AsiaPop Comicon Manila starts its public debut today Sept 18, 2015. Many fans of comics, toys, movies, tv, art and pop culture are waiting for this big event, it’s a kind of event that we are waiting for, a quality event that is much closer to the San Diego Comicon, the feel and aura is quite the same and it’s the only event we can have here in the Philippines closer to the mother of pop culture events in the world, the organizers are the same company who organized the Middle East Comicon and after the success of it, the organizers did a plan to tour around Asia --- Philippines, Abu Dhabi and Korea, and now the first leg for the Asian comicon sets the world stage here in Manila.
The fans were shocked at first when the first wave of guest names were announced, and the price of tickets for the entrance and celebrity meet and greet passes were confirmed…. expensive, we just tasted on how an international event will charge a fan just to have a chance to meet their celebrity idols and comic creators, but what the heck for the price, it was a good price to meet my favorite stars, and this will not require me to travel to America and line up for hours just to meet them. Its how the way goes and this is a standard in any other comicons, even in SDCC, the popular the artist, the higher its meet and greet passes.
Pinoy pop culture fans are now lucky to have a one of a kind event, even though that we have the Philippine Toycon, our local owned version of SDCC, we still have more to catch up in order to reach that level like the SDCC, its so expensive to organize and also fly the celebs here, but for some luck, the organizers of the AsiaPop Comicon chose the Philippines as the first leg to bring the experience of a different kind of comicon……..thank you for bringing this in our land.
I got lucky that I was granted a professional day pass and also got an approval for my media accreditation to cover the event as a blogger for my blog Azrael’s Merryland Blog, I was there yesterday during the day zero event and I immediately shared the awesome sights and geekgasm of the event, the photo album I uploaded yesterday received a thousands of likes, views and 300+ shares on Facebook --- whoaa, it went viral a bit, I hope that my post helped in promoting the event and also raise more hype to fans who wants to get out of their home and office hahha.. I feel you guys… don’t worry, I have my own ramblings too, I can’t attend the Saturday event due to work related stuff. But I will be there to join you guys on Sunday.
Okay, I stop now for the drama intro of this blog post and let me share you a short survival guide tips
Things to bring:
1. A back pack
2. Camera with 2 memory cards, extra battery and battery charger
3. 2 smartphones – just in case one phone ran out of charge
4. Powerbank for your smartphone
5. Phone chargers
6. Extra shirts – 2 extra shirts are okay
7. Money, credit or debit cards – your ammo for shoppping
8. Mobile Wifi – for your Instgramming, Facebooking and chat with friends
9. Wear sneakers, the comfy ones are the best
10. Im going to bring my own small foldable plastic chair – so that I can sit on it if I get tired and I will stand on it to view the panel talks on stage
11. Bring lots of reusable eco bag – save the planet, don’t use plastic bags
12. Tumbler with water – for hydration
13. Medicines – if you need it, just bring it. (if not, there’s a medic station outside the venue)
14. Foldable umbrella – your protection against the treacherous rain shower and localized thunderstorm
15. Calling cards – promote yourself and go networking with companies and people at the event
16. Selfie sticks --- for your lonely selfies or group photo op with life size statues
17. Laptop – if you need it for blogging or maybe use it to transfer your memory card
18. Jacket – sometimes the venue is cold…wear it to warm you up
19. Sun glasses – you need it to protect your eyes vs. the UV rays
20. Bring a friend with you – going solo is nice…but attending the event with a friend is nicer
Here’s a short details about the event
AsiaPop Comicon Manila
Sept 17-20, 2015
at The World Trade Center
Kids pass - PHP 250 for Sept 19 only
PHP 500 (1-Day Pass)
PHP 800 (2-Day Pass)
PHP 1,000 (3-Day Pass)
PHP 11,660 (V-Pass)
PHP 46,650 (X-Pass)
Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/apccmanila
Website - http://asiapopcomicon.com/
Here’s a walk through of the event
TICKETING
This is the ticket area, you can buy your tickets here for the day 1, day 2 or day 3 passes, the ticket price starts at PHP 500, and they also offer a PHP250 special price for kids and that’s good only for Sept 19 only.
