good in public speaking." "We're actually shy girls," laughed Ashley, "But it feels really good to be able to do what we want and spread the love of cosplay." Alodia and Ashley go beyond cosplay as they spill the beans on each other, and talk about their passions, obsessions, and their ideal men.

Let's start with your name, Alodia. How did your parents come up with it?
Alodia: My full name is actually Alodia Almira. My mom found it in a name book and thought it was unique. Alodia means love and Almira means princess. So I'm the princess of love. It's so cheesy. [Laughs]

You were a fresh graduate when we last spoke to you almost a year ago, what have you been up to lately? Do you have a day job?
Alodia: Cosplaying has become my full-time job already. I blog for Animax. I do a lot of cosplay stuff out of Animax. I also do several photo shoots.