For kids growing up in the ’90s, days were spent outside, playing with neighborhood friends, and, if lucky, exploring nature. One of the highlights of a fun day was spending time in front of the TV, watching their favorite cartoons or anime.

That’s what Allan Vincent Cruz’s childhood was all about—witnessing heroes fight villains, discovering fantasy worlds, and following underdogs on a quest. Soon enough, these characters emerged from the screens in the form of toys and collectibles. While Allan and his family didn’t have the means to buy such items, it didn’t hinder him from dreaming of owning a collection of cartoon and anime figures. Little did he know that he would one day be crafting them with his own hands and eventually be recognized for it.

Through papercraft, Allan has been bringing his favorite characters to life since 2013. Papercraft is a form of art where paper or cardstock is folded, cut, glued, or layered to make three-dimensional (3D) creations. Among its popular iterations are origami, kirigami, card modeling, and even scrapbooking.

Allan’s process starts with Pepakura, a computer software that turns 3D digital models into patterns. These templates are then printed on board paper or vellum, cut, and assembled with glue. To make his character figures, he also uses salvaged styrofoam and cardboard boxes.

“One of my techniques for large projects is to put styrofoam inside as reinforcement,” the 37-year-old papercrafter tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “When the climate is cold, the paper softens and causes damage to a papercraft or sculpture."

Through the years, Allan has produced character figures from “One Piece,” “Demon Slayer,” “Jujutsu Kaisen,” and “Hunter x Hunter,” among others. One of the pieces he is most proud of is his five-foot-tall Unicorn Gundam, which took four months to finish. The most challenging, however, was the Disneyland Paris diorama, which he worked on for almost six months.

After sharing his works online, Allan was eventually invited to exhibit his works in schools and public spaces, including SM Supermalls and Vistamall. His first solo exhibits were put on display at SM Marilao in 2023 and 2024.

“I want to share the joy that I experience in making these creations with other people,” Allan muses. “They also went through childhood, and like me, they loved anime. Whether they are aunts, uncles, fathers, or mothers, they are also surprised once they find out that these are actually made of paper."

Allan’s works are a testament to how passion and creativity can turn childhood dreams into reality. Through patience, skill, and resourcefulness, people can transform the humblest materials into art and build a wonderland of their own.