She cosplayed as an assasin cross during the Level Up Live 2007 and she’s also an avid fan of anime and role-playing games. But aside from that, she’s also a visual artist and a writer!

Let’s learn more about this multi-talented lady, give it up for Keena-chan! More after the jump!

Hi Keena! Tell me something about yourself.
Hello! I’m Keena Monteclaro. 20 years of age. Graduate of Fine Arts major in Visual Communication and looking for a job (ahahaha!)

How long have you been cosplaying?
I started cosplaying in 2003, so it’s been… 4 years!

What made you interested in becoming a cosplayer?
It all started in Anime Club forum. They were discussing about Filipino cosplayers from a previous event, curious, I searched information about cosplaying.

How do you conceptualize a costume before you have one made?
I tend to choose characters first before costumes, but there are times it’s the other way around. Usually though, I choose a character whom I really like to portray (May it be physically or attitude wise) then last would be the expenses.

What are the favorite costumes that you’ve worn?
Assassin Cross - because I cosplayed my best friend’s character in pRO and everyone in our barkada helped in the costume. Freya (Valkyrie Profile) – the rarity of the cosplay character. Omi Tsukiyono (Weiss Kreuz), Haruno Sakura (Naruto), Niwa Daisuke (DNAngel) – my first character for Crossplaying (Crossdress + Cosplay).

What was the most memorable cosplay moment you’ve had?
Hmm, well technically the first time I’ve cosplayed I would never, ever forget the first time experience! Second would be the Assassin Cross and then the Freya cosplay.

How much did you spend for your most recent costume?
My most recent costume was Freya (because as of this moment I’m on my way on the next new costume and I haven’t visited my seamstress yet) and it costs Php 4,000.

What was the most expensive costume you ever made?
Either the Assassin Cross or the Freya.

What costume you had was the hardest to make? How come?
That would be the Assassin Cross. I used to cosplay characters without armor before, so I’d say that the Assassin Cross costume was definitely my first time working with armors and I’m so thankful to JKKAAGGH (my friends) for all the help and support that they gave to me.

What are the awards / recognitions you’ve won as a cosplayer?
It’s true that I’ve been cosplaying for so long but I rarely have awards/recognitions ^^; Here’s some that I remember:

Tifa Lockhart – Finalist (National Cosplay Competition)
Sara Mudo – Best Group (Toycon V)
Freya – 4th Place (GX Con)

Has anyone ever made fun of you when you cosplay? How do you handle that?
Well most people in the cosplay community have experienced this. Sometimes I get infuriated from flamers. Sometimes I wouldn’t care. I just tell to myself that I cosplay because I want to enjoy the experience.

What can you say about the local cosplay community?
It’s good to know that most of the cosplayers are improving. They’re more competitive nowadays~

Aside from cosplaying, what are your other interests in life?
I like to draw. A lot. I also write fan fiction stories. I also do photography and photo manipulation. I love watching Anime and J-dramas. And because I have no online games installed my PC, I rely on a friend’s PS2 where I play my favorite game – Valkyrie Profile: Silmeria.

What keeps you busy nowadays?
I’m creating props for my next cosplay character so watch out! ^_^ Besides that, well, looking for a job and writing fan fiction stories ^^

What games do you play? (Please enumerate)
- Valkyrie Profile: Silmeria (PS2)
- Ragnarok Online (until I retired 2 years ago)
- Final Fantasy 7-9, x-2
- Suikoden
- Kingdom Hearts
- Naruto Shippuuden
- Prince of Tennis Smash Hit
- Dawn of Mana

(Mostly RPG games)

What are your future cosplay plans?
I don’t usually announce my next cosplay characters ^^ I only give hints. But for the sake of those who are interested, I’ll be cosplaying an anime character from a series which was aired in Hero TV.

What’s your message to the cosplayers out there?
Give everything you’ve got! Do everything for the sake of the character you’re cosplaying! XD

And that’s Keena for you folks! Keep visiting The Master’s Den for more gamer babes and interviews. Also visit cosplay.ph for more info about Pinoy cosplay!