X Pass and other expensive passes are also available here.
You can read the full details of the tickets at https://asiapopcomicon.com/manila/tickets/book-tickets/
WEAR YOUR PASSES ANYTIME
If you have your ticket – pls bring it anytime during the day, don’t leave it or lost it. For people who uses special passes like MEDIA PASS ID, Always wear it anytime when inside the venue.
THE ENTRANCE
This is the entrance of AsiaPop Comicon, the tarps around the walls and post of World Trade Center made me giggle….the excitement starts here before you enter the venue..
so brace yourself…
FIRST WOW FACTOR
I will spoil you now with this giant screen…..showing some clips and action scenes from different kind of Star Wars movie and tv universe.
The Imperial march theme will make your geek blood will start to pump up.
I just cant helped myself…I need a selfie here hahaha
THE MARVEL STATUES
The Marvel booth with amaze you as they exhibit the life size statues of popular Marvel characters. Selfie galore at this booth…but take note not to touch or sit on the base of the statue or even the statue.
Life size scale statues of Iron Man, Hulk, Ultron Prime
And also Captain America
At the back of their screen – the Marvel and Star Wars booth, you can take a forced perspective photo with the giant MARVEL LOGO.
BIG SPACE FOR YOU
TO MOVE FREELY
I met some of our pop culture bloggers outside the venue and they told me that there’s big space left for everyone, its so spacious and you can move or even do a somersault at the lobby.
So I went inside and Im amazed that World Trade Center was transformed into a different realm.
Im not sure if it will be filled with lots of people, but it’s a good venue to give us more space to move and also to breathe.
ADI BOOTH
Don’t you dare miss the exhibit of some kind of creature fest happening at the ADI booth, take a jaw dropping experience looking at the diorama lifesize statues of Aliens vs. Predator.
ADI or Amalgamated Dynamics Inc. Is a company owned by Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff, they do puppperty, animatronics, make up and creature designs for tv, movie and also they do special effects.
An armor costumed that was used by in Race to Witch Mountain movie
Predator lifesize statue..
Beast costume that was used in X-men: First Class movie
And here’s my favorite creature at the event, the alien humanoid creature that first appeared in Alien Resurrection movie.
Its so creepy and freaky and it looks real… Actually, this is the most disturbing creature that was made for the Aliens saga movie. And its death in the movie is soooo brutal and also disturbing.
I don’t want to see this in any movie..but Im glad I saw this animatronic figure in the flesh
As I mentioned…don’t dare miss this set up at AsiaPop Comicon….
ANIMATRONIC DEMO AT ADI BOOTH
Alec Gillis asked me if I can see their animatronic special effects work, I told them if they are ready, then they should fire it up….
The did a demo of this Gorilla head –and its also a mask.
They control the facial expressions and its mouth by using a two kinds of remote controller.
The gorilla that was first seen in the Zookeeper movie, and some commercials are now here in Manila to exhibit how ADI do the special effects.
MEET NEW AND OLD PEOPLE
As usual, when there’s a convention, expect to see some of your old friends in the same floor. Its great to see them being active outside and away from their drawing board.
great to see you guys!
Gamer and bloggers are also there…say hello if you saw them…
And from the tech and art side…you’ll meet new people too.
A new supporters for your endeavors
And you can meet cosplay models too!!!
Hello Wanda and Elektra!
FOX ASIA BOOTH
I super love the Fox Asia booth….the entire floor is covered with an orange soft carpet…OMG that’s so awesome.. Visit their booth for some games and giveaways.
Don’t leave their booth without a prize
They have a closed door viewing room, kids can stay here to watch the…. OMG the Family Guy…so educational hahaha
Have a free photo op and print photo with this lovely zombie from The Walking Dead series
There’s also this photogenic zombie that can be with you anytime here at AsiaPop Comicon
THE LEGO BOOTH
LEGO fans…this booth can make you smile!!!
