Everything We Know So Far About The Manila Pop Culture Convention 2023

line
Geeks, we march at dawn (of the 17th)!

Manila Pop Culture Convention 2023 is coming to Ayala Malls Manila Bay from November 17 to 19 to celebrate all things fun and geeky! Here’s what to expect.

Related: These Filipina Cosplayers Are Elevating the Art to the Next Level

One Piece star Mackenyu made headlines recently when he was announced as the headliner for ManiPopCon, or the Manila Pop Culture Convention 2023, an upcoming gathering and convention of geeks, gamers, and pop culture enthusiasts in Manila. At the convention, Mackenyu will have a solo panel, meet and greet, and special photo op and autograph sessions the weekend of November 17 to 19. Other special guests are also slated to attend the event, like actresses Diana Lee Inosanto and Mela Lee.

Tickets for Mackenyu’s special events are being sold here, but even if you don’t manage to score one, don’t worry—you can still catch a glimpse of him at the convention!

ManiPopCon promises all sorts of geeky fun. And the best part? Entrance is FREE! But there will be a ticketing system, so stay tuned to their website and social media accounts to secure your tickets. Special events and VIP experiences like Mackenyu’s meet and greet have separate ticket prices, which are a little pricey, but hopefully it’s worth it. If you’re wondering what else is in store for the convention, read on ahead.

THE RISE OF CONVENTIONS

As with any other events that involve social gatherings like concerts or even movies, conventions have reached new peaks after the worst of the pandemic ended. From Comic-Cons to Sticker Cons, people are gathering to shop, sell, play games, cosplay, bond, and just have fun with their fellow enthusiasts.

Of course, there’s much to learn with conventions’ growing popularity and the changing times. Tech and gaming convention CONQuest 2023 back in June “turned into a nightmare” after failed logistics, incredibly long lines and waiting times, and scams, among other issues. Social media was on fire after attendees and vendors alike voiced out their concerns with the event. After, the organizers apologized and refunded the tickets of those unable to enter the venue.

Moreover, there was a Manila Pop Culture Convention back in 2019, which unfortunately faced some criticism related to poor planning and logistics.

So, clearly it’s not enough to just want to bring people, games, media, vendors, and merchandise together under one roof to explore passions and niches. There’s a lot of expectations to be met, work to be done, and issues to be addressed. ManiPopCon seems to want to deliver a well-executed event, so here’s hoping this year’s convention will turn out better to allow all the artists, gamers, cosplayers, and geeks abound to have a grand time celebrating all things pop culture.

ALL THE GEEKY GOODNESS

ManiPopCon is said to be “a safe space to cosplay, meet other geeks, gather collectibles, play with opponents, and meet special celebrities within the geek community.” They promise Filipino movie classics, nostalgia and thrills, toys and collectibles, streaming stars, anime, comics, games and tournaments, and so much more.

There’s also sure to be booths that offer a wide array of merchandise, fanart, collectibles, and knick-knacks attendees can stock up on to show their love for their specific niches of geekhood. ManiPopCon recently opened up a call for exhibitors, which means people can promote their art or brand to a wide audience of convention-goers. There are three tiers of varying benefits and prices. Plus, there’s a lot more for them to announce, but the hype is real.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Besides vendors and merch and special guests, what else is happening? Well, let us tell you. There will be a music festival, After Dark Music Fest, on November 18 and 19, headlined by artists like Silent Sanctuary, Tanya Markova, One Click Straight, and more! Get tickets here.

Not just that—ManiPopCon will also have something for the film buffs. They’re partnering with ABS-CBN’s Sagip Pelikula to screen restored Filipino film classics like LVN’s Ibong Adarna (1941) and Captain Barbell (1973).

Register for Manila Pop Culture Convention 2023 here and stay updated on their Facebook page, where they’re hosting some trivia games for the chance to score tickets for some of the movies they’ll be showing at the event!

Bookmark this page for more updates!

Continue Reading: This Newly-Opened Museum in Makati is Pop Culture Heaven

These Stars Brought The Glitz And Glamour To Gucci’s After Party

line
Gucci Gang.

The celebration of the grand opening of Gucci’s Greenbelt 4 flagship store continued with an epic afterparty whose guest list had us feeling major FOMO.

