Campus Playfest recently had its second outing in the Music Hall at SM Mall of Asia and it reminded me of my youth.

While mileage may vary on everyone’s school experience, it’s hard to disagree that foundation day celebrations aren’t magical. Campus Playfest actually managed to capture that magic and turn it into a fun yet nostalgic experience with these being some of the highlights.

Variety and Freebies Aplenty

As you enter the event and register through the CCEPlay platform, you’re greeted by a table of goodies including chips of various types, candies and even a water bottle. Normally, as a congoer, these are the types of gifts you’d get when you do tasks during the event but getting to do them beforehand was a nice touch. As you go around the event though, the gifts didn’t just end there with more food and merch to be found. 

This may seem minor but it’s this gesture that allows for such a welcoming atmosphere allowing everyone, and not just students and the young at heart to enjoy. 

Jam Packed Events From End to End

The music hall was busy with its compact yet dynamic environment. On one end, you have the main stage with show matches, band performances and even an inter collegiate Honor Of Kings tournament while on the other hobby competitions, talks and meet and greets. Rounding this out on the east and west sides of the venue were console games on one end and childhood classics like Beyblade and Yoyos! 

There were tons of activities available for Playfest enjoyers and between the various events and attractions, you’re sure to find an enjoyable moment.

Realme Powered Community!

On the topic of moments, I can’t count the amount of times realme had me surprised in every corner. From having their programs on the main stage like the Squad Match captured above to the announcement of their newest ambassadors, they really gave you a lot to look forward to during and even after the event. They brought the hype to the e-sports fans as well powering the intense games between participants.

If that weren’t enough, they even provided giveaways and prizes across the weekend throughout the various competitions happening. While my Gold Ship didn’t bag that win in the Uma Meet for Uma Musume fans, realme showed what it’s like to be a gold standard the whole weekend

Childhood Classics Make A Comeback

The theme of the event primarily revolved around it being a student’s playground and with the activities present, you’d be brought back to the past one way or another. Imagine, an event during a holiday of all things and a Monday at that. 

Beyblades had been trending for the past year with all ages taking part but yoyos took the spotlight with their exhibitions happening on the mini stage. What makes this more impressive was that there were international yoyo participants present during said exhibition and competition. 2025 may have been dominated by Beyblades but who knows, 2026 might be the year of the yoyo!

Overflowing School Spirit

As I wandered around the venue and saw the various scenes in front of me, different walks of student life were there. You had school fans, cheering on their teams competing up on stage. You had barkadas and groups all hanging out trying out the booths whether it be gaming or just hanging out at the free samples. You had kids watching in awe on what they could do with the talks that happened and you even had friendly faces all around.

It’s in moments like this that you see that Campus Playfest is the way it is because it captures the essence of a school’s celebration or moments within it. Being a holiday also helped out as hanging out with friends on breaks, is the quintessential embodiment of youth. 

Closing Time

Removing the rose colored glasses for a moment though you see the flaws you never did when you were younger during these types of events. The entire event could be explored within an hour and event quests involve signing up or following pages.

It feels somewhat capitalistic but when you remember it’s the same as being a kid in school and supporting that class or club, it really isn’t that big of a deal. 

Considering that the event was free, Campus Playfest played its cards right with students being the primary demographic. For the young and the young at heart, the event has me excited for next year’s iteration and for sure, it’ll be a funner experience with friends or classmates with you for the ride. 

Campus Playfest FB: https://www.facebook.com/officialcampusplayfest