VP Spotlight | Kang Dupet: The Quiet Power Behind the Cosplay Magic
In a world that’s constantly moving, Kang Dupet has found a way to stay true to herself—whether in the spotlight or behind the scenes. Known as one of the renowned cosplayers in the Philippines, Kang’s journey into this world wasn’t an instant success. It was a slow, quiet process that blossomed from her love for creativity and her personal growth.
Growing up, Kang was incredibly shy. She kept to herself, expressing her creativity through scrapbooking, drawing, painting, and even recording herself singing.
“Back when I was still studying [ang dami] kong gusto gawin sa buhay. Siguro yung pagiging creative and expressing myself through art, doon ko naipapakita sa family ko yun during my younger days. I love making scrapbooks, drawing, painting, writing songs, recording myself doing song covers, editing, and making random videos. I did drum and lyre and dance club.”
Kang Dupet on expressing her thoughts through art.
Her turning point came thanks to her sister, Tesharae, who saw potential in her and pushed her to step out of her comfort zone. One day, her sister uploaded a video online of her singing without her permission. Mad at first, but the video gained traction and sparked something. After that, Kang Dupet entered her first cosplay karaoke contest in 2011, and everything started to shift.
Cosplay: “Weird” to World-Wide Wonder
When Kang first started, cosplay wasn’t perceived as a legitimate profession. It was seen as a group of “weird” people dressing up as characters from their favorite shows or games.
“It was a weird and [unwelcomed] culture by many, especially by the parents who didn’t see any future in cosplay and gaming. But now, people of all ages and generations are embracing and loving art. I just hope that the community will preserve the healthy image of cosplay as I see and remember it.”
Kang on the early years of cosplay in the Philippines.
As the cosplay scene evolved, so did Kang. While technology made it easier for creators to connect and find materials, she never lost sight of what cosplay meant to her: creativity and community. She recalls finding materials used to be difficult. One had to travel around to find a specific fabric. It felt like building a Gunpla from scratch.
Now, besides the fact that materials are more accessible now, platforms like PIXEL and Eplayment let creators connect with other cosplayers to share knowledge about cosplaying. Moreover, PIXEL, helps creators streamline and simplify their monetization activities, enabling them to more efficiently manage and track their earnings through their craft and content creation.
Community with a United Passion
In the gaming and tech world—young industries with vast room for innovation and growth—Kang’s journey has been one of resilience and growth. She emphasizes that no one should be held back by labels or expectations, and that passion and joy are what truly matter on the path to success.
Even though Kang Dupet has found solace in cosplay, tech, and gaming, she doesn’t measure her success by fame or numbers. Instead, it’s the relationships and connections she’s built that matter most. She might not be the most popular or the wealthiest cosplayer out there, but she’s content with where she is. She has a community that supports and respects her, and to her, that’s priceless.
“The life lesson I kept reminding myself is always to be thankful for the opportunities and people you meet along the way. It is rare to meet people who believe in your capabilities and see potential in you.”
Kang on fostering friendships in the industry.
Cosplay has taught Kang more than just how to craft a costume. It’s given her a deep sense of gratitude for the people who have supported her journey. Kang is proof that passion, creativity, and community matter more than labels.
Cosplay as a Garden of Creativity
For Kang, creating a costume isn’t just about crafting an outfit. It’s about bringing a character’s soul to life, almost like making a flower bloom.
“I super love layering, textures, and weathering. My favorite part is always the planning and canvassing of materials since I was also a crafter before so I know how to mix and match to show life in your costume and character. Colors, shades, shadows, mediums, textures, etc in costume-making have a big impact on how you want to represent and make people feel about your cosplay.”
Kang shares her creative process in costume making.
Every piece of a costume needs to be studied meticulously, and this is what sparks her creativity. Her love for layering and mixing textures is where Kang truly shines. For her, every character must feel real, with enough detail to capture the essence of the original. Cosplay became a way for her to express different sides of herself. Each costume allows her to evolve and reveals new aspects of her creativity.
Finance Companion
In the fast-paced world of digital content creation, adaptability is crucial. Platforms like PIXEL help creators like Kang manage finances, improve content, and grow earnings. Eplayment offers more than just an app—it fosters a supportive community that reduces isolation and makes it easier for creators to thrive.
PIXEL has been a game-changer for Kang, helping her become more financially literate, improve her content, and monetize her work. It provides a seamless experience for creators, making their journey smoother and more rewarding for the whole community.
A healthy cycle worth keeping in your life. The Eplayment Wallet, linked to PIXEL, makes it easy to manage earnings, cash out, and even purchase in-game items or codes for gatcha games, ensuring creators have all the tools they need for financial flexibility.
Eplayment Corporation is a leading Philippine fintech company providing secure digital financial solutions since 2019. Its mission is to help and collaborate with creators, like Kang, to easily and safely manage transactions across platforms, boosting their earning potential. After launching its e-wallet in 2019 for 1,000 users, Eplayment expanded with e-banking services in October 2022 and launched PIXEL in August 2023. The Eplayment Wallet is available on Google Play and the App Store, and the PIXEL web app can be accessed at pixel.eplayment.co, with a mobile version coming soon alongside new features and programs for aspiring and existing creators.
Unmasking The Simple Joys of Life
Outside her professional life, Kang enjoys life’s simpler moments. Having slow mornings, preparing food, and just slacking in bed is the best day for her.
“I fell in love with my husband because of PUBG. So I guess gaming is one of the things I enjoy doing and will never let go aside from tech and cosplay. Now that I am pregnant, I love pumping up blood for my little one and complaining about my heart burn, hahaha! Kidding aside, I always find joy in listening to music and rearranging rooms. I love cleaning!”
Kang Dupet on valuing the things that make her happy.
Looking back on her 13-year journey in cosplay, Kang reflects on how much she learned along the way. Her story is one of quiet strength, creativity, and the power of finding joy in the things that matter most. Kang’s passion might be a blend of fantasy and reality, but her heart speaks true love.
For Kang Dupet, it’s not just about the big milestones—it’s the small moments of joy, whether it’s playing games, rearranging her space, or spending time with loved ones. Cosplay is her creative outlet, but fulfillment is about the people you meet, the moments you share, and the growth you experience.
While cosplay has always been about creativity and passion, today’s digital tools make it easier than ever for creators to connect, share knowledge, and grow their craft. With platforms like PIXEL, cosplayers can now tap into a broader community, exchanging tips, experiences, and inspiration that help elevate the art form.
By fostering an environment where creators can both collaborate and thrive, apps like PIXEL are helping the cosplay world become more vibrant and inclusive. The power of community, driven by innovative people, can turn a passion into a thriving, supportive ecosystem for all.
Publisher | Richie de Quina & Gwynn Crisostomo
Editor-in-Chief | John Luke Chica
Senior Editor | Chud David E. Dulay
Junior Editor | Lei Sedero
PR & Advertising Manager | Josh Austria
Digital Manager | Allen Esteban
Words by Lei Sedero
Photographer | Sean Julius Pascual
Hair and Makeup | Cheska Tam
EPLAYMENT TEAM
Alayza May Lao
Cristina Flores
Vladimir Cruz Jr
