About Otakufest

Otakufest is the premier and the most anticipated cosplay and hobbies convention in the Visayas, held annually in Cebu City, Philippines.

Artist Alley, Merchant Concessionaire, and Exhibitor applications are currently CLOSED as of Dec. 7, 2024!

See you at Otakufest in...

    Otakufest bingo card with a lunar festival-themed design. The title of the card reads "Otakufest". From top to right, left to bottom: "Has taken the bus or jeep home in full cosplay", "Caken a picture with Ara-chan", "Completed the Artist Stamp Rally", "ha

    Tickets & Merch

    🎟️ Pre-Order Tickets & Merch 🎟️

    Pre-orders for tickets and official merchandise OPEN UNTIL FEBRUARY 2, 2025! 🌙Questions? Check out our Tickets FAQ!Walk-in entrance passes are available during event days! We give discounts to PWD, senior citizens, and children 7 and below.

    PRE-ORDER E-TICKETS:
    🎟 P225 - DAY PASS (DAY 1 OR DAY 2)
    🎟️ P430 - TWO-DAY BUNDLE (Save P20!)
    LIMITED EDITION PHYSICAL TICKETS:
    Only available during physical ticket meet-ups.
    🎟 P230 - DAY PASS (DAY 1 OR DAY 2)
    🎟️ P450 - TWO-DAY BUNDLE (Save P10!)
    OFFICIAL OTAKUFEST 2025 MERCH:
    👕 P300 - SHIRT
    🛍️ P200 - TOTE BAG
    🪭 P150 - UCHIWA FAN
    🧴 P80 - HAND SANITIZER
    💮 P650 - MERCH BUNDLE (Save P80!)
    MEET AND GREET TICKETS:
    Inclusive of entry!
    ✨ MIKKI ✨
    ⌚ M&G SCHEDULE
    DAY 1 (SAT), 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    ⭐ P920 - STANDARD
    • 1 FREE photocard
    • Inclusive of Day 1 Entrance
    ⭐ P1440 - PREMIUM
    • 1 FREE photocard
    • Inclusive of Day 1 Entrance
    • Soft copy of DSLR pictures (handled by OF Team)
    • 1 FREE big poster print w/ personalized message
    • 1 FREE polaroid
    🏆 DOKIBIRD 🏆
    ⌚ M&G SCHEDULE:
    DAY 2 (SUN), 10:30 AM - 12:00 NN
    🍅 P1500 - STANDARD
    • 1 FREE photocard
    • Inclusive of Day 2 Entrance
    🍅 P2000 - PREMIUM
    • 1 FREE photocard
    • Inclusive of Day 2 Entrance
    • Soft copy of DSLR pictures (handled by OF Team)
    • 1 FREE big poster print
    • 1 FREE polaroid
    🏮 M&G BUNDLE 🏮
    Save up to P240!
    ⌚ M&G SCHEDULE:
    • MIKKI: DAY 1 (SAT), 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • DOKIBIRD: DAY 2 (SUN), 10:30 AM - 12:00 NN
    ⛩️ P2300 - STANDARD
    • 1 FREE photocard per guest
    • Inclusive of Day 1 and Day 2 Entrance
    ⛩️ P3200 - PREMIUM
    • 1 FREE photocard per guest
    • Inclusive of Day 1 and Day 2 Entrance
    • Soft copy of DSLR pictures (handled by OF Team)
    • 1 FREE big poster print per guest
    • 1 FREE polaroid per guest

    Events & Competitions

    From competitions, to special guest performances, audience game segments, and intermission numbers, don't look any further than our live stage events! Wanna compete?Click the images to see the details of each event and to sign up!


    Partnered Competitions

    Want to partner with us for a competition? Contact us!

    Booths

    Support local!Application period for all booths has CLOSED, as of Dec. 7, 2024.Interested in working with us?
    Email us here!
    Not sure if your products are suitable for our event?
    Check out our detailed content filtering guide!

