A Yukumo Hunter Wanders the Vibrant Rhythms of Howlers Music and Cosplay Festival

MY BACKGROUND IN MONSTER HUNTER 🦖

It feels like only yesterday when my partner introduced me to the thrilling realm of Monster Hunter. We had initially planned a Cosplay adventure, which had almost slipped my mind, but little did I know that this virtual universe would soon become an integral part of my life. Witnessing my partner battle gigantic monsters in the game's 3rd portable version intrigued me, igniting a spark of curiosity within me.

My early attempts at the game were nothing short of cringe-worthy. My aging controller was on its last legs, making it an uphill battle to progress past the lengthy tutorial stage. Meanwhile, my partner was off on his own epic quests, leaving me feeling somewhat left behind.

But I've come to realize that many gamers have experienced this frustration. So, when I saw the latest Monster Hunter release for Mobile, I immediately pre-installed it. You might be wondering, "Why not buy a console? Why persist with this?" Well, I'm just a casual gamer. I've never claimed to be an expert. I play games to relax, have fun, and connect with people. Competitive gaming burnt me out, which is why I switched to something more casual.

At first, Monster Hunter Now didn't grab my attention. I nearly gave up on it. But then, something clicked when I realized I could combine my gaming passion with my love for travel. If you've been following me since my early Facebook days, you've seen my family's travel adventures. I cherish every moment of those journeys! Plus, playing Monster Hunter Now encourages my partner to get some exercise through walking, as you might have seen in my vlogs.

Playing this game with others is much more enjoyable, especially when it comes to hunting monsters. You don't have to meet them in person; you can join forces in the game. However, if you happen to be with friends, hunting together is an absolute treat!

GETTING INVITED TO HOWLERS MUSIC AND COSPLAY FESTIVAL 💬

I found an Influencer invitation from Ms. Bianca at one of the groups and immediately messaged them if I could join in. Gladly, she agreed and let me join the GC where they provided instructions and Influencer News, the best part about joining the group is that they encourage helping each other out.

The preparation time is long, and when the INFLUENCER POSTER came out, I was ecstatic! However, before they gave us the tickets, my partner had me buy two tickets because he wanted to make sure it was hassle-free access. So, I was able to finally give a FREE GIVEAWAY at that time and picked a winner through COIN TOSS.

YUKUMO HUNTER -MY MONSTER HUNTER COSTUME ⚔️

As the day of the festival approached, my partner and I dived into the world of cosplay, meticulously crafting our Monster Hunter-inspired costumes. Although our initial plan was to don a different attire, a sudden rain scare forced us to opt for the sturdier Yukumo costume. Despite the last-minute change, we were determined to make the most of our experience at the festival. We spent countless hours perfecting every intricate detail, from the armor to the weapons, ensuring that our costumes truly captured the essence of the game.

ARRIVING AT THE VENUE / HOW TO GET TO HOWLERS MUSIC AND COSPLAY FESTIVAL THROUGH GRAB 🚗

Last-minute cosplayer woes are finding the GRAB pin for the HOWLERS event. On the website venue, everybody says CIRCUIT, MAKATI, but it got confusing, so I just pinned it at GLOBE CIRCUIT EVENT GROUNDS, RIVERFRONT DR, and chose the entrance right beside the stage since it indicates that it is the entrance from the MAP.

INSIDE HOWLERS MUSIC AND COSPLAY FESTIVAL 🌃

Gladly, it is correct, and I thought the porta toilets were already the ones to be used. But later on, I discovered the SVIP lane is on the RIGHT SIDE and there is a Concrete CR there, wide enough so I can change costumes, at night though it's quite dark at the women's CR, so you can use your phone's light to guide you on the way.

Stepping into the festival grounds, we were greeted by a bustling atmosphere, with vibrant performances, delectable food stalls, and an array of activities awaiting us. We got there are around 2 p.m., and there were dancers and bands performing on the stage. We decided to venture around and saw the Haunted Maze but we were unable to go inside because my partner felt that it was too narrow to go in, especially with baggage. I asked him if he wanted to avail of a baggage locker, but he declined, so we're stuck with the baggage on hand plus my Yukumo weapon.

