August was filled with educational expos that taught you a thing or two, but this September, it’s time to indulge in your interests, as the month is brimming with expos for various hobbies. Want a preview? For bookworms, there’s the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF); for Japanese pop culture enthusiasts, there’s Otaku Musika and Cosplay Mania; and for tattoo art enthusiasts, we have this year’s installment of Dutdutan.
If you want to know what else this month has to offer, read on and check out the expos in Metro Manila for September 2018!
1. Manila International Book Fair
When:
September 12, 13, and 16; 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
September 14 and 15; 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Where: SMX Convention Center
Admission Prices:
General admission – PhP50
Students, PWDs, and senior citizens – PhP40
Every bookworm in Manila knows that when September comes, the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) is just around the corner. The MIBF is the biggest and the longest-running annual book fair in the Philippines. In its 39th edition, the five-day event will continue to showcase a wide variety of books from hundreds of local and international publishers and independent and big bookshops.
Expect a variety of books, from academic books to best-sellers, and discounts and sales that will let you get your money’s worth. You can also participate in book signings, meet-and-greets with special guests, book launches, competitions, and other book-related activities.
How to get there: Ride the MRT-3 then alight at the Taft Avenue Station. Exit the station and head to the jeepney terminal. Ride a jeepney heading to
SM Mall of Asia. At SM Mall of Asia, look for the eye-shaped building. That is the SMX Convention Center.
2. Asia Food Expo
When: September 12 to 15; 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Where: World Trade Center
Admission Prices: PhP300 (Good for four days)
If you’re a foodie, a food business entrepreneur, or a cooking enthusiast, you might want to check out Asia Food Expo (AFEX) 2018. In this four-day event, you can mingle with your fellow food enthusiasts as you learn the tips and tricks from those who have succeeded in the industry. Besides seminars, there are also contests, such as the Latte Art Throwdown and the Flair & Cocktail Championship.
Food companies and businesses will also have booths showcasing their latest innovations and products. Pre-registration is available at Asia Food Expo’s website.
How to get there: Ride the LRT-1 up to Gil Puyat or Buendia Station. Exit the station and ride a bus or jeepney en route to SM Mall of Asia or along Roxas Boulevard. Ask the driver to drop you off World Trade Center.
3. Pop Hub: Comic Splash X Fandom Fest Vol. 1
When: September 15 to 16; 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Where: SMX Convention Center, Function Room 3
Admission Prices (inclusive of free entrance to MIBF):
Regular Admission – Php120
Students and Teachers (with ID) – PhP100
Senior Citizens (with ID) – PhP96
Free Admission for 3 years old and below
After you’re done shopping for books at the Manila International Book Fair, you can head to the first Pop Hub: Comic Splash x Fandom Fest which will also be held at the SMX Convention Center, Function Room 3. The two events are organized by the same group of people, but Pop Hub focuses on everything related to comics and pop culture.
Fans of popular franchises such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Game of Thrones can meet with fellow enthusiasts, collectors, artists, writers, directors, animators, and comic book creators. Tickets are available at SM tickets outlets and SM tickets online.
How to get there: Follow the directions that were given previously.
4. Beauty & Wellness Manila 2018
When: September 20 to 22
Where: SMX Convention Center
Admission Price: Free
Having healthy and glowing skin and a healthy body is a priority for many. If these are also in your checklist, attending the Beauty & Wellness Manila could be the first step on your way to getting better skin and body. The event features various participating exhibitors and attendees can enjoy freebies and discounts while also learning tips and tricks from experts from beauty and wellness industry.
Some of the participating brands this year are BlackWater, Jazzy France, MX3, Pinkies Collections, and many more. Entrance is free but visitors must pre-register in the Beauty and Wellness website.
How to get there: Follow the directions that given previously.
5. Dutdutan Tattoo Convention
When: September 21 to 22; 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Where: World Trade Center
Admission Price: PhP500
Dutdutan is an annual event that showcases the works of talented and creative tattoo artists all over the world. Some of the artists who will be featured this year are Tribal Ink, Skinworkz Tattoo and Body Piercings, Avatar Tattoo, Lucky Queen, and many more. There are also competitions for tattoo artists, bikini contests, and drum contests. Booths and band performances are also to be expected.
Tickets are available at Tribal Gear outlets.
How to get there: Follow the directions that were given previously.
6. Vows of Elegance 2018
When: September 22; 10:00 AM
Where: Makati Shangri-La Ballroom
Admission Price: Free
Before you exchange “I dos” with your future spouse, you have to see to the wedding planning first. Not sure where to start? Get an idea by attending wedding expos such as Vows of Elegance, where they will exhibit the crème de la crème of the wedding industry. One of the highlights of the event is the showcase of renowned fashion designers such as Maureen Disini, Patricia Santos, Debbie Co, Cor Sunglao-Kho, Michael Leyva, and Vin Orias.
How to get there: Ride the MRT-3 to Ayala Station. Walk to SM Annex, where Park Square, Greenbelt, Landmark, and SM Makati are connected via footbridge. You can see Makati Shangri-La Hotel from there.
7. Otaku Musika Festival
When:
September 22; 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM
September 23; 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Where: Tiendesitas
Prices: Free
There are two cosplay events this month, and the first one’s Otaku Musika: Anime and Music Festival. As the event name suggests, Otaku Musika is a music-themed event which is suitable for Japanese pop and Japanese rock (Jpop and Jrock) lovers. Besides Jpop and Jrock, the event will also celebrate Japanese pop culture. There are booths full of merchandise available at the event as well.
If you’re a cosplayer, dancer, or a singer, there are contests you can join where you can get prize money. For singers, there’s the Ultimate Singing Idol, Battle of the Bands, and Lip Sync battle. For dancers, there’s Groove It where you can dance to famous Jpop or Jrock songs. Meanwhile, cosplayers can flaunt their costumes through Cosplay Runway.
How to get there: Go to Shaw Boulevard and ride a jeepney