    Exhibitor Emporium

    Merch Menagerie

    Artist Alley

    FAQ and Rules

    Please read through before asking questions!
    If you'd like clarifications, message us here!
    For business inquiries, contact us here!

    👇 General Questions 👇

    When and where is Otakufest 2025?

    Otakufest 2025 will be held on FEBRUARY 22-23, 2025 at the Tower Garden of SM Seaside City Cebu, Philippines. Event doors open at 10AM on both days!

    Where can I buy tickets?

    ONLINE PRE-ORDERS (e-tickets) will be available for purchase soon!We also have walk-in tickets available on the days of the event with discounts for senior citizens, PWD, and children aged 3-7.

    How do I get to the venue?

    To get to SM Seaside, you have the following options:

    • take these directions via private transportation

    • through the use of ride-hailing services (taxis) or applications (Grab, Maxim, Angkas, MoveIt, etc.)

    • via MyBus stops located around Cebu City

    Is there a theme for #OF25?

    Lunar Festival! 🏮

    Does my cosplay need to follow the theme?

    Nope! It'd be cool, though 👀

    Can I cosplay anything I want?

    As long as it abides by our rules! As a rule of thumb, explicit (NSFW, sexual or R18) cosplays and dangerous props are not allowed.If you'd like to bring props, please be aware of the following guidelines and restrictions:

    • Fully metallic martial arts props are not allowed! (swords, knives, etc.)

    • Props that can cause fire or use chemicals for effects are not allowed!

    • Props that are explicit/NSFW are not allowed!

    • Firearms, such as loaded airsoft weapons, are not allowed!

    Can I bring my pet?

    Of course! Just be sure to clean up after your pet, and make sure that they are wearing pet diapers for cleanliness measures.

    Can I sell without a booth?

    Nope! Due to venue policies, any selling activity must be documented. Please feel free to apply for booths so you can safely and legally sell in the event!Illegal selling activities may result in a permanent ban as well as confiscation of all goods being sold.

    What happens if I lose/find an item?

    Please direct all concerns with lost or found items to our Lost & Found area that will be indicated on the map (upon the venue map release).When the event ends, you may contact us via our socmed pages to inquire about our inventory of lost items.

    Is this your event/announcement?

    All Otakufest PH's OFFICIAL announcements are on our social media pages below. If you see someone using our name or posting misinformation about our event, please let us know.Facebook: @otakufestph
    Instagram: @otakufestph
    Twitter: @otakufestph
    Tiktok: @otakufestph

    Can't find your question here?
    Feel free to contact us!

    Boothing-related Questions

    GENERAL BOOTHS

    Can I booth at your event?

    At the moment, all booth applications are closed. Please do NOT use our inquiry lines to ask if you may still apply beyond the deadlines, to ask if there are still slots, or to appeal your application.If your application was not accepted, it is likely that you are waitlisted and may be contacted in case a slot becomes available.If you are interested in becoming a business partner, media partner, or sponsor, feel free to contact us!

    Did you receive my application?

    You can always ask our team for verification! Usually, we have an automailer system to confirm your submission. If you didn't get one, please inform us ASAP or try again!

    Can I edit my application?

    For the ease of screening, you may not edit your submitted application. However, you may resubmit or inform us if there are slight changes!

    Can I sell food at my booth?

    Check back later!

    Can I sell NSFW/Gore/etc. at my booth?

    Rule of thumb: if it's not works that you'd show to a young child, then it should be censored or kept in an off-display catalog!For more information, please refer to our detailed product filtering guide!

    Can I sell without a booth?

    Nope! Due to venue policies, any selling activity must be documented. Please feel free to apply for booths so you can safely and legally sell in the event!Illegal selling activities may result in a permanent ban as well as confiscation of all goods being sold.

    About ingress...

    Ingress details will be provided to you by our team close to the event days, please stay tuned for updates in your email/Messenger!

    ARTIST ALLEY

    As a reminder, please understand that in order to keep our rates low as possible, we are unfortunately under strict compliance with our venue policies and restrictions. :(

    Can I adopt an artist?

