Have the ultimate action-packed geek experience this weekend at AsiaPOP Comicon (APCC) Manila happening on August 25 to 27 at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
Now on its third year, the event, dubbed as the “biggest annual pop culture convention in the Philippines and region,” is expected to draw the same, if not bigger than the 40, 000 crowd last year.
APCC Manila promises to engage your senses, and keep you entertained with activities centered on movies, comics, television, gaming, toys, collectibles, cosplay, and more.
Abdulla Mahmood, marketing and business development director of Al Ahli Holding Group, a subsidiary of Universal Events & Entertainment, the organizer of APCC Manila, mentioned in a press conference held two days before the convention, “We’ve got an exciting mix of talent, content, various artists, guests, and activities this year.”
As a teaser to the much-awaited three-day gathering, some of APCC Manila’s guests made an appearance at the press conference, shared their thoughts on their craft, and gave a preview of what to look forward to at the event.
They, too, expressed their excitement over what’s in store for everyone this weekend, Whilce Portacio, a notable Filipino-American comic artist known as the creator of ‘Bishop’ of “Uncanny X Men,” shared that he loves the energy of APCC Manila.
“I do conventions a lot; I go around the world doing conventions. If I took this picture right now of this, all my friends in the US would just envy this,” he said at the press conference noting that the response and the creative energy of APCC Manila is great.
Meanwhile, to help you figure out your game plan this weekend, here’s a list of APCC Manila’s must-see highlights:
1. Meet the cast of Netflix’s “Stranger Things.”
At last year’s convention, Filipino fans of Netflix’s “Stranger Things” got the chance to meet Millie Bobby Brown, who plays the role of ‘Eleven.’
For this year, APCC Manila is bringing in some of the cast of the series’ second season including Noah Schnapp, Joe Keery, Dacre Montgomery, and Sadie Sink for a Netflix Panel at Hall N on the afternoon of August 26, Saturday.
Netflix will be bringing the audience into its world through an immersive exhibition featuring their other shows as well.
2. ..And see more celebrities.
Ray Fisher, Cyborg of “Justice League,” and Tyler Hoechlin, Superman of “Supergirl” and co-lead at MTV Series’ “Teen Wolf” will have an autograph, photograph, and meet-and-greet sessions over the weekend.
Fans of Gaku Space, voice actor of Genji of “Overwatch,” will also have a chance to meet him at the event. Performing on stage as well is Serena Kozuki, who is known as a “power pop” solo Japanese Idol.
3. Watch an exciting cosplay showdown.
Don’t miss out the exciting CAGE (Cosplay Authority Global Challenge), where cosplayers will compete for a prize. Notable cosplayers namely Alodia Gosiengfiao, Myrtle Sarrosa, Pion Kim, Jinbehindinfinity, Canvas Cosplay, and Haiden Hazard will be joining the fun.
4. Get ideas from respected comic artists.
Respected comic artists including Alan Quah, Carl Potts, Rodney Ramos, Stanley Lau (Artgerm), and Whilce Portacio will have panel discussions over the weekend.
5. Polish your toy design skills.
Part of the many panel discussions at the convention is toy design with Tokidoki co-founder Simone Legno; Jason Freeny, whomis known for his anatomical toy sculptures; and Quiccs, an illustrator, toy designer, and graffiti artist known for his love for Japanese robot culture.
6. Learn from various workshops.
Look forward to the workshop session of long-time mecha designer and creator of the famed Macross saga, Shoji Kawamori scheduled on Sunday afternoon. He will be talking about his career in animation, how he gets ideas, as well as some snippets of Macross development.
Carl Potts, Jinbehindfinity, and Artgerm will also be having workshops on topics such as comics, cosplaying, and more.
7. Check out Hall M for some exclusive showcase by Marvel.
APCC announced that C.B Cebulski, Marvel’s vice president for International Development & Brand Management, is bringing in exciting surprises like never-before-seen clips and awesome footages from Marvel in a one-day only showcase at this hall.
8. Bring home souvenirs.
APCC Manila features exhibitors, some of which are offering new and exclusive merchandise and products so make sure to go around the whole convention center to score the best ones.
As part of your souvenir, make sure to take lots of selfies with your favorite celebrity guests, and at varous interactive booths, detailed displays, and more.
Get updated by checking out APCC Manila’s Facebook page here.