Because they are offering 30% of all LEGO items exclusively here at AsiaPop Comicon
There’s a LEGO building area for kids and also giant LEGO set ups for your photo op
Check out also the STAR WARS Diorama made all from LEGO!!!
They also displayed this Goku portrait…made up of LEGO…yes its real LEGO bricks..
And also they announced a LEGO building contest for kids, just visit their booth for details
ARIGATOYS BOOTH
Visit the Arigatoys booth..
here you can purchase your Funko Pop! figures
Buy the Vision Pop! figure and let Paul Bettany sign it this Saturday.
WORLD OF TANKS GAMING BOOTH
For your gaming area….. try the World of Tanks for free
Here’s the gaming area of World of Tanks
COMIC CREATORS. ARTIST,
CELEBS MEET AREA
Here’s the signing area and meet greet with comic creators an guest.
Take note of the schedules of their appearances at the event website.
I think some of the meet greet and autograph session require you to pay an extra charge.
Spotted Whilce Portacio in front of his booth
I like the set up here because it gives a big space for all comic fans to line up in an organized manner. And there’s a big space too for the artist to move around and also relax.
David Mack fans…. don’t forget to bring your Kabuki books.
COMICAVE STUDIOS BOOTH
Comicave Studios creates awesome figures and statues and they are well known for releasing the best Iron Man figures ever!! Its their first appearance here in the Philippines and they brought in here the world’s first Hulk Buster Iron Man life size statue and also the first ever prototype of an Avengers: Age of Ultron diorama figures
To tease you more, they are giving away one Hulk Buster Iron Man mechanical figure to one lucky draw winner this coming Sunday, all you need to do is purchase one Shotgun Iron man figure or pre order an Igor Iron man figure to get a raffle coupon.
That Hulk Buster is worth PHP 450,000
Here’s the Hulk Buster Iron Man mechanical figure worth PHP 450k
It was first seen during the red carpet premiere of Avengers: Age of Ultron, it’s the only prototype for display in events.
Retail version will come out next month…. the winner who take this home…will won a pot of treasure.
1/4 scale of Iron Man figures are also on displayed
SRP around PHP6k to 8k
whoaaa..this is for hard core collectors
They also have Transformers and small scale Iron Man figures.
I also learned that Bankee Trading is their official distributor here in the Philippines and the display is usually at Toy Town in Glorietta.
THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON DIORAMA AT COMICAVE BOOTH
The diorama made me cry because I wish that they should make a statue of that end credits scene from the Avengers: Age of Ultron movie.
This is just a prototype and it features the 1/4 scale and each characters can be removed from the diorama base.
It can stand on its own via a own base on each character.
I asked Daphne of Comicave Studios if they will release a colored version, she said that they will release this soon as ease on white marble color…just like in the movie.
Okay next wish list… make a life size scale next time….. OMG
PHOTO OP AND RIDE THE HULK BUSTER IRON MAN
AT COMICAVE BOOTH
Also..don’t you dare this opportunity to try the Hulk Buster Iron Man. Its humongous and its sooooo giant, it’s the best attraction ever here in AsiaPop Comicon Manila.
I learned from Comicave that this lifesize ---costume or maybe a statue is the 1st of its kind and 1st appeared here in Manila.
Here’s a size comparison with the lovely and sexy Ironettes
You can ride and have a photo op here by just purchasing a PHP240 Comicave shirt, then you can receive a digital photo of it via email Or buy a photo print for PHP200+
It’s a large photo print that you can frame and hang in your wall.
That’s me….. hahahahah
Here’s another view…that’s our friend Owee, trying the Hulk Buster
PLDT AND SMART – WORLD OF COMIC ENTERTAINMENT BOOTH
Check out the PLDT and SMART booth
and see what kind of geeky content they can offer
Of course they can power up your geek lifestyle by using their products and services.
Check their booth for some iFlix giveaways
GUNDAM BUILDING BOOTH
Don’t forget to visit the Gundam building area here in AsiaPop Comicon
Just Like their Facebook and you can now get a FREE Gundam item
The rule is…you have to built it here and then take it with you after.
they have a small display of Gundam figures
Here’s the Gundam building area.
