Saturday, June 21, 2003

Harry Potter 5

I arrived at the doorsteps of Powerbooks Megamall only to face three dozen people ahead of me. Suffice to say, there were more than enough copies of the book. Posters of Harry Potter were everywhere, and salesladies had wizard hats on. White boxes containing books with text saying "do not open until June 21st" were stacked below the books themselves. The TV screens were playing scenes from the movie with tunes from the soundtrack. The staff even relocated the case of the Harry Potter DVDs to somewhere closer to the entrance.

At P1345, thank God I have a 10% discount at Powerbooks. Also bought Daimira a copy since she couldn't come today. Coffee was brewed by the Powerbooks people and served until 10 am.

Toy Convention

After killing two and a half hours at Starbucks and McDonalds, it was off to the toy convention.

As expected, conventions never open on time, even if it just the Megatrade Conference Center rather than the Hall.

The place was cramped, hot, and after standing for something around five hours, my legs are tired.

Question of the Day

Honestly, I should start disassociating myself from Elbert. This is the question that a lot of people asked me:

"Where's Elbert?"

The Stalls

It freaks me out that what, I know around one third of the stalls there. First there's Azrael and his comic stall where the comic artists, both indie and professionals, were staying. Then there's Smarty Toys as well as Bankee since Mechapinoy was there. Comic Sale and Jay's Toys (occupying four stalls) since they're from the Greenhills area, as well as Neutral Grounds who were giving away free Hulk Heroclicks. As usual, Level-Up was demoing and giving away free copies of Ragnarok Online, and the Transformers club has some familiar members. Lastly, there's Nabs from Aegis who has a toy stall.

Not that I know all the interesting booths. There's the Coca-cola memorabilia stall for one thing, as well as the Culture Crash booth (Issue 11 is out!). There's the booth that sells boardgames, and a couple of stalls that are derivatives of the others.

The Anime People

Aside from Mechapinoy with their dazzling Gundam model kits (Gundam Wing is debuting soon on Cartoon Network so they must make good with the propaganda, hehehe), Dice was there in her Gundam Girl outfit, now with a purple wig to complete the attire. Paul was also there for his prospect job at Level-Up Games.

The Comics People

Lyndon Gregorio, Carlo Vergara, Gerry Alanguilan, Wilson Tortosa... they managed to pop up there, selling their latest comics and making autographs. Even Lyndon had a video cam handy to interview the occassional indie artist or Culture Crash crew that managed to pass by.

The RPG People

Well, first one I saw was Vic who eventually stayed by Nabs's stall. Then there's Jay who mingled with Level-Up and played Ragnarok Online for free (using their broadband connection) as well as managing to get some of their trading cards. And eventually saw Alex mingling with the rest.

Hey Comics People

Well, I forgot his name but he trades comics with Elbert. Guess who he was looking for?

Also ran into Jaime Bautista who was daunted by the long line.

Honestly, I would have stayed until 9 pm, but I have a prior appointment, and my legs will kill me if the atmosphere at the convention doesn't.

Ninja Turtle

Yes, I carried that well-known heavy bag that apperars to be heavier and bulkier every year. Lugging around two hardcovers of Harry Potter doesn't help.

Rumor Corner

UBE Jam (anime convention at Katipunan) is still in the unknown section. Culture Crash is still trying to acquire the Megatrade Halls since they're fully booked. And there's always the Level Up convention in October at Glorietta.

Weird Text Messages from SMART

Your arms may not reach Me, but you touch Me in your prayers. =) - God. Do you want Him to inspire you? Reply w/ the word YES.

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