Category: Events

Toycon is on its 10th year and as usual, they are celebrating it at the SM Megatrade Hall.  The event is running for 2 days (June 18-19, 2011).  I attended Toycon yesterday.  Even though I only stayed for 4 hours, I was able to take lots of pictures and enjoy the experience, I even bought a hat! 🙂

There were tons of people!  It’s actually tiring as you have to sneak in just to be able to walk through the aisles.  But what do expect?  It’s Toycon!  Every hobbyist, toy collectors and anime lovers wouldn’t wanna miss the event!  Especially this year that Toycon is celebrating 10 years!

I arrived really early and I was able to catch the opening ceremonies wherein famous cosplayer, Alodia Gosiengfiao was special guest.  I was hoping to get a good shot of her but there were too many people.  I’m sure more people could have been there if it was a bit later (it was 10AM when the event started).

Toycon reminds me a lot of Ozine Fest.  Both have shows, contests, galleries, games and cosplayers.  I actually can’t tell the difference between those events.  I’m not really knowledgeable.  I started attending those events because my friends love them and I love to practice my photography skills too.

In Toycon 2011, there were life-size statues of our superheroes.  Famous personalities like Wolverine, Superman, Batman, etc.

As I walked around, I even saw the ‘lil cute figurines of our favorite iPhone games, Plants vs. Zombies and Angry Birds!!  Sooooo cute!!!  I almost bought one but I realized I don’t have budget to buy.  Also, they are a bit expensive 🙁

Lots of other stuff being sold too.  Things like comics, books, t-shirts, mugs and of course, toys.  Toycon is truly a haven for toy collectors & hobbyists.

There were items for sale for us girls too!  The cute lil keychains, pouches and tons of accessories.  Perfect for those looking for accessories to complete their cosplay getup.  I, myself, bought a hat and I got it on sale at 50% off! 😀

Two stalls caught my attention.  I guess they really stood out among the stalls that were exhibiting in Toycon 2011.  One is the Manikako which is a doll shop that sells doll kits.  You can custom-made the dolls and accessorize them.  There were several sizes available too.  Perfect for those who are artistic!

The other one was the stall that sells cute hats.  I was about to get one then I realized there’s nowhere I can wear it to.  If I wear it outside, I will definitely look stupid hahaha!  The only place I can wear it is if I’m in a costume party.

The hat were too cute that I decided to just wear one for a few seconds.  This picture is enough souvenir for me 🙂

The boy wizard, Harry Potter, was of course there!  I can’t wait for it to be shown next month.  Green Lantern, a movie that is being shown right now in the theaters, also has tons of merchandise!  All of them are being sold at one of the stalls in Toycon 2011.

Some people may have forgotten Thor but not me!  When I saw this collectible, I was just in total awe.  Unfortunately, it’s sold out and can’t be bought for the meantime.

They also have other superheroes in the collection like Odin, Iron Man, Star Wars and Batman.

I almost tried to cosplay yesterday but I backed out.  I wanted to research about the character I’m portraying but I wasn’t able to get the information on time.  I may attempt next time but I’m not sure.  Here are the cosplayers I was able to take pictures of.  I especially love the kid, she was too cute! 🙂

Last but definitely not the least, there’s the GameOPS booth (in partnership with Back2Gaming).  I hope you were able to go to their booth as they offer you a chance to play Streetfighter 4 and Marvel VS capcom 3 games via Xbox & PS3 using awesome LED and 3D TVs from LG!  I was also able to see the popular band 1:43 in the booth (they stayed for an hour there yesterday).

Another great event I attended!  I wish I have more energy as I used to have.  Unfortunately, I get tired quickly that I wasn’t able to stay till the closing time hehehe 😛

Way to go Toycon!  Hope it’ll get better next year!

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10th Philippine Toys, Hobbies and Collectibles Convention
June 18, 2011 – June 19, 2011
Megatrade Halls, 5/F Mega B, SM Megamall, EDSA cor. Doña Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, Philippines

I was getting more and more curious why a whole lot of people love anime including my friends over at Game Ops!  So when my friends planned to go to Ozine Fest 2011, I told them I wanna go too!

I wanted to see and experience what the annual convention in the anime community is.  I also thought it would be such a great chance to practice my photography skills too!

So what is Ozine Fest?  Ozine Fest is an anime convention held annually at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall.  It’s organized by Otakuzine Anime Magazine, an anime magazine published in the Philippines.

The event features a whole lot of activities such as cosplay competition, tournament, art contests and exhibition booths.

I was actually overwhelmed when I attended the event this year.  I never thought that the place would be that jam-packed!  On that day that we were there, people in costumes were all over the mall (like literally!).  It was like all those anime shows we’ve seen on videos came to life!  It was a fun and cute sight to see.

Inside the hall, you get to see a whole lot of cosplayers.  There were anime toy displays, books, videos, costumes and a whole lot more.

