6 Things to Look Forward to at ConQuest 2023 | The Beat MNL
POP CULTURE

More Than Just Video Games: 6 Things to Look Forward to at CONQuest 2023

It’s time to put your game face on as CONQuest 2023 is only a few days away. Whether you’re a fan of cosplay, video games, or anything in between, this event is something you shouldn’t miss as it keeps on levelling up every year!

An AcadArena shindig, CONQuest is the ultimate gaming and pop culture convention in the country. If you’re still on the fence whether to attend or not, here’s what you can look forward to this weekend to convince you. 

The Huge Wave of Guests

Artists, cosplayers, content creators, musicians, streamers, voice actors, VTubers — wherever your interests lie, there’s a guest for you at CONQuest.

A fan of Genshin Impact? Their English voice actors Anne Yatco (Raiden Shogun), Ratana (Yae Miko), and LilyPichu (Sayu) are coming back to CONQuest this year, and they’re bringing more friends along such as Corry Yee (Gorou), Khoi Dao (Albedo), Laura Stahl (Barbara and Xinyan), and Sean Chiplock (Diluc). And that’s not all. Known Genshin Impact cosplayers like Tsikyo and content creators and streamers, such as Atsu, Dish, and Tuonto will also join the fun.

If you’re a fan of popular FPS games instead, like Valorant, Twitch streamers Maggiekarp and Joshseki will be there, plus the official cosplayer (Charess) and voice actress (Vanille Velasquez) of Neon! Check out the complete list of local and international guests here.


Not One, But Five Locations

CONQuest is happening at five main locations this year, and this is their biggest yet.

SMX Convention Center will house the exhibitor booths and Creator, Esports, and Community Stages where you can watch the CONQuest Cosplay Showdown, game tournaments, talks, and stage segments of participating guests.

Conrad Manila is where the Free MeetZones will be, plus the workshops and panels.

Seashell Lane, the street in front of the SMX main entrance, will transform into a food street where you can recharge with some good grub and refreshments al fresco-style from 9 AM to 9 PM. Unlike other conventions, it’s not a hall or a corner of food but an entire street. Exciting!

SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Atrium will be an extension of SMX’s stages where you can watch the panels of guest cosplayers and artists. Lastly, National University (NU) MOA is where the PC Arena and Mobile Arena will hold the Alliance Games quarter- and semi-finals of various games, such as Valorant and League of Legends.


Panels and Workshops

Ever wanted to learn how to make a comic, or a prop for your next cosplay plan? Maybe you’ve always wanted to try voice acting or become a content creator, but don’t have the confidence to start. You don’t always have to stay in the dark as CONQuest has a different set of panels and workshops each day so you can learn from the best and be inspired to reach for your dreams. Check out the schedule here.


Free MeetZones and Guest Booths

CONQuest has made it easier for us (and our wallets) to meet our favourites without having to pay for anything on top of our tickets.

All you need is to submit a reserved slot entry and wait for the voucher to arrive in your inbox if you win. Or you can also wait for CONQuest to announce the designated points where you can claim a slot on a first come, first served basis.

If you weren’t blessed with luck, though, don’t despair just yet. The guests will have their own booths where you can avail of their merchandise and signatures.

Note: There’s a Meet & Greet for specific guests — The Rose, Scamily (Tuonto, Antony, Atsu, Bao, BTMC, Dish, and Tsikyo), and Shoto — where you’ll have to pay for an add-on.


Merch and More Merch at QuestMarket

Whether you’re a fan of local artists or a certain anime or game series, there’s going to be a huge market filled with arts, crafts, and merchandise from different fandoms waiting for you. Prepare your wallets to buy stickers, acrylic charms and standees, enamel and button pins, prints, keychains, photocards, plushies, and more!


Great Music That Will End Your Night Right

Activities across all venues will end by 6:30 PM, but that doesn’t mean the party is over! For Day 1, ticket holders can enjoy a free rave night and dance to the anime and video game beats of James Landino and Hyper Potions.

For Day 2, a music night add-on will give you the chance to watch Manila-based alternative band Carousel Casualties, indie-alternative rock band AUTOTELIC, indie rock band Oh, Flamingo!, singer-songwriter and gamer Timmy Albert, singer-songwriter and social media personality Lesha, singer-songwriter and actor James Reid, and South Korean indie-rock band The Rose.

ICYMI, CONQuest has restocked their Saturday and Sunday passes! Pre-selling will end on May 31 (Wednesday), 11 PM, so better get them before they’re sold out again. If there’s inventory left, you can buy on the event day online for P1,000 per day. Three-day passes, however, won’t be sold on event days.

In addition, ticket prices for CONQuest Music Night have been slashed by 50% from P5,000 to P2,500. Those who bought their passes on or before May 22, 7 PM will be eligible for either a refund, which will be processed through their original payment method by June 20, or an extra music night add-on, so they can tag another friend along.

For more updates, follow CONQuest on Facebook and Instagram. See you in the skies!

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