Interview: Myrtle Sarrosa speaks on her career so far and hot takes on anime and gaming

Myrtle Sarrosa is a multifaceted talent who has made her mark in gaming, cosplay, and show business. Rising to fame as the grand winner of Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition 4, she seamlessly transitioned into acting, hosting, and music while staying deeply connected to her passions for gaming and cosplay. With her constant presence in the entertainment industry and the gaming community, Myrtle has become an influential figure, bridging the gap between mainstream media and geek culture.

In this interview, she reflects on her journey—from her early days in cosplay competitions to becoming a recognized personality in the gaming world—sharing the challenges she faced, the highlights of her career, and some fun rapid-fire questions.

So, who really is Myrtle Sarrosa?

MS: I am Myrtle. I’m a mix of many passions rolled into one. I’m a streamer, cosplayer, and gamer who also happens to live a double life as a TV actress and host. I’m known for the characters from anime and games that I bring to life or as an antagonist in television dramas like My Ilonggo Girl and Makiling.

You have had an amazing 2024. Tell us more about it.

MS: 2024 has been absolutely crazy—in the best way possible! If life were a game, it would feel like I’ve been tackling multiple event quests at once. I’ve been incredibly blessed to work on exciting TV projects like My Ilonggo Girl and, last year, the intense drama Makiling—which, trust me, was very intense! But at the same time, I’ve been able to continue my passion for streaming and cosplaying. Streaming actually started as a side quest for me back in 2017, but life has a way of surprising you. I never expected to grow this much as a streamer over the past few years, and I’m beyond grateful for my amazing community and viewers who have supported me every step of the way.

You have been balancing being a celebrity and being an online streamer. How do you balance both?

MS: I wouldn’t say I have the best time management skills, but for me, it all comes down to passion. That’s what keeps me inspired every day. I genuinely love what I do—whether it’s acting, hosting, streaming, or cosplaying—so I always make time for the things that matter. My mindset has always been: work first, play later. It’s something I picked up from my school days, where I could only watch anime after finishing all my tasks (or I’d rush home after school to catch the 3PM anime schedules on TV). That habit stuck with me, which is why I usually play and stream at night. It never feels draining because I genuinely have the best time playing video games and connecting with my community.

But I also have to give credit to my amazing team. If life were a game, I’d say I have the best in-game party—composed of the strongest tanks, the most reliable healers, and top-tier DPS. But instead of a raid team, I have an incredible group of people who work perfectly with me, helping me balance everything and making all of this possible.

Has Myrtle always been a gamer?

MS: Yes! I grew up playing games on the PlayStation. My earliest memory of gaming was when I was about four or five years old. I remember some of our relatives abroad would ask what toys we wanted them to send us, and without hesitation, my brother and I said PlayStation. Funny enough, it was actually my dad who suggested it—though looking back, I think he wanted to play it just as much as we did!

The first game we played was Monster Rancher, where I’d excitedly gather CDs to summon monsters. Another game I absolutely loved playing was Harvest Moon. I was so deeply into the game for years that when my old memory card eventually broke, I remember feeling heartbroken. I cried for days because it felt like I had lost an entire world I had built—all my progress, all my memories, gone.

Looking back, what I loved most about gaming was the sense of adventure. It allowed me to go on incredible journeys and experience stories that made me excited to play every day.

Balancing work and gaming, that can’t be easy. You stream video games and go on events. Can you tell us about the struggles and what we may have missed about the kind of life you have?

MS: You only have so much time in a day. The most limited resource in life isn’t money or energy—it’s time. I always tell people that the most expensive thing you can give someone is your time because it’s something you can never get back. Once it’s spent, it’s gone. That’s why I try my best to be intentional with how I use my time, making sure that every moment counts.

Earlier this year, my schedule was packed. I’d spend Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays shooting our TV drama. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I’d study my script during the day and stream at night. Then, on weekends, I’d attend events or shoot cosplays with my team. Normally we have 3-4 Cosplays prepped each week where I plan the concept with my inspired team. It’s a constant cycle of shifting between roles, but I love every part of it.

I truly believe I’ve been blessed because, somehow, everything aligns. It’s like God and the universe work things out for me. No matter how packed my schedule gets, I always find ways to fit in my passions for gaming, cosplay, and acting. And when things don’t go as planned, I trust that there’s a reason for it. There have been opportunities I had to turn down, and while it can be disappointing, I’ve learned that those choices often lead to something better in the long run.

2024 was a huge milestone year for you. You’ve gotten a lot of recognition! How does it feel?

MS: I never expected so many things to happen in my life.. In fact, there was a point in my career when I seriously thought about quitting streaming. Around 2019 or early 2020, I was at a crossroads. I wanted a fresh start, so I made big changes—I switched networks, left my Facebook Gaming contract, and signed with GMA. But just as I was about to begin new TV projects, the pandemic happened, and suddenly, everything was put on hold. For a while, I felt lost.

