Some events feel like they were made just for you.
They speak your language, celebrate your passions, and welcome you with warmth the moment you arrive.
That was the magic of Outbreak 2025: Catch the Stars, an astro-themed, Nintendo-loving community event held at the second-floor atrium of Base Line Center in Cebu. Organized by Play N' Connect.
Over one joyful weekend, fans of Pokémon, Animal Crossing, Super Smash Bros., and other Nintendo titles came together to celebrate the games that shaped them and the friendships formed around them.
Now in its second run, Outbreak has grown into something more than a hobby gathering. It has become a safe, inclusive space for connection, creativity, and shared excitement. With free entry, a vibrant atmosphere, and meaningful community activities, it stood out as a deeply heartfelt moment for the local gaming scene.
An Astro-Inspired Space Full of Energy and Joy
Outbreak 2025 was built around the idea of “catching the stars,” and you could feel that astro theme reflected in the environment. The event space was filled with color, twinkling decorations, Nintendo-themed displays, and warm smiles at every turn. It felt less like a convention and more like stepping into a small galaxy shaped by fan love and community energy.
Fans from across Cebu and even beyond the city gathered to take part. Most people simply came as themselves, ready to connect and enjoy the shared space. The focus wasn’t on performance or appearance. It was on participation, support, and joy.
Star Quests, Tournaments, and Tabletop Moments
At the heart of the event was the Star Catching Quest, a scavenger hunt-style activity where attendees filled a special card by visiting booths, joining activities, and engaging with the event. Every interaction was a step toward filling their card with stars, and by the end of the day, many left with a sense of accomplishment and a few surprises in hand.
The gaming side of Outbreak remained a key part of the celebration. Fans gathered for official tournaments in Pokémon VGC Scarlet and Violet and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, with competitive energy filling the corners of the venue. On the side, there were casual but still lively tournaments for Tekken 8, Street Fighter 6, and Pokémon TCG Pocket, where players tested their skills without pressure.
For newer players or curious fans, a Pokémon TCG workshop welcomed attendees to learn the basics of the trading card game. It was a hands-on, beginner-friendly space where community volunteers taught, explained, and played alongside first-timers. There was no barrier to entry, just open hands and open hearts.
A Community-First Atmosphere
What truly defined Outbreak 2025 was the community spirit. The event had a tone that was light, wholesome, and unpretentious. No one was trying to outshine anyone else. It was about shared stories, shared games, and shared laughs. Families wandered the venue together. Longtime Nintendo fans and younger gamers mingled, often meeting for the first time but bonding instantly over shared favorites.
One of the most charming group moments came during the Plushie Parade, where attendees proudly showed off plush versions of their favorite Nintendo characters. Pokémon were especially popular, but every plush came with a story. It was a moment of celebration that needed no stage, just people happy to share a soft piece of their fandom.
Scattered throughout the event were casual play zones, where anyone could sit down and try games on various consoles. These areas were buzzing with quiet joy, where strangers quickly became teammates or opponents and left as new friends.
Art, Creativity, and Community Partners
The event’s artistic side was strong, with the Artist Alley Cebu collective organizing an impressive lineup of local creatives. The Community Art Jam was a relaxed but lively feature of the event, drawing attention to the incredible talent within the Cebu art scene. Tables were filled with fanart, original prints, stickers, key chains, and small treasures that captured the heart of the Nintendo universe.
Local artists connected directly with fans, shared their work, and supported each other’s booths. It felt less like a commercial marketplace and more like a creative town square.
Merch from vendors like Himawari Kospurei Shoppe and official Outbreak t-shirts and tote bags also gave attendees a way to take home tangible memories. Thanks to Klinty Winty, ClintKAMMS, and ISW Vault, the event merchandise carried the same playful, astro-themed charm seen throughout the weekend.
Shared Knowledge and Shared Voices
Outbreak 2025 was also a place for learning and listening. Community talks featured various hobby groups who shared insights, experiences, and encouragement with fellow fans. These talks were run by groups like Neo Pokémon VGC, Rocket Punch Gaming Cafe, Pilipinas Got Pokémon, Nintencom Cebu, and Cebu X-Geeks.
The sessions didn’t feel like lectures. They felt like conversations between peers who’ve been where others are just starting. Whether the topic was competitive gaming, building local communities, or simply staying connected through fandom, the speakers made sure attendees felt heard, seen, and supported.
Wishes, Stars, and Safe Spaces
One of the most memorable features of the event was Jirachi’s Wishing Tower, a soft, thoughtful space where guests wrote their wishes and pinned them for others to see. Some were playful, some were touching, and many spoke about hope, belonging, or simple joys. Reading through them offered a quiet, meaningful reminder of what community can bring.
There were also mini games, trivia contests with fun prizes, and small surprises throughout the weekend that encouraged people to keep exploring. The event didn’t rush you from place to place. It welcomed you to stay, to linger, to talk.
Brought to Life by a Caring Network
Outbreak 2025 succeeded not just because of fan support but also through its generous partners and sponsors. Cebu’s Original Lechon Belly helped keep stomachs full, while Lyf Cebu led the way as a platinum sponsor. Other sponsors included iAcademy Cebu, Assist Tow, and Marine Inc, all of whom helped give structure and support to the event.
Whether it was logistical help, printed materials, food, or art supplies, every bit of support came from groups that believed in what Outbreak stood for.
A Sky Full of Stars, and Still Growing
Outbreak 2025: Catch the Stars wasn’t just a hobby event. It was a weekend-long reminder that fandom can be joyful, safe, welcoming, and deeply human. For many who attended, it offered something rare: a space where you didn’t have to explain why you loved the things you love. You could just be.
As the lights dimmed and the final booth packed up, the feeling didn’t fade. People left carrying art, games, and plushies, but also connections, inspiration, and that quiet, powerful joy that comes from being seen and included.
Outbreak isn’t over. It’s growing. And as long as there are stars to catch, this community will keep reaching for them together.
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