Related: Hitting All the Right Notes With Its Past, Present, and Future, Gucci Aria Soars in Its Post-Centenary Chorus

If the TikTok videos and posts on X didn’t tip you off, Italian luxury fashion house Gucci successfully celebrated the grand opening of its flagship boutique in Greenbelt 4, Makati last September 8. With a guest list as bright as the stars of the night sky, the opening (and not to mention the celeb interactions) was a moment. But the party didn’t stop there! Gucci continued its celebration well into the night with an afterparty brimming with good music, great vibes, and stellar fashion. A-list celebrities, top influencers, members of the press, and Gucci’s valued clients were in attendance, and they were decked out in the latest Gucci collections—as you’ll see below!

JAMES REID

James Reid in Gucci
James Reid at Gucci afterparty

James Reid brought denim-on-denim to a whole new level. Sporting a Gucci Men’s Fall/Winter 2023 denim jacket and washed denim jeans with the signature interlocked G’s, the singer-songwriter and producer took the stage in a surprise performance to sing his singles U and I, So Fire, Always Been You, as well as an unreleased track titled Jacuzzi.

ANNE CURTIS-SMITH

Anne Curtis Smith at Gucci afterparty

Anne Curtis-Smith was a vision in sheer black and sparkles as she wore a Gucci Women’s Fall/Winter 2023 Look 41 sleeveless mock-neck tulle midi dress with sunburst glass bezels embroidered at the neckline and the armholes. Under it, she sported a black slip dress with a slit at the back. The icon also carried a Gucci Bamboo 1947 mini top handle bag.

LIZA SOBERANO

Liza Soberano at Gucci afterparty
Liza in Gucci

Best believe she’s bejeweled when she walked into the room! Liza Soberano showed up in full glitz and glam as she paired her slicked-back updo with a bejeweled Gucci Women’s Fall/Winter 2023 long-sleeved top and black jeans. She topped the outfit off with a silver Gucci Horsebit Chain. 

NADINE LUSTRE

Nadine Lustre Gucci afterparty
Nadine in Gucci

Make way for the internet’s president! Mother Nadine channeled her inner Taylor Momsen as she shone like a star in a sparkly, bejeweled Gucci Women’s Fall/Winter 2023 dress, black patterned tights, and a clear Plexiglass Jackie 1961 bag with a piston closure and removable shoulder strap. 

Needless to say, the night was all glitz, all glamour, all Gucci. Signature Gucci emblems, patterns, and pieces were styled to perfection by all of the attendees, which also included Tim Yap, Laureen Uy, Camille Co Koro, Patricia Prieto, Issa Pressman, Gabs Gibbs, and Karraminah del Rosario. And to top it all off, the evening was soundtracked by DJ Nix Damn P. Manifesting those invites for the next afterparty.

Liza, Anne, James at Gucci afterparty
Laureen, Patricia, and Camille at Gucci afterparty

Continue Reading: Wendy’s Gucci Cape on Queendom is Worth 963 Boxes of Red Velvet Cupcakes

Meet The Talented Performers For The Return Of Linya-Linya Land 2023

line
See you there.

If you’re looking for another reason to purchase those tickets, we’re introducing the most sought-after artists from the local scene who will be performing at Linya-Linya Land 2023.

Related: If You Like To Listen In On Conversations, Press Play On These Filipino Podcasts

The stage is set for the much-awaited return of Linya-Linya Land. On Saturday, they’re taking puns to a celebration of music and culture with a larger lineup. While Linya-Linya Land has been rocking with their sick lineup of artists, this year is seriously breaking the record. Ready for the scoop? This time around, they’re bringing out the biggest names in art and stand-up comedy as well. As the countdown begins, it’s time to introduce the talented performers who will be gracing the stage at Linya-Linya Land 2023.

Autotelic

Back in the early 2010s, when Filipino pop-rock bands were blowing up the scene, Autotelic stepped up as a total front-runner in the local landscape. Fast forward to 2023, Autotelic’s music still hits home. I mean, I’m still singing along to Takipsilim, Laguyin, and Laro after all those gigs I’ve been to in college.

Cheats

After Hakbang, Kapit, and Accidents, who isn’t a fan of Cheats? What started as a collective of couch potatoes, their music is now making people dance all night—then cry on the ride home.

Ebe Dancel

With critically acclaimed albums, sold-out concerts, and chart-topping tracks in his pocket, Ebe Dancel is one of the top names in OPM. ICYDK, he is the voice behind Burnout, Mariposa, and Prom. I remember crying on the walk home from UP Fair because of Ebe Dancel. Yes, his music will trigger those feels. That said, my heart isn’t ready for Saturday.