Since I was hungry, we immediately went to grab a rice meal lumpia; it was delicious, but there were so few lumpia. What my partner liked was the BLUE ICED tea, big enough for his thirst. After eating, we walked around and in fact, was trying to find that quest map that was not given at the entrance of SVIP. But as I walked around, someone tapped my shoulder and whispered the name of my Cosplay to take some selfies. I cannot explain the excitement of finally meeting someone who remembers it, and we immediately exchanged friend codes and selfies!

COSPLAY KINGDOM / RUMBLE ROYALE 🎪🕍🛕🤖

The Cosplay Kingdom, complete with its grand castle and e-sports area known as the Rumble Royale, stood as a testament to the festival's immersive and engaging environment. The attention to detail in the setup was truly remarkable, with each corner exuding a sense of creativity and passion for the world of gaming and cosplay.

Despite a slight hiccup with the program schedule, we reveled in the joy of discovering new acquaintances who recognized our cosplay and eagerly joined us for memorable photo sessions. The energy was contagious, and it was impossible not to get swept away in the festive spirit. From exchanging cosplay tips to sharing our favorite Monster Hunter moments, we found ourselves immersed in a community that celebrated our shared love for gaming and creativity.

There were booths around, and the built-in Cosplay Kingdom was a Castle that also had a stage, booths, and an E-SPORTS AREA, the RUMBLE ROYALE. The sounds of the band playing here have huge speakers so they won't collide with the music and sounds from the Main Stage. Inside, someone recognized my cosplay, so we had pictures together! I stroked poses in front of the COSPLAY KINGDOM since the area is wide, it's one big playground for COSPLAYERS. I can finally swing my sword freely without bumping into anyone.

PROGRAM FLOW 🎤

As the musical performances unfolded, each note reverberating through the venue, we found ourselves singing along to familiar tunes, lost in the euphoria of the moment. While we were going around, suddenly the program changed. 

We MISSED MAYONNAISE and Silent Sanctuary's awaited performance. It was a bummer for my partner since he decided to roam around at that time the program flow changed and there were only three bands that he was looking forward to. 

So, he decided to wait for the last one we are both looking forward to and that is MR. ELY BUENDIA'S performance. 

When a kid was brought up the stage, the crowd went wild when he rapped along FLOW G. Later on, I finally met my ticket winner's favorite dancing group, YARA. 

Then, right before the performance of Ely is the SEXBOMB GIRLS. People shout for JOPAY a lot! They also danced to the LABAN O BAWI iconic song. 

However, the last performance was cut short to give way for Mr. ELY BUENDIA'S performance, and that is what we are all waiting for! We sang along to his songs like LIGAYA, ANG HULING EL BIMBO, PARE KO, DISCONNECTION NOTICE, SUPER PROXY, ALAPAAP. 

Slicing Ely Buendia with the YUKUMO BLADE

Every beat resonated with a sense of unity and celebration. The diversity of the musical lineup added an extra layer of excitement, catering to a wide range of musical preferences and ensuring that there was something for everyone to enjoy.

THE MUSIC FEST EXPERIENCE 🧑🏻‍🎤🦸🏾

It was just as everyone says, it was a blast! Seeing the Musical Artists with your own eyes, feel, and hear that SUPER LOUD MUSIC and VIBRATIONS is a whole different experience than just watching through videos. The energy flowing throughout the venue blasts off all of that stress and negativity in life, I don't mean to be an emo, haha. The experience was nothing short of exhilarating, a fusion of music, cosplay, and shared passions that transcended the boundaries of a typical event. It was a testament to the power of community and the joy of indulging in shared interests. Every interaction, every performance, and every shared moment added to the richness of the experience, creating memories that would stay with us for years to come.

VLOG HERE: 🎥

For a detailed glimpse into my unforgettable journey at the Howlers Music and Cosplay Festival, check out my latest vlog (will announce once its done editing). Join me as I relive the magic of this spectacular event, and let's celebrate the joy of gaming, cosplay, and camaraderie together!

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posted by Trixia Salonga . Monday, October 09, 2023 .