    Adopted artists or artist pairs will have their own spotlight or shared spotlight for posting on our social media, as well as their own ID.Just let our team know by responding to the confirmation email so that our team can get it sorted.Please be aware that adopted artists are subject to submit their own samples (minimum of 3) and icon for Artist Alley spotlight for screening.

    Can I sell a friend's merch, even if they won't be present at the event?

    They must be listed as an adopted or paired artist, see previous question for more information!

    What's the grid height/max table display height for my booth?

    5 feet or 150cm!For reference, one 30cm mesh grid is approximately equal to 1 foot, which means that you are allowed to stack five mesh grids.Please double check your grid size to make sure it is 30cm and not 35cm, as five 35cm grids would equal to a total height of 175cm!

    Can I decorate my booth space? Can I bring an extra table? Can I bring an x-stand?

    You can decorate your booth space as you please! However, please keep in mind to keep decorations ON the table or on its sides (such as hanging banners, fairy lights, etc.).You may not bring any extra tables or chairs due to venue policies :(Poster stands, x-stands, or other extraneous stands (unless they are placed on top of the table) are not encouraged, as these would be obstructive to the given space and to neighboring booths.

    Can I plug in my lighting set-up/monitor/etc. devices at my booth?

    We'll try! Due to limitations with our venue and logistics, not all booths can be supplied with a nearby/accessible outlet.

    What are the table rates, sizes, and inclusions again? I forgor and didn't take a screenshot...

    🌙 SINGLE ARTIST TABLE
    900.00 PHP per day
    • One 2ft × 4ft table with tablecloth
    • One (1) ID
    • Entrance is inclusive of the tabling fee for the accepted artist but their companion must pay ticket rate for entrance and extra ID.
    🌙 ARTIST COLLECTIVE TABLE
    2,000.00 PHP per day

    • For artist groups with three members and up! Up to 6 members. (e.g. Jupiterweathers, Dragoonheart, Kurissan, crimsonea)
    • One (1) 2ft × 6ft table with tablecloth
    • Three (3) IDs
    • Entrance is inclusive of the tabling fee for three collective members but any additional members must pay ticket rate.

    How many people can be behind the booth at one time? I can't do math on my own!

    Me too! And for solo artist tables, you can have up to two people behind the booth. For collective tables, you can have up to three!We heavily remind all tabling artists to abide by these restrictions as much as possible in order to ensure that the area is comfortable for all tenants. 🙏

    What's an Artist Collective?

    An Artist Collective group is specifically for artists that collaborate and partner up with one another to sell their products under one name/entity. On top of this, artist collectives allow for more opportunities for less experienced boothers to be able to sell products and have dependable boothmates without the risks of tabling on their own.Our Artist Collective table option is built around this ideal in order to welcome newer tablers to the convention scene. 🌻

    How do I submit my samples?

    Your submitted samples will be the same pieces that will be used in creating your SPOTLIGHTS. As such, kindly keep in mind the following guidelines for the submission of your samples:

    • Submit the CORRECT file formats in the correct naming scheme. Not following this rule can result in immediate disqualification of your application.

    • Your artworks/close-up photos of crafts are highly preferred samples.

    • If you are submitting product photos (stickers, acrylic charms, etc.), please use photos where the artworks are clearly visible.

    • Do not submit samples involving products/artworks of other creators (i.e. a photo including your stickers and another artists' stickers).

    • REFRAIN from submitting booth photos as your main sample photos. Although these pictures help us identify yourself, we prefer to directly showcase your works or closer photos of your products.

    Due to the large volume of applications we receive annually, application deadlines are STRICTLY FOLLOWED and we do not accept any late applications. Please apply early and resubmit if you would like to make any changes!IF YOU ARE A COLLECTIVE: Please submit the samples under the collective's name, and NOT as individual artist samples!Example:
    ArtistCollectiveName_sample1

    Can't find your question here?
    Feel free to contact us!

