costrip

Metro Comic Con was held last August 8 and 9 in Megamall Megatrade Hall 1 & 2.   The event was organized by HobbyLink Productions, Inc. and was to be the biggest gathering of comics, comic book enthusiasts, artists, and publishers in the country.  I was able to attend the first day of the convention.

Entrance to the event was PhP100.00 though it wasn't abundantly clear when I was trying to find the price on their website.  There wasn't much of a line to the ticket booth and the entrance which was rather a welcoming site.  The event space was rather huge and quite spacious.  I did like the floor plan for the event. It was clear and unobtrusive.  They placed the stage area on the far right of the event hall, the major sponsors and exhibitors were placed in the middle with enough walking space to walk in between them, and the comics and independent titles on the far left of the event space.  I love the fact that there was so much space. 

There were a lot of booths and merchandise being sold at the events, typical of what you would see in a convention of this size.  There were times from toys, collectibles to anime and fashion merchandise.  However, it became quite clear that there was a severe lack of comics at this convention.  This is sad considering this is a comics convention.  Observers have said that this was more like a toy fair than a comics convention.

Shizen Orchestra is an anime and manga convention devoted to Japanese Pop and Rock Music.  The event was held last Saturday, April 25, 2009 at the SMX Convention Center at the SM Mall of Asia.  The convention was organized by the anime organization, Touhou no Yuujin, of Ateneo De Manila University.  Some of the highlights of the convention were the J-Pop and Rock bands, the Fashion Show and Design contests and the DokiDoki Kissaten maid and butler cafe.

We arrived at around 11:30 PM.  Security at SMX Convention Center is strict and they don't allow prop weapons that contain metal parts, especially bladed type of weapons.  This information should have been cascaded before the event to prevent problems especially cosplayers whose costumes include weapons.  The convention itself was on the top floor in Function Room 4.  As expected there was already a line outside for the tickets.  Tickets were at PhP100.00 but those that reserved got it at PhP80.00.

OZINE FEST '09 was held last April 3-5 at SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 2. I was fortunate enough to be there for the last 2 days. The event featured cosplay, toys and collectibles, game demos, art contests, a maid and host cafe and much more. This year Ozine also featured the National Cosplay Summit following the World Cosplay Summit standards.

Entrance to the convention area was PhP100.00. We were there early enough and there was a huge crowd gathering already. I wasn't at the last Ozine so I really can't compare but from the way it looks they did make sure to try organizing this event properly. According to Magnetic-Rose, the event was a vast improvement from last year. Personally, I am just glad that they used a bigger event space than Megatrade Hall 3. A map of the convention space was available for viewing at the entrance which made it easier to navigate. I suggest they give out maps as well to all the participants.

Me and Sese Maxwell did some costripping on Day 2 at the convention as ninjas   (and if you are asking, no, not as Naruto). It was fun and we were able to go around and see the different booths and exhibitors. The floor plan of the event made also sure that they cleared an area in front of the stage area to make sure there was room for the audience. Unfortunately, it wasn't big enough.