They will lend you some kits for you to build your Gundam.
Don’t forget to read the manual!
Take advantage too for some discounts and special offers.
PHILIPPINES 501st LEGION BOOTH
Stormtroopers are here from a galaxy far far away…
But don’t worry, they are the good guys..not the villainous version from the Star Wars movie.
They will pose a photo with you while holding some quotes from the Star Wars movie.
PH 501st Legion is our very own Star Wars and Imperial troopers, accredited by the international Star Wars groups
Visit their website and see how you can be one of them…..
NATIONAL BOOKSTORE’S COMICS DISCOUNTS
20% off on selected TPB….
the shopping starts here…
Its still a good deal….. I’ll come back later to pick up some Arnold Arre books
ARCADE GAMING WITH
WORLD OF FUN
Free arcade gaming!!! all you need to do is try it for free~
Here’s Fatima trying a shooter game….oh wait..is that Time Crisis?
Boss Mac showed is PRO skills in dancing…
EXPERIENCE VIRTUAL REALITY HORROR GAME
At the World of Fun booth….don’t you dare miss this opportunity to try a virtual reality game and plus a horror game!!!
Its free to try and all you need to do is sign a waiver form and then buy some courage for you to try this game
You will play alone in a dark room and experience 360 VR vision and sound
and enter a haunted house and interact with the digital environment.
No..I didn’t tried this…. takot ako e…
So Kuna…thank you!!
thank you for letting me walk out… if media persons are required to try this….I will bring my own rosary next time
KNIGHT RIDER- K.I.T.T. CAR
The Knight Rider car is a custom made by a pinoy fan… galeng di ba?
And now its here and its like from the classic tv series and drove by David Hasselholf
CUBE IT
It’s a new figure and a functional design with a purpose, coming soon via Bankee here in the Philippines.
It’s a cute figure that stands on a clear box compartment, you can connect them to others Cube it figure and maybe you can make your own mini drawing for your coins, pins, or clips.
TREKI, DISNEY AND TOMICA TOYS
Some toys you can buy……
This Tomica diorama inspired me to make our own at home…
yup..me and my son are Tomica fans.
TRY MOTION CAPTURE
AND GAME DEV
I don’t know if this is for everyone to try or we can just watch the guy move and be captured by a motion capture software
Then the guy animates this zombie girl via motion capture….
just witness how the magic works
MEET TOKI DOKI FOUNDER
SIMONE LEGNO
There are lots of pop culture superstars to meet here in Asiapop comicon.
And I really want to meet and have an autograph is from this guy….
Simone Legno, founder of Toki Doki
Everybody says he is a nice guy and very accommodating, too bad I don’t have anything for him to sign….oh well.. I will try later…if the line is not long.
ITS JUST A KEYBOARD…..
OK MOVE ALONG
Its just an A4tech keyboard… LOL
its cute..I will buy one for my laptop later.
LUDUS DISTRIBUTOR BOOTH
Ludus booth features different kinds of board games….I will check this later because Im hunting for a kid friendly board game.
I want to teach my son that board games are much fun to play than those iPad games.
Warhammer table top game
I saw these guys enjoying the game…what game is it ?
-- its Catan board game
thanks Freddie for the tip
The game that made all teenagers go crazy…….
I know a guy who traded one card in exchange for a brand new car…
that is sooooooo hard core
MY STAR WARS MEMORY
VIDEO REC STUDIO
Star Wars….don’t miss this booth pls..
I was asked by a pretty lady if Im a Star Wars fan..
OMG..I told her….the force is strong in me and yes Im a Star wars fan.
She told me that I can join in a video recording session and share my Star Wars memories…..
it’s a free recording and they will air the video on the official Facebook page of Star Wars.
OMG..I joined…and shared my life story with Star Wars for the very first time
Here’s the behind the scene
After the video session, they awarded me a Star Wars:Force Awakens poster…..
ohhhhhhh wow!!!!
HERES THE PHOTO OPS AND MEET GREET AREA
Just a walk through..here’s the photo op and meet and greet area for the movie celebs
You buy tickets here too and line up to meet your idol
Check the AsiaPop Comicon website for schedules and also price of the meet and greet.