    Ticket and Admission Questions

    Are you selling pre-order/online tickets?

    Pre-orders are now open 💥

    How much are tickets?

    PRE-ORDERED E-TICKETS:
    🎟 P225 - DAY PASS (DAY 1 OR DAY 2)
    🎟️ P430 - TWO-DAY BUNDLE (Save P20!)
    LIMITED EDITION PHYSICAL TICKETS:
    Only available during physical ticket meet-ups.
    🎟 P230 - DAY PASS (DAY 1 OR DAY 2)
    🎟️ P450 - TWO-DAY BUNDLE (Save P10!)

    Can I pay for the tickets in cash?

    Online payments only! Cash is only accepted during the scheduled meet-ups! Follow our social media pages to see when and where we'll be available for in-person ticket purchases.

    I bought a ticket, but did not receive a confirmation email...

    Please follow these steps!

    • Check your spam folder in case you missed it!

    • Fill up the form again in the case that there was a typo or an error with inputting your email.

    • If the previous steps didn't work, please contact our finance team at this email: sales.otakufest@gmail.com

    Will I receive physical tickets if I pre-ordered my tickets?

    If your tickets were purchased online, you'll be receiving an e-ticket in your email instead of a physical ticket.

    What happens if my physical ticket is lost or damaged?

    Otakufest is not liable for any damages or losses to the physical event passes provided.If your physical ticket gets damaged, your entry pass will still be considered valid so long as you are still able to present the entire ticket (with both the ticket and its stub still visible). If you're unsure of the validity of your damaged ticket, please don't hesitate to shoot us a message!

    I'll be cosplaying in the event, do I still need to pay for tickets?

    Yes, you still need to pay for a ticket.

    I am accompanying my child as a parent/guardian, do I still need to pay for a ticket?

    Yes, you still need to pay for a ticket.Children aged 2 and below have free entry, and children aged 3-7 can purchase tickets half-off! These rates for children only apply for walk-in ticket purchases.If you have children, it is recommended that you pre-order tickets online for yourself, and then pay the discounted rates on the days of the event at the pre-order registration booth.

    Are there discounts for seniors/PWD/children?

    Yes! There are discounts available for seniors/PWD/children, but these are only available for on-the-day walk-in purchases at a separate line at our registration booths.

    Is reservation of tickets allowed?

    No, reservations of tickets are not allowed.

    What do I need to bring to the registration booth on the days of the event?

    Please bring the following items with you:

    • Valid ID (School IDs are accepted)

    • If you pre-ordered online or at meet-ups, bring your e-ticket or screenshot of e-ticket.

    • If you did not pre-order, bring your payment for the event pass. (Exact amount encouraged!)

    When will I receive my e-ticket?

    E-tickets are included in your final confirmation email. After filling out the form, kindly wait for 7-10** business days for your final confirmation email.

    Can I transfer my ticket?

    Yes! No need to inform us. Just make sure that you keep your tickets secured, especially as your tickets unique code will only work ONCE. Sharing it online or with other people will put your entrance at risk.

    Can I refund my ticket?

    Tickets are non-refundable.

    Am I allowed to buy a M&G ticket on the day?

    Yes, if slots are still available! We suggest following our page closely for any updates on slot availability.

    Can I exchange my Day 1 ticket to Day 2 instead? Or vice versa?

    Unfortunately, tickets cannot be exchanged to a different day. However, you may give to a friend or exchange it with someone who wants to trade their ticket with yours.

    Can't find your question here?
    Feel free to contact us!

    Guest and Meet&Greet Questions

    Do I need to buy M&G ticket to buy a guest's merch?

    No need! You can buy their merch at their designated merchandise booths found in the convention area.

    Am I allowed to bring gifts/letters/food/etc. for the guests?

    Yes, you are allowed to bring gifts, but it depends on the guests whether they accept it or not.

    Can the guests sign my personal stuff?

