The most festive year-end event in the country, Cosplay Matsuri, returned with an incredible lineup of special guests, attractions, features, exhibitors and activities that made the holidays even more enjoyable for everyone in the community. arkadymac.com has been Cosplay Matsuri’s media partner from the very start and we’ve come to bring you the highlights from our coverage of all three days of this fun and engaging event.
Since the event debuted in 2016, it was already evident that there was something special about Cosplay Matsuri. With the theme of a fun and colorful Japanese festival, cosplayers and enthusiasts from all over flocked to the event for the unique atmosphere and feel. It is not surprising that on its third year, the event has tripled in size, encompassing three Function Rooms at the SMX Convention Center Manila,one of the top convention venues in the country. Not only that, but the ambiance has improved as well, adding Japanese elements like the towering Torii Gates, the Japanese Bridge, to the splendid Japanese lanterns strewn throughout the venue.
Adding to the festive feel were creative off-stage attractions like Sumo Skirmish, the Charms Wall and Cosplay Diorama. All of these were open and free to all attendees, and these well received and enjoyed all three days of the event.
With exciting and engaging contests like the Anisong It Singing Contest, Dokuen Solo Cosplay, and the Doujin Group Cosplay, Cosplay Matsuri was also a showcase of skill from some of the most talented individuals and groups the community had to offer.
Of course, the variety of anime goods increased as well with unbelievable deals available to all attendees as merchants, artists and exhibitors put on all their best for the year for purchase.
If that was not enough, the Cosplay Auction had deals starting at just 1 peso, along with some amazing finds from Storage Wars and Mystery Box segments leading to many pleasant surprises. Channel partner Animax also got to auction some posters and standees, with proceeds going to a deserving charitable institution.
This year’s Matsuri was made even more special with International Cosplay Guests Hisui from Hong Kong, Diane from Cebu City as well as Kimina and Kiyorami from Japan in partnership with One Final Dream. They had meet-and-greet and photo and autograph sessions at the One Final Dream Booth, got to judge the various contests, as well as had appearances, interviews and performances on stage, to the delight of their many Filipino fans.
Whether you were a hardcore otaku or just a casual fan, Cosplay Matsuri 2018 was an event worth attending, offering a multitude of fun activities, colorful entertainment and a treasure trove of merchandise at bargain prices. It was the must-see event of the season where people of many fandoms, hobbies and interests got to celebrate the end of another fantastic year.
arkadymac.com has been Cosplay Matsuri’s media partner since its very first year, and our team was there all three days to have our special coverage of the event.
Thank you for dropping by, and do visit us again for more features here at arkadymac.com.
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