Art contest was held too with several fans participating.  I wish I can join too!  Maybe next time 🙂

There were shows and contests too like battle of the bands, cosplay competition, dance competition and even karaoke!  See the audience in the picture below?  It was just a fraction of the crowd!  I actually felt like everyone came together in SM Megamall for the Ozine Fest!  It was well-attended and you can see that everyone was having a good time!

I loved the anime toy display and I enjoyed taking pictures of them.  I’m sure they cost a lot!  A great collection to have if you’re an anime fan! 🙂

While there were too much activities in Ozine Fest 2011, my eyes were set on the cosplayers.  I loved their costumes and their passion to play the part of the character they were trying to portray.  Bravo!  I somehow think that why don’t I try cosplaying even just for once?  Hey, I might do it next month at the ToyCon 2011!  Well, let’s see 😛

Here are the interesting folks I took pictures of, complete pictures can be found in my Photography blog but my favorites are the ones below:

scared now? 😛

I was wondering how she went through the day coz it was definitely hard to breathe with all those covered in her face.

Even bumbleebee graced the event!

She looked like a doll, soooo cute!

This was pure makeup and she did it herself!  Very talented lady!  I loved it!

I don’t know the character she was trying to imitate but I really loved her look!  She was super pretty in her costume! 🙂

During Ozine Fest 2011, costumes were being sold too!  I tried a black hat with red designs just to see how I’d look like!  Hey, I looked decent in it!  It might work if I try some costumes next time haha!  Let’s see… Let’s see.

Pic by sioti Jepoy 🙂

How about you?  Were you able to attend Ozine Fest this year?  I’m so happy that I did!   I can imagine myself attending more of this in the future.

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Ozine Fest 2011
April 8-10, 2011
SM Megatrade Halls 2 & 3

I know that everyone is looking forward to the Pacquiao-Mosley boxing fight this weekend.  Honestly, I’m not a fan of Manny Pacquiao and I will only be interested in watching him fight if his opponent is Floyd Mayweather, Jr.  However, I know most of you love Manny Pacquiao so I felt that I needed to write about this information I got from PLDT.

If you are a PLDT myDSL subscriber then you’re in luck.  You’ll be able to watch the Pacquiao-Mosley fight on May 8, 9AM through your Watchpad live and without commercial break!

You can do this with a subscription of Big Ticket which is a PLDT myDSL innovation that boosts your WatchPad with an additional speed so you can heighten your online viewing experience.  It makes internet faster in local sites like Yahoo & Facebook.

You wouldn’t want a slow connection when watching an exciting boxing event like Manny Pacquiao’s right?

Subscription to Big Ticket is free for Plan 1995 and Plan 3000 myDSL subscribers!  For lower plans, you just need to add Php150 per month on top of your current subscription.  Otherwise, upgrade your myDSL plan to get it for free.

Too bad I only got the information now as PLDT had a promo wherein subscription from April 12 to May 5 gives you free access to the Pacquiao-Mosley fight.  Oh well… sorry friends!

Well, it’s still good information right?  The fight is this sunday!  If you’re a PLDT myDSL subscriber, you might want to consider Big Ticket.  I’m sure hard core Manny Pacquiao fans won’t miss this event!  Enjoy guys & gals! 🙂

Subscribe to Big Ticket at www.pldtwatchpad.com/PacmanMosley.html

Companies usually invite media people for product launches but Kraft has done something different this time around.  When I made it to Cantinetta last wednesday, I was pleasantly surprised that the event was for a cause!  There’s something about helping people that really make us feel so fulfilled.

Since Christmas is fast coming, it would be so nice that we can be part of something that would help our less fortunate countrymen be happy in this holiday season.  Kraft has come up with something inspired by their product, Miracle Whip.  It’s called Miracle Machine.

If you didn’t know, Miracle Whip is made from eggs, oil & sugar but it was a bit tricky to blend the emulsion to the desired consistency.  Thus, a Kraft engineer developed a machine that could blend the ingredients properly and thus it was called Miracle Whip.

Miracle Whip is taking the miracles outside the kitchen too with its Miracle Machine.  As I listened to the speakers explain the cause and what Miracle Machine is, I was thinking that I would check out the application as soon as I got home.  To experience it myself.  It really sounded so promising and I wanted to really be a part of it.  Considering my mom and I have so many things like clothes and books to give away, I felt we’ve finally found the means to do it.

Miracle Machine is a Facebook application where the goal is to get all of us and our friends, as well as all of their friends to work together to help the less fortunate.  Let’s face it,  most of us are internet addicts and Facebook is the most successful social networking site.  Why not spare a few minutes and resources to help out via Miracle Machine then we can continue on with playing Farmville or checking out our friends’ status updates.

As Kraft launches Miracle Machine, they wish to whip up 12 miracles in 12 days through Facebook in time for the Christmas Season.  Each miracle hopes to help 1 group.  For the 12th miracle though on the 12th day of December, a fully functional miracle conduit will be made available to organizations who need it and people with something to give.