    No, personal items are not allowed to be signed by the guests unless it's the official merchandise sold by the guests, or the photocards provided during the Meet & Greet.

    What happens if I'm late to the M&G? Can I refund if I miss my session?

    If there is still enough time left, you can catch up with your M&G session. If you miss your session completely, however, you will not be refunded.

    Am I allowed to request fanservice (kabedons, close-proximity poses, etc.) from the guest?

    You are allowed ONLY if the guest consents and ONLY during their exclusive M&G sessions. This is also prohibited during merch selling in their designated booths.

    How long is the one-on-one interaction with the guests during their Meet & Greets?

    You will be given up to 2 minutes to personally interact with the guest. Cosplay guests will have a photobooth ready to take as many photos as you can. VTuber guests will have a monitor set-up in a private area where you can speak with them.

    What do I need to bring for the Meet & Greet?

    Your M&G ticket for entry to your M&G session, guest merch you've purchased if you'd like to have them signed, and a phone/camera to take pictures with the guest.

    If I purchase a Meet & Greet ticket, do I still need to purchase a regular ticket?

    Depending on your chosen bundle, your M&G ticket/e-ticket serves as your entrance to the event for the same day that your M&G pass is scheduled.

    Can I give the entrance part of my M&G pass to someone else?

    The entrance inclusion for the M&G pass is not separate from the actual M&G ticket. Therefore, it cannot be transferred to someone else and is exclusive only to the attendee of the actual Meet & Greet itself; i.e. one M&G pass = one sole owner. In the event that the actual owner of the pass cannot attend the Meet and Greet, the full inclusions of the pass itself may still be transferred to a completely new owner.

    Can't find your question here?
    Feel free to contact us!

    Stage & Event Questions

    Do I have to audition for the competitions?

    Yes, for the following competitions:

    • Kara-OK!! Japanese Singing Competition

    • Asian Pop Dance Competition

    • Solo Cosplay Competition

    Audition details are found in the competition's mechanics document found before signing up for the competitions!

    Am I allowed to join multiple competitions?

    Yes!

    Can I be part of different teams for one competition?

    No, participants are not allowed to cross teams. You are only allowed to join one team for each competition.

    Can we practice on the stage before the event?

    Yes! The day before the event starts is allotted for stepping and blocking practice so that the competitors are able to do a dry run of their performance.

    Are there games during stage events?

    Yes, but they're only announced on the day of the event! Stay tuned to the stage to join 👀

    Can kids participate in stage audience games?

    Only if they're aged 12 and above!

    I want to perform on stage!

    Contact us at production.otakufest@gmail.com if you'd like to perform as an intermission number at Otakufest!

    Can't find your question here?
    Feel free to contact us!

    Merch & Sales Questions

    What merchandise do you sell?

    This season, we have the following merch, exclusive for Otakufest 2025!

    When can I receive my merch order?

    Updates to follow! But you can expect that you will be able to pick up your merch order during our event days!

    Do you sell merch on the days of the event?

    Yes, and we may have extra stock afterward as well!

    What if I am unable to claim my merch during Otakufest? Will I still be allowed to claim it after the event?

    Yes, you have up until one (1) week after the event to claim it. Failure to claim items by March 2, 2025 will result in their forfeiture and no items will be released after the said date.

    Can someone else claim my merch on my behalf?

    Yes, as long as they present a valid ID and valid proof (authorization letter, messenger screenshot, etc.) along with the e-stub from your confirmation email during claiming.

    Can't find your question here?
    Feel free to contact us!

    Contact Us

    Got questions, comments, feedback, or suggestions? Please message us through our social media pages, the email form below, or message us via our Facebook page!Please keep in mind we are most responsive via Messenger.

    Want to partner with us? Click here!

    Business Inquiries

    Looking to partner with us, collaborate with our team, or sponsor our event? Shoot us an email below!Please do NOT use this form to send questions, comments, feedback, or suggestions! This is for BUSINESS INQUIRIES only. Other inquiries may not be entertained.