Johnoy Danao

Johnoy Danao – with the acoustic guitar and vocals that alternately soar and sigh – is mostly known for the type of music you would play on a Sunday afternoon with the love of your life. Yes, I’m all about Ikaw at Ako. I’m crossing my fingers that this song, along with Buntong Hiniga, is part of his setlist.

Nica del Rosario

As a Kakampink, I’m looking forward to hearing the powerful voice behind Rosas. While songwriter Nica del Rosario’s collaboration with Leni Robredo’s 2022 presidential campaign propelled her into singing stardom, she was already an icon in the industry with her stable of hits she’s written for other artists, such as Sarah Geronimo’s Tala. Will she perform that too? I mean, she should.

Comedy and Art

Saturday’s lineup is lit with not just a bunch of side-splitting standup comedians like Victor Anastacio, Nonong Ballinan, GB Labrador, and James Caraan, but also bringing the heat are the big shots in the Philippine art scene – Manix Abrera, Rob Cham, and Pol Medina. At this point, Linya-Linya Land has everything covered. So mark your calendars, set your alarms, and prepare yourself for an amazing Saturday with Linya-Linya.

Tickets are available online at PHP 900 for Early Bird Regular (raffle stub and general admission) and PHP 1,700 for Early Bird VIP (general admission, raffle stub, swag bag, and limited-edition poster). Yes, walk-ins are welcome. See you there?

Continue Reading: The Round-Up: Fresh Music Picks To Listen To ASAP

ICYMI, Here’s What Went Down at the Levi’s 501 Day Shindig

line
A little party never killed nobody. ?

Having a bad case of FOMO? Don’t fret! We’ve got the latest buzz on what happened at this year’s Levi’s 501 Day

It was on the 20th of May in 1873 when the world’s first blue jean, the Levi’s 501, received its official patent. Fast forward to just a few days before its 149th anniversary, May 18, 2022 to be exact, we celebrated 501 Day with a bang—a special event not only to raise our glasses to the jean that’s been with us for decades now, but to also formally launch the cover partnership between NYLON Manila, Levi’s, and Issa Pressman.

As the event was about to begin, Yellow Brick Media PR Director Franco Saycon welcomed and thanked everyone for joining Levi’s in this momentous occasion. It’s not everyday, especially this time around, that we all get to be in each other’s company to celebrate a crowd-favorite denim jean that is simply iconic.

Franco was also joined by Kat Costas, SEA E-Commerce Marketing Lead for Levi’s, and eventually the star of the night, Issa Pressman, who both gave their warmest welcome to those of us in attendance. With the opportunity and honor that Issa was given, which was to be the Filipino visionary to work on the Levi’s Traveling 501, she also shared how she was able to give a glimpse of the beauty and heart of the Philippines to her fellow visionaries around Southeast Asia by incorporating a charming sunset in her painting, as well as the word “Pinay” around it.

“To be able to represent the Philippines through my art with all of my heart—[it was] amazing.”

Issa Pressman on her feelings towards being the Filipino visionary for the Levi’s Traveling 501

NYLON Manila Editor-in-Chief Angelo Ramirez de Cartagena was then called to join them to finally unveil the much-awaited NYLON Manila Headline cover featuring none other than, as Angelo said, “Miss Issa Pressman, our Kween of all trades.” Upon the unfolding of the cover, Issa got to proudly show off the 501 jean she worked on, as well as her other works of art that were included in our money shot.

Unparalleled creativity all around

Throughout the event, DJs Marga on the Mic and Euric Lumanog got everyone dancing on our feet like there was no tomorrow. Issa even graced us with an impromptu performance of her song “Monkey Business” at one point! Truly an artist in her own space.

Guests were also welcome to get photos taken by MEETKESO at the designated 501 Photo Wall by the entrance. We became our own work of art as the event’s team of artists from Wee Will Doodle completed the entire look of every single photo by adding incredibly creative and colorful illustrations around it, making each snapshot a one of a kind.

Situated on the other side of the room was the Levi’s Tailor Shop where all of us were encouraged to go wild and crazy by customizing our own sets of 501 tote bags, jackets, pants, and shirts with the help of their funky patches and pins of different designs. Our visions were then brought to life thanks to the remarkable team behind the shop. Issa even hopped on the DIY train by helping a lucky guest customize their own pair of 501 jeans! Now isn’t that a perfect way to end the night, or what?

Celebrate the Levi’s 501 jean with us by visiting their website, and even score a pair of the iconic pants for yourself.

Photography KIERAN PUNAY of STUDIO100