So I went back to what I loved most—gaming. At first, I wasn’t even streaming; I was just playing for the joy of it. And in those five or six months, I realized how much I missed the sense of community. I started streaming only when I wanted to, without worrying about hours or viewership. I played whatever made me happy—games like Ragnarok, where I became the guild leader of the top guild, and Call of Duty, where I met so many incredible people. Some of them even became my stream moderators and lifelong friends, always encouraging me to keep going. Gaming and streaming gave me purpose again. It saved me from so much loneliness during the pandemic.

Eventually, through a mix of luck, hard work, passion, and consistency, my stream started growing. And looking back, I realize that stepping away and rediscovering my love for gaming was exactly what I needed. Everything fell into place the way it was meant to.

Other than Ragnarok, were there any other game Myrtle clung onto during that time?

MS: Aside from Ragnarok, the game I truly owe my success to is Garena Call of Duty: Mobile. When I left my Facebook Gaming contract, I wasn’t expecting much—I had no idea what was next for me. But through COD:M, I found an incredibly supportive community. I met amazing people who became my moderators, and together, we built our own clan. We’ve been playing together for the last four to five years, and that bond has meant so much to me.

Because of COD:M, I’ve been able to do things I never imagined. I even got the opportunity to write three songs for the game—one of which became the official lobby music for Call of Duty: Mobile. It was a full-circle moment for me.

Back when I was studying at the University of the Philippines, I interned at a music label, working as a production assistant for audio engineers. I spent countless hours in the studio, listening to artists record their songs. At the time, I didn’t realize it, but I was learning how to write music just by being in that environment. COD:M not only reconnected me with gaming, but it also reignited my passion for music in a way I never expected.

What game would Myrtle dream to have one of her works in?

MS: Honestly, one of my dreams already came true! I had the incredible opportunity to sing the Filipino version of Honkai: Star Rail’s theme song and Rappa’s theme for Zenless Zone Zero. On top of that, I got to be the creative producer for the Filipino music video of Zenless Zone Zero’s theme song and even appear on-screen as Nicole Demara.

But if I were to shoot my shot, my ultimate dream would be to voice a character in a miHoYo game. I’ve been a huge fan of their work—from Genshin Impact to Zenless Zone Zero—so being part of that universe would be incredible.

Another dream would be to design an operator in Call of Duty: Mobile or create a hero for Mobile Legends. As someone who grew up playing games, being able to contribute to titles that have shaped the gaming industry would be a dream come true.

Let’s talk about the awards you’ve received in 2024. How did they feel?

MS: It still feels surreal. Some days, I have to pinch myself. Being recognized as PH Esports Awards’ Streamer of the Year, Nylon Manila’s Favorite Streamer, and Cosplayer of the Year is something I never imagined—but I owe it all to my community.

One of the biggest honors was being invited by miHoYo to judge their international cosplay competition, where thousands of talented cosplayers brought their characters to life. Representing the Philippines in the Esports World Cup in Riyadh and presenting at the Esports Awards were also unforgettable milestones.

Honestly, it still hasn’t fully sunk in. At the end of the day, I’m just someone who genuinely loves gaming and cosplay. I never want awards to change that. More than anything, I’m incredibly grateful to be recognized for doing what I love, and I hope others pursuing their passions find the same fulfillment.

What’s your advice for people who are going through a similar journey you went on when trying to find your place in the industry?

MS: My biggest advice is to define yourself and not be afraid to stand out. Don’t be afraid to try different things—experiment, explore, and figure out what truly excites you. Once you find that passion, commit to it.

Content creation isn’t easy. It takes time, effort, and resilience. That’s why it’s so important to find something you love—something you can pour your energy into. And remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. There’s no set formula for making it in this industry. It’s a mix of passion, persistence, and yes, a little bit of luck.

People often say I just got lucky, but the truth is, that “luck” only happened because of years of hard work, countless rejections, and all the unseen effort behind the scenes. So when the right opportunity comes your way, appreciate it, maximize it, and keep pushing forward. You never know what doors it might open.

Other than video games, what is Myrtle a geek for also?

MS: Uwaa, I’m a huge geek! Anime is definitely my biggest obsession. If I had the time, I’d binge-watch it all day. Once I start a series, I have to see it through—sometimes even watching in 2x speed before diving into the manga. I just get so immersed in the characters and their journeys.

Shounen anime, in particular, really fires me up. I love seeing protagonists start from nothing, push past their limits, and never give up. Their determination, resilience, and ability to break boundaries inspire me—not just in anime, but in life.

Give us Myrtle’s top anime opinions.

MS: Best anime: One Piece and Naruto. These two shaped my love for anime and storytelling.

Best new anime: Shangri-La Frontier and Solo Leveling. Both are amazing, especially for gamers like me.

