Myrtle Sarrosa reveals how she got into cosplaying her favorite anime characters

Myrtle Sarrosa doesn't just love watching anime.

For 11 years, the Kapuso actress, TV host and singer has breathed life to many of her favorite Japanese characters through cosplay, and she believes that it was something that led her to where she is today.

In an interview with GMA News Online, Myrtle shared that she's been cosplaying before she even knew the term "cosplay."

Back in elementary school, Myrtle would be excited to finish class so she could go home and watch "Cyborg Kurochan," and proceed to watch different kinds of anime series, from "Shounen" (for young men) to "Mecha" (robots) to "Shoujo" (for young female). She even remembers cutting her own bangs to resemble her favorite anime characters.

It was the time of dial-up internet when Myrtle discovered there was a term for what she had been doing. She was just searching for images of Misa Amane from "Death Note" when "cosplay" popped up.

"Cosplay was defined as dressing up as your favorite character from an anime and I fell in love with the concept!" she said.

In 2009, Myrtle showed up at her very first convention as Freya from "Chobits"— and she didn't regret it.

"It was so memorable because I went there with my mom and dad, but I went home meeting so many new friends! It was a very niche community back then but I related with so many people and the community was so welcoming," she said.

Myrtle's friends even signed her up for an anime singing contest that day, and she won!

"It was a crazy experience, and because of that... I got my first magazine feature which started an entire cosplay career that I didn't know would get me here today," she said.

Fast forward 11 years later, Myrtle has cosplayed so many different anime characters that she already lost count.

The 25-year-old currently has hundreds of costumes in her closet, yet she's determined to do much more and collaborate with other cosplayers around the world who share her passion.

Even with her many projects as a Kapuso, Myrtle is far from letting the cosplayer inside her go. She wears it like a badge — or, in this case, colorful hair, cool costumes and awesome makeup. 

"What I love about cosplaying is that it allows you to let go and be in character," Myrtle said.

"My normal self that was really shy and quiet had the chance to build confidence to step out of my comfort zone and I suddenly enjoyed being around people who could relate with my interests," she said.

Check out some of her top cosplays below.

—MGP, GMA News