Year-End Cosplay Event Brings More VTuber Merch

Following our first localized NewsDrop for the Philippine audience (where I'm based), I visited Cosplay Matsuri, the annual year-end celebration held at SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City.

Needless to say, the things I've written in that piece covered everything about local VTuber merch. That is aside from numerous fan arts of Nijisanji EN, Hololive English and other major VTuber groups.

Here’s the Challenge

With $25 as budget, is it possible to get VTuber merch? Absolutely. While it's impossible to get all merch from Philippine VTubers, I've gained a sense of fulfillment knowing that:

1. I supported local VTubers (plus an international guest cosplayer), and
2. The challenge gave me a sense of purpose, because the whole three-day event was wild.

Watch me spend the set budget here:

Checklist for VTuber Fans Who Want to Get Merch

Planning before the convention is important to have a sense of fulfillment, and here are my tips to help you make the best of your time at the convention floor:

• Set your budget so you know how to set your priorities.
• Check Twitter or social media pages if they offer pre-orders, so they can reserve you some items. This will also help you check on your budget.
• Prepare cash on hand. You can use mobile wallets as a backup method, but make sure the data signal is optimal to conduct QR code payments.
• Bring a bag that you think will fit all the merch. As I'm more into collecting A4 poster prints and smaller merch, I brought a good paper bag which could fit every item in my list.
• Pack light, as you will most likely be scooting around the artist alley.
• Remember where each booth is located, so you won't have to spend time looking for them.

That said, I hope this challenge will help you in your next journey at the floor!

Also, make sure to check out the photo gallery of VTuber cosplays from the event, which covers an around half of the total VTuber cosplay count for all days.