Article by Katrina Dagdag Graphics by Katrina Dagdag and Shaneil Manzano
July 26, 2022
“Shine down!”
This is what Anne Yatco, the voice of Genshin Impact’s The Raiden Shogun, wrote on my print together with her autograph and her enamel pin. An hour of waiting in line at her booth was so worth it.
CONQuest is the first ever convention that I went to. My friends and I already expected a long line at the entrance of SMX Convention Center so I made sure to prepare my Yanfei cosplay (made by Red’s Costume Shop) as early as possible.
Once I entered the building, I constantly heard people chanting my character as most would come up to me and ask for pictures. Some would even give me cards and stickers. It was a rare experience for this is also my first time cosplaying and going all out.
I regret not buying more merchandise and just being on the second floor most of the time. There was a Valorant All-Star Showdown, a League of Legends Finals, a Call of Duty Mobile Finals, and many more on the first floor at the Main Stage. Panels of guests were mostly active on the Community Stage near the Crafters Quarters. Booths and stalls were lined up in this area as people crowd in to buy merchandise, food, etc. I even got to see our very own alumni, Aeonix, dressed as Bennett from Genshin Impact.
Press conferences featuring the finalists of League of Legends, Call of Duty Mobile, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Wild Rift champions were handled at the Alliance Stage. EduTalks were also conducted here where the audience can learn about international opportunities in Esports competitions, Esports contracts, and voice acting careers People who bought meet and greet tickets for their favorite guest/s were able to meet them at the Meet Stage.
Being able to meet and get close to guests such as Kyedae, Lilypichu, Atsu, Tuonto, Christian Banas, Ratana, Anne Yatco, and many more made me think if I am dreaming or this is reality. This encounter wouldn’t be possible if I hadn’t been part of the Genshin Cosplay Contest since I met most of them backstage. I met very wholesome and fun cosplayers during that event.
And lastly, I got to meet and see some of my fellow CIITzens in the area. Maybe someday we can all have a picture to remember these cons by.
Now, I wonder which convention I am going to next.
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