Best anime protagonist: Luffy of One Piece and Asta of Black Clover. Their determination, resilience, and never-give-up attitude inspire me so much.

Most frustrating (in a good way) anime to watch: Oshi no Ko. This one hit way too close to home. There were moments in the show that reminded me of my own experiences in the entertainment industry, and it was tough to watch. It felt so real that after every episode, I had to take a few minutes to process it—and sometimes even cry. I love it, but it’s definitely one of the most intense and personal anime I’ve ever seen.

What genres of gaming resonate the most to Myrtle?

MS: The gaming genres that resonate with me the most are MMORPGs, FPS, and JRPGs.

MMORPGs have shaped how I see life. There’s always a main quest, but you constantly hit roadblocks that require grinding, leveling up, and doing dailies. You need to keep up with people, manage resources, and face big challenges—just like in real life.

FPS games, on the other hand, are all about teamwork. I love strategizing, adapting on the fly, and watching players pull off incredible clutches. The thrill of outplaying opponents with teamwork and skill is something I’ll never get tired of.

And finally, JRPGs. No need for further explanation—I just love them. Games like Persona and Metaphor Re:Fantazio make me feel like I’m the main character, fully immersed in the story and its world.

Best MMORPG?

MS: Definitely Ragnarok and Diablo.

Best overall MMO class?

MS: My best class would always be Mage, Sorcerer, Wizard, or Warlock. Anything with magic damage. I love ranged AOE skills. Sure, you’re a glass cannon, but the playstyle is just too fun to give up.

Best shooter?

MS: Call of Duty.

Best gun type?

MS: Best gun type? LMGs. I don’t always trust my aim, so I just spray and pray. Haha!

Best RPG of all time?

MS: Metaphor Re:Fantazio and Persona 3

Best RPG girl?

MS: Aigis from Persona. Her journey of finding herself after everything is so deep. She discovers purpose beyond the end, and I love that story.

Tifa or Aerith?

MS: I feel like Tifa fits me more, but I really like Aerith. Tifa is the one who’s been with Cloud through everything, but Aerith is the girl who completely changes your world. But if I have to choose… Aerith.

Best male game protagonist?

MS: Will from Metaphor: ReFantazio. The way he rises to the challenge to save the land of Euchronia, fight for his friend the prince, and inspire countless others to follow him is incredible. He starts as an outsider, but his determination and courage unite people and push them to stand up against overwhelming odds. His journey isn’t just about power—it’s about leadership, trust, and fighting for something bigger than himself.

Best moment in gaming that made Myrtle cry?

MS: There’s a moment in Metaphor: ReFantazio when Fidelio makes the ultimate sacrifice to protect his brother Basilio. It’s a tragic but powerful turning point that changes everything. The weight of that moment, combined with the stunning storytelling and ofcourse the journey and growth of his character, completely broke me and made me cry so much.

Best game villain?

MS: Sephiroth is the ultimate love-hate villain—his presence is terrifying, yet his story is deeply tragic, making him one of the most misunderstood antagonists. His descent into madness is one of the most memorable in gaming, and his impact on Final Fantasy VII is legendary. But I have to mention Lilith from Diablo 4 too—her motives weren’t entirely evil. She had valid reasons for her actions, making her a morally complex villain rather than just a force of destruction.

Anime Crush of Myrtle?

MS: Growing up, I was completely in love with Syaoran Li from Cardcaptor Sakura. In anime, it’s always been Zoro. But in games right now, it’s Diluc from Genshin Impact and Sung Jin-Woo from Solo Leveling: Arise.

The most complicated cosplay Myrtle did?

MS: Recently, the Diablo Immortal Tempest. There were a lot of details there that was very tricky. A lot of rustic vibes.

Hardest game for you to overcome?

MS: Ragnarok Online—but not because of the gameplay. Being a guild leader was intense. Managing hundreds of players, strategizing, and keeping everyone motivated daily felt like a huge responsibility. We were one of the top guilds, and the pressure to stay on top was real. But through it, I learned the power of teamwork, leadership, and bringing people together. It was the most invested I’ve ever been in a game, and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.

Final message of Myrtle to her fans?

MS: Live life with passion—like an RPG where every challenge helps you level up. It’s not just about defeating the big bosses but enjoying the journey, gaining experience, and growing along the way. No one starts with max stats in everything, but by honing your skills and embracing progress, you’ll eventually overcome any obstacle and reach your ultimate goal.

Thank you again for this interview. I appreciate the entire Ungeek team and Robert! I also want to thank my team En Fernandez, Angel Ann Mortel, Mark Tangonan, Lester Palada, Ershn Yves, Jhe Sparda Bernabe, Francis Balatico, Ranmen, Joshua Abrera and Mousu who are my IRL Party for all the boss raids in life. And of course my moderators, admins and viewers! Thank you for the never ending support!