Words and Photos by Caitlene Lee Uy
Now on its third year, AsiaPOP Comicon is the biggest convention in the Philippines. Bringing both international and local comic artists, vinyl artists, celebrities, and internet personalities, this convention brings together fans from all over the country to experience this comic and pop culture convention like never before.
This year, the comicon was held from August 25 to 27 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Headliners of the event were Ray Fisher, Tyler Hoechlin, Gaku Space, Noah Schnapp, Joe Keery, Dacre Montgomery, and Sadie Sink.
Event Highlights
Netflix Booth
Upon entering the hall, one of the most eye-catching sights would be the Netflix booth. Inside, there were rooms that replicated infamous scenes from some of the popular Netflix shows such as Stranger Things, Riverdale, Orange is the New Black, Marvel’s Defenders, and Death Note.
The iconic living room of the Byers family.
Life-sized cardboard cutouts of the cast of Marvel’s Defenders.
Walk of Fame
The Walk of Fame allowed fans to interact with the cosplayers and comic artists. These included Canvas Cosplay, Haiden Hazard, Jin, Myrtle Sarrosa, Pion Kim, Carl Potts, Quiccs, Rodney Ramos, Shoji Kawamori and While Portacio. Photo-op and signing sessions were held wherein fans were able to purchase artworks and merchandise and have these signed.
Philippine Wrestling Revolution (PWR)
The PWR also showcased their wrestlers during the convention. In the middle of the hall, a wrestling ring was set up so fans may be able to watch their favorite wrestlers go against each other.
Main Stage Events
On August 27, the cast of La Luna Sangre opened the event and there were stunt exhibits, exclusive footage, a panel discussion and photo ops with the fans. Fans were more than thrilled to see their favorite celebrities in person, including Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo, Richard Gutierrez, among others.
.@LaLunaSangreTP cast headed by @imdanielpadilla & @bernardokath with @InaRaymundo95 now answering questions from fans #APCCPH2017 📸 @judeng pic.twitter.com/oaFvhEHsmP
— MNLOnline (@MNLOnlineNews) August 26, 2017
Some of the cast members of La Luna Sangre during the panel discussion.
Following the opening by La Luna Sangre, a toy panel was held with Jason Freeny, Quiccs, and Simone Legno where these artists discussed their experiences, inspirations, and upcoming works.
From left to right: Jason Freeny, Quiccs, and Simone Legno.
Up next was the discussion with Tyler Hoechlin. Ecstatic fans filled up the main stage hall excited to see Tyler be able to ask him some questions. He talked about his role as Superman in the hit series Supergirl and his favorite memories in the Teen Wolf set.
.@TylerL_Hoechlin shares his favorite memories on the set of @MTVteenwolf via @AsiaPOPComicon 🇵🇭#APCCPH2017 #AsiaPOPComicon pic.twitter.com/oB1jjWog8B
— MNLOnline (@MNLOnlineNews) August 26, 2017
Another highlight of the day was the Netflix panel. The cast members of Stranger Things willingly answered questions from their fans. Afterwards, there was a special screening of Death Note, a Netflix Original film.
The following day, there were also numerous acts and two more “In Conversation With” discussions that were held.
Slapshock delivered an electrifying concert as they performed their heavy metal hits.
The conversation with Gaku Space, the voice actor of Genji in Overwatch, followed the performance of Slapshock. He told his fans on how he landed his part in Overwatch, how it is to be a voice actor, and he also gave a live sample of his famous lines as Genji.
Gaku Space with Overwatch Cosplayers.
Afterwards, Ray Fisher appeared on stage and interacted with his fans. Not only did he answer queries of fans, but he definitely inspired the people who attended his talk. He is very passionate with what he does and this was prominent with the way he talked about his beliefs and the advice he gave.
Ray Fisher with a fan dressed up as Baymax.
.@rehsifyar on how he landed his role as Cyborg in Justice League : Watch @AsiaPOPComicon #APCC2017 #BORGLIFE
📹 @caitleneleeuy pic.twitter.com/b96jiiM5bY— MNLOnline (@MNLOnlineNews) August 27, 2017
This year’s comicon has been nothing but a blast! We’re already excited to see what next year’s event has to offer.
