My Geek Fair & Game Con 2025 Experience at SM Butuan: A Journey with CORE

 Every August, Butuan City buzzes with excitement as the SM Geek Fair & Game Con brings together fans of gaming, anime, technology, and everything in between. From August 22 to 24, 2025, the SM Event Center became a haven for geeks and gamers, where passion and creativity collided in the most spectacular way.

For me, this year’s Geek Fair wasn’t just another event to attend. It was a milestone. My husband, who is part of the Caraga Organization of Rig Enthusiasts (CORE), joined the rig display competition for the second time — and this time, he brought home a win! His Kaiju No. 8–themed rig earned him the 1st Runner-Up spot in the Basic Category. 🏆

But the story doesn’t stop there. Between the colorful displays, the LAN parties, and the friendships formed.

From Dragon Ball to Kaiju No. 8: My Husband’s Journey

My husband officially joined CORE in 2024. This group of tech and PC enthusiasts in Butuan, known for showcasing creative and powerful PC builds that go far beyond function — they’re art pieces, each with a unique story.

Last year, he entered a Dragon Ball–inspired build. His theme focused on Son Goku, complete with glowing orange and blue accents to reflect the Super Saiyan spirit. It was a build filled with heart and detail, but he wasn’t able to bring home a prize.

The Kaiju No. 8 Rig

The moment the rig was unveiled at the SM Event Center, I knew it had something special. With its dark metallic tones, monster-like details, and LED lighting effects that mimicked Kaiju energy, the build instantly drew attention. The Kaiju-inspired aesthetic was fierce yet refined, balancing creativity and technicality.

But beyond looks, the rig had serious power under the hood. Here are its full specs:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700X

• GPU: MSI 4070 Ti Super Expert Limited Edition

• Motherboard: AORUS B550M Pro

• RAM: Corsair Dominator DDR4 3200MHz (16GB x 2)

• Cooler: Lian Li Hydroshift LCD AIO 360mm

• Storage: Western Digital 1TB + Samsung 980 EVO 1TB

• PSU: Corsair 750 Gold

• Case: Lian Li 011 Chrome

• Keyboard: Akko (thanks to Boss Christian for the Keyboard)

• Mouse: Logitech G Pro Wireless

• Monitor: ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL1A 27” 1440p IPS 170Hz

Everything about this build screamed performance and personality. The only missing piece was his Akko keyboard, which we had ordered from Shopee. Sadly, it didn’t arrive on time for the event since it got stuck in Malaysia. But even without it, his rig shone.

And shine it did, the judges awarded him 1st Runner-Up in the Basic Category. Hearing his name announced gave me goosebumps. Proud asawa ui!

The Event Atmosphere

The SM Butuan Event Center was alive with excitement the whole weekend. Every corner was filled with something to marvel at — cosplayers parading in their vibrant costumes, artists selling fan art and collectibles, gamers huddled in heated matches, and tech enthusiasts exploring the rig displays.

The CORE booth, where the rigs were showcased, was especially buzzing. Visitors took photos, asked questions, and admired the creativity behind each build. It wasn’t just about PCs; it was about stories, passion, and the art of building something with your own hands.

Judging time
Photo Taken

I watched proudly as people stopped to admire my husband’s Kaiju No. 8 rig. Seeing their appreciation made me realize that this hobby isn’t just about hardware, it’s about inspiring others, too.

LAN Party Madness

Aside from the rig display, another highlight of Geek Fair 2025 was the LAN party competitions. This year featured popular titles like:

• CS:GO

• DOTA 2

• PUBG

• Left 4 Dead 2

• Fall Guys

• Marvel Rivals

My husband has always been a competitive gamer. Last year, his team bagged the PUBG Championship, which was already a big achievement.

Photo Taken

This year, he didn’t stop at just one win. His team clinched the CS:GO and Left 4 Dead 2 championships! The thrill of watching their teamwork and strategies pay off was another proud moment for me. It felt like this was truly his year — both as a rig builder and as a gamer.

Building Friendships Through Passion

Beyond the competitions, what I really love about events like this is the sense of community. My husband wasn’t just showcasing his rig; he was also building connections with fellow enthusiasts who share the same love for gaming and PC building.

We met amazing people — other CORE members, supportive partners, cosplayers, gamers, and artists. Everyone had a story to tell, and everyone was bonded by the same passion.

For me, it was heartwarming to see my husband not only show off his skills but also find friendship and belonging in a group that truly understands his interests.

Gratitude and Reflection

As I look back on our experience at Geek Fair & Game Con 2025, I can’t help but feel grateful.

• Grateful for the CORE (especially Sir Errol) and Shin Kaishin N'Otaku (organizer) people.

• Grateful that he had the chance to compete, win, and connect with like-minded people.

• Grateful for the memories we created together in those three days — from the excitement of the LAN party to the pride of seeing him on stage.

Most of all, I’m happy to witness him express his passion openly. Not everyone gets the chance to share their creativity with a crowd, let alone be celebrated for it.

Shin Kaishin N'Otaku FB Page

Final Thoughts

The SM Butuan Geek Fair & Game Con 2025 was more than just a weekend event. It was a celebration of passion, creativity, and community. From the dazzling cosplay to the thrilling gaming tournaments, from the artistic booths to the jaw-dropping rigs, every moment was worth remembering.

For my husband, this year marked redemption — from last year’s loss to this year’s 1st Runner-Up win with his Kaiju No. 8 rig, plus his victories in CS: GO and Left 4 Dead. For me, it was about pride, gratitude, and joy in seeing him do what he loves while making lasting friendships. But, murag di sa lang jud nako siya paapilon next year HAHAHA!

Until then, Dee Mayang