Get to know Prince and Awie, the cosplayers whose striking Darius and Katarina portrayals turned heads at the 2025 Philippine Game Show.
Prince and Awie arrived at the 2025 Philippine Game Show with the presence of seasoned champions—armored, poised, and unmistakably in character as League of Legends icons Darius and Katarina.
But behind the blades and the boots are two artists whose decade-long journey mirrors the discipline, evolution, and mental toughness you’d expect from top-tier athletes.
When Did the Journey Begin?
Every athlete remembers their first game.
Every cosplayer remembers their first transformation.
For Awie, the opening chapter came almost a decade ago.
“I started cosplaying… malapit na mag-10 years. My very first cosplay is Alita Battle Angel,” she said.
For Prince, it started with a pop-culture milestone all gamers recall.
“’Di ko makakalimutan when IT chapter 1 came out. 2017 ako [nagsimula]. She started 2018.”
What Changed Through the Years?
Improvement in craft. Constant practice. Long hours off-cam.
The parallels with sports training are impossible to ignore.
“Mas na-explore ko pa ’yong talent ko—makeup, wig-making, costume-making. Never-ending learning,” shared Awie.
“We have improved a lot throughout the years. Every year, we learn something. It was a fun adventure to improve our craft since 2017,” Prince added.
What Doors Has Cosplay Opened for You?
“We get to travel na,” Awie exclaimed.
“We get to travel now around the world, meet amazing cosplay and gaming communities worldwide,” said Prince.
From Manila to global stages, the two continue to grow, evolve, and compete with world-class precision.
What’s the Hardest Role You’ve Ever Taken On?
For Awie, it wasn’t the armor or the props—it was embodying a Filipino icon.
“Darna. It’s not just about the costume. It’s the physique, the stance, the personality. It’s very hard to be in her shoes,” she said.
Prince didn’t hesitate to give credit where it was due.
“She did a good job representing our Filipino superhero, Darna!” he said.
For him, the challenge came from going full creature mode.
“Vecna and Predator. Two of my favorites. Worth it ang suffering,” Prince said.
What’s Your Message to Newcomers?
“Do it for yourself,” said Awie.
“Cosplay is for everybody. Just have fun. Don’t think about what people will say. Do what you want and do the characters you love,” added Prince.
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Inna Mina is a sportswriter with a passion for telling stories that go beyond the scoreboard.
She covers running, athletics, and other major Philippine sporting events, while also following grassroots sports, athlete journeys, and women in sports. Her work also includes lifestyle stories on health, fitness, and community.