1. Kythe Foundation hopes to help Angelalyn Magalano, a 13-year-old angel who suffers from Nephoric Syndrome & psoriasis by making her wish come true of meeting a pilot and talk about flying.
2. Jamboree Mountaineers hope to make the indigenous tribes’ Christmass in Wawa, Montalban merrier by trekking there and delivering food for Noche Buena.
3. Childhope Asia hopes to keep street children warm this Yuletide Season by providing them with new underwear & clothes.
4. Kaeskwela hopes to fill the empty libraries of public schools in far-flung areas in the country with educational books.
5. The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) hopes to find abandoned dogs & cats new families to take them in by making them adoption-ready through grooming.
6. Sagip Buhay & Philippine General Hospital hopes to provide medical assistance for those who don’t have the means & access to proper healthcare with new blood pressure devices & Thermoscan thermometers.
7. Firefly Brigade & Tiklop Society hopes to collect 10 bikes and bike safety gear for people in urban communities to help them get from one place to another faster and safer so they can be more productive in their work.
8. Tahanang Walang Hagdan hopes to give back to the 326 volunteers who have selflessly devoted their time to the organization by giving them gifts this Christmas.
9. Resources for the Blind hopes to record an audio storybook for blind children to bring them to the world of wonder & imagination.
10. Museo Pambata hopes to make 2,000 children happy this Season of Giving by gifting them with pre-loved storybooks and toys.
11. St. Martin de Porres Charity Home hopes to spread the holiday cheer with a potluck party for the underprivileged kids under its care.

So how does this work?  How do we help through this Facebook application?  To start, go to the Miracle Machine Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/WhippingUpMiracles and click on the Miracle Machine Tab OR you can go directly to the Facebook application at http://apps.facebook.com/miraclemachine.

You’ll see the Miracle Machine in action as illustrated below.  You can click “Pitch In” on your chosen miracle and you’ll be given options on how to help.

Like for me, I was interested in helping out PAWS.  I was then brought to this part of the machine where they explained what the organization is and what help they need from us.  There are choices and we can act on the one that we can make happen.  In this case, the choices were:

• volunteer to groom pets
• donate grooming tools
• refer a friend
• share this miracle
• pledge money

I chose ‘share this miracle’ as I know a lot of my friends would love to help PAWS.  As I clicked on it, I immediately saw a new status update on my Facebook profile.  After a short while, I saw some friends comment and said they wanted to help and are interested.  It’s that easy.

In this world we really do leave only a few things that last.  It’s how we give back to the next generation, how we treat the least fortunate amongst us, and how we are able to give of ourselves and our time, that will ultimately determine if we lived a life of great fulfillment and difference.  I’d like to think that great initiatives such as the Miracle Machine is one of those things that can really provide a difference in the lives of so many people.

I’m checking out the other organizations and options as I write this, I’m thinking of providing books to Kaeskwela, toys and dolls to Museo Pambata & clothes to Child Hope.  How about you?

Are you fond of Korean music?  Well, I’m definitely one!   It’s not just Korean music that I have grown to love but also Korean movies & TV series.  As I write this post, I’m actually watching an episode of a Korean TV series.  How much of a coincidence can this be? hehehe!

I found out today that there’s actually an event being held, which is the Philippine KPOP Convention.  It is the 1st & biggest fan-organized event in the Philippines.  Basically, different korean pop music fan clubs unite to bring kpop fans together as well as support a cause that would help less fortunate children through Gawad Kalinga.

Now on their 2nd year, the Philippine kpop committee has organized 2 upcoming fun-filled events this November!  The purpose is to raise funds for the 2nd Philippine KPOP convention which will happen on December 11, 2010 at PICC.  They are as follows:

• KPOP Night 3: The Kpop Halloween Party @ Manor

On November 3, PKC, in cooperation with Godfellas Productions will hold “KPOP Night 3: The Kpop Halloween Party @ Manor”.  Everyone is invited to party the night away and dance to the hottest Kpop tunes all night long.  Come as your favorite Kpop celeb, cosplay a character or just look glam, sexy and fabulous! The “Costume of the Night” awardee will even get a prize.

Doors open at 10pm.  Entrance is only Php250 if you are pre-registered with the Philippine Kpop Committee and Php300 for the walk-ins, inclusive of 2 drinks.  To be pre-registered, e-mail your name and contact info to kpopconph@gmail.com (with the subject title: kpop night 3) until November 1, 12nn.  18 years old and above only so please be ready with your IDs.

• Grand KPOP Garage Sale

On November 6, The Grand KPOP Garage Sale will take place at Eastwood Citywalk 2.  This is a great venue for concessionaires who would like to sell their pre-loved Kpop items to the other fans at a discounted price.  However, this is also open for those who would like to sell their brand-new Kpop merchandise and other Korean and Korea-related products.  Only limited slots are available so it’s first come, first served.

As entertainment for everyone, there is also KPOP JAMMIN’ N’ SHAKIN’, an open mic area for the fans and guests who would like to showcase their talents in signing and dancing.  This event is FREE for the guests.  If you are interested to be a performer or a seller, please e-mail PKC at PKCgaragesale@gmail.com.

Both events will be held at Eastwood, Quezon City.  To know more about Philippine KPOP convention, their events & their cause, you can check out their facebook page.