OMG…I want to meet Paul Bettay and Natalie Emmanuele….yiheeeee
MEDIA LOUNGE
For the first time ever….we will enjoy a special area for the media
They provided a lounge area for us to rest….relax…I think theres a free coffee inside, wifi connection and chargers.
NEW ERA CAPS
New Era store just opened recently in SM Megamall.
Its soooo expensive!!
One cap will damage you an around of PHP1600 and up
I want this!
I want this!
and this too!!!
Those Toki Doki caps are limited only here in the event. So grab one and let Simone sign it.
GRAB TAXI BOOTH
Ummmm guys…is there a promo code for Asiapop Comicon ???
TEE TURTLE BOOTH
I saw a glimpse of this fan made shirt.
My sister told me that they order shirt in the US, and its priced at 10 USD only.
She told me to check the price here in Manila.
Shirts are sooooo cute… and I want this TMNT with a Pokemon Squirtle
PLANET X COMICS BOOTH
Visit Planet X booth for comics fix and collection
Fill up those broken comics collections by taking advantage of comic sales they offer
OMG… PHP 100 comics!!
And mangas too!
I really want to grab some Star Wars but…..
FILBAR’S
Filbar’s booth is so flashy as usual…after they changed branding and embraced comics for good
Have a photo op here with Thor.
Check out the sale and discounts
And yes..that’s the comic boxes they are selling..ang ganda!!
David Mack books are available here and also Vision mask
Buy your loot here for the celebs to sign in later.
BEAST KINGDOM
EGG ATTACK FIGURES
Filbar’s also exhibiting these prototype of Beast Kingdom’s Egg Attack figures.
They are so cute…and so cute….so cute….
HOT TOYS BOOTH
Hot Toys fans are waiting for the exhibit of Hot Toys figures here at the AsiaPop Comic.
Too bad that they are not yet finish in the set up. I will go back later and post a separate entry later
At their booth, towers a Ultron Prime figure….
And also an Iron Man giant figure…..
COMIC ARTIST GALLERY AND BOOTH
Our local artist and creators have their own space here in AsiaPop Comicon.
Here you see the fan fave artist doing sketches and pin ups for a fee
Its really awesome to see them having their own booth.
Years ago they are just starting to draw, then got a gig and now they learned how to market themselves…
congrats guys!
Here’s Raymond Bermudez’s artwork for sale.
A local statue maker is selling this Titan Ren
Our veteran comic artist are also there to do a live sketch of yourself with a fee.
More pinoy artist booth
Wow!! Francisco V. Coching booth
Here’s a price guide of the books made by Coching…
it’s a must buy and read if you want classic comics with detailed art style created by the master
If you want to start..I suggest go pick up EL INDIO..
it’s the best comics ever to me by Coching.
MINI COOPER DOODLE AREA
There are two white Mini Cooper cars that are on display
International artist and doodlers from the Philippines and Singapore will be here to do a doodle art design live to these two cars.
The cars will be…not sure for sale…but according to my Mini Cooper rep friend, it will be displayed on their showroom.
THE STAGE, VIEWING
AND PANEL AREA
The stage for viewing and panel talks are located at a separate tent, there’s an access way going here and it’s a big space!!!
omg…. I can now imagine that this tent will be filled up with lots of people this Saturday for the Captain America: Civil War sneak peek and also panel with Paul Bettany.
There’s a special ticket to enter this, just visit their website for the schedules and pricing.
HERO TV BOOTH
I just caught a glimpse of the HERO TV booth…. oh there’s a Tie Fighter pilot waiting his Tie Fighter ship
FOOD BOOTHS OUTSIDE
The food booths are located outside the World Trade Center, if you got hungry, then go here for your merienda and snacks.
Bring an umbrella just incase it rains
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OKAY!!! That’s the end of this blog post…it took me 3 hours to fix this entry..
Im so late at AsiaPop Comicon…I will go there now and start covering
See you on my 2nd blog entry!
