First time’s the charm: Ylona Garcia reflects on memorable Anime Awards debut
| PHOTO: @ylonagarcia/Instagram
Alongside “Lisa Frankenstein” star Liza Soberano serving as presenter, US-based Filipino singer-actress Ylona Garcia also graced the Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2024 in Tokyo, Japan on March 2, marking her first dive into the anime awards scene.
The Pinoy Big Brother 737 runner-up took to Instagram to share her deep-rooted connection to the anime realm and the pivotal role this moment played in her career.
In a reflective post, the “Entertain Me” performer delved into her humble beginnings and the influence anime had on her life.
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Recollecting moments of watching Studio Ghibli classics like “Spirited Away” and “Howl’s Moving Castle” with her siblings, the “Oh Pag-ibig” songstress emphasized how these films instilled in her the ability to pause and “really, really appreciate life for what it is.”
Quoting her caption, she further shared, “To think this all started with one performance at a festival back in 2022 where I geeked out over a kakashi plush toy that I saw in the crowd of 20,000 people.”
She went on to recount the fortuitous chain of events that led to her invitation to the anime awards, attributing it to fate and the support of her friends at Crunchyroll.
Expressing gratitude to Crunchyroll for the opportunity, Garcia thanked them for granting her two unforgettable “first” experiences. Firstly, her first visit to Japan, a country that serves as a wellspring of inspiration for her artistry, and secondly, her participation in the awards night, which she described as “an event that celebrates something I’ve adored my entire life with people who feel the same!”
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Concluding her post, she then extended her appreciation to her fans for their support and expressed eagerness for the adventures that lie ahead.
“Thank you for being a part of my arc, my narrative, and my life. Cheers to more adventures with you!”
Her heartfelt sentiments struck a chord with fans, who showered her post with messages of support and admiration.
Some of Garcia’s favorite anime include “Naruto,” “My Hero Academia” and “Kamisama Hajimemashita.”
