Being a Geek in today’s generation has definitely changed radically. Gone are the days when Geeks are looked down as nerdy non-athletic introverts who consumes all their time on boring activities such as reading comic books, playing video games, or having a strong following for a specific TV/movie franchise. Today, being a Geek is not only something you can be proud of, it’s also something celebrated widely. And one of the pioneers of such platforms here in the Philippines is none other than TAGCOM (Toys and Hobbies Convention).
Now on its 11th year, TAGCOM 2017 has completely grown into one of the largest and highly anticipated pop-cultural event here in the Philippines. And as hundreds of enthusiasts, collectors, K-POP fanatics, cosplayers and devoted faithful flock over to the SM Megatrade Hall 3, us here at YuneOh proudly delivers all the nitty-gritty details and recap of what happened within this spectacular fandom experience.
So, here is your inside scoop on what turned up on Day 1:
The event kicked off with an auction of preloved toys particularly plushies and stuffed version of famous cartoon characters. Movie posters were also bid by the event organizers as well as some exhibitors. This was directly followed by one of the main competition of the day: The JAZDANCE Competition.
TAGCOM 2017 hosted the 4th (and sadly) the final Avatar Runway and Group Just Dance Competition. Here, members of the Just Dance Philippines battle it out in the form of dancing their hearts while religiously imitating Just Dance Coaches from the popular Just Dance Game. The competition was divided into two parts: singles and groups.
Unlike previous Avatar Evo Just Dance Competitions, this year’s mechanics involved no freelancing which meant that the dancers were to perfectly imitate the Just Dance Coaches preloaded into the games from the way their head moves to their bustling locks and glides.
In the end, Jaz Dance Crew brought home the crown as this year’s Champion in the group category. Just Dance Force won Best Runway Performance while Marge Espirito was awarded Best Runway Cosplay.
The program on stage ran simultaneously with the exhibition which was one of the highlights of TAGCOM as an event. The best thing about this convention was that it caters to all possible fandom that exists. Stores that offer toys from all pop culture reference were present in the event showcasing their collections for sale. Mac Kolektbolz, DDC2, Kiko Toys, Brick Toys, Euan & Euro Stuff and Kramer Toy Warden, to say the least, were some of the stores that participated in the event. They offered loose and mint toys to add to your collection as well as other merchandise like pins, key chains, and miniature figures.
Funko Pop! Toys were also evident in numbers being sold by various stores. Expect to see exclusive Funko characters in the event like the Tekken, Disney and Cartoon Network Funko Pop! Collection all around the booths.
Comics stores were also present in the event as well as the most elusive action figures and statues from the Marvel and DC Universe.
Gundam Fanatics will also love to hear that Gun Pla is not only an exhibitor but also a sponsor this year. In fact, they offer a special booth where you can assemble your Gundam Figures with your Geek buddies.
Guests also didn’t miss the opportunity to marvel on the vast collections and commissions exhibited by some of the most popular collector and commissioners in the local scene. This year, the biggest names have graciously displayed their priced possessions. Gundam Build Fighters, Toysoldier 118, Philippine Star Wars Empire, Pinoy Lego Users Group, Metal Die Cast, PooPoo Panda and Marvel Universe 3.75 Philippines were all kind enough to share their arsenal of toys and figures in the exhibit. Myke Dela Paz’s Phoenix Force Collections are a stand out as his works include customized figures that will surely astonish you.
Some local artists also rendered their works as they offer readily available sketches, poster and stickers as well as on-the-spot commissions, all of which are original and just plain magnificent. It’s so nice to see these artists are given the exposure they most definitely deserve. Some artists included Ron Escultura, Jeffrey Benitez, Rozcel Siena, Juan Carlos Panlilo, Lowe Christian Beltran, the father daughter tandem of Andrew and Amos Villar and the artist from the group Art Commissions. You’d be surprise how cheap they sell their artwork, even they’re caricatures are already stunning and impressively artistic.
Cosplay group Justice PH which is also celebrating their 7th year anniversary also made a special appearance, all clad in Justice League uniforms. Their group, which as they recounted, started within one of the TAGCOM events and they made it a vow to always be present in all and upcoming TAGCOM events. They gave the guests an overview of what’s happening in the DC Universe and encouraged cosplayers to make a change in the world by “CAUSE-playing” as the group is known to make appearances in public hospitals and pediatrics to boost the morale of younger patients. Who wouldn’t get well after a visit from Superman himself?
The crowd has been treated to special performances by the all-female group Class A Plus and the Mandalorian Group, which is a cosplay unit dedicated to the Mandalorians from the Star Wars franchise.
Before day 1 concluded, K-Pop fanatics were pleased by the Dance covers of their favorite K-Pop groups featuring local cosplayers who were like doppelgangers of some K-Pop superstars in looks as well as in moves. The ‘That’s My Oppa’ contest also made the crowd go wild as some of the best looking K-Pop cosplayers faced off for the title of being the ultimate Oppa.
If you miss Day 1 of this 2-day event, don’t fret as the gathering will continue tomorrow at 10:00 AM. Expect a lot more fun, games, special performances and freebies to come your way, so be sure to catch Day 2 of The 11th TAGCOM 2017 and be updated by following TAGCOM’s official media partner— YuneOh!
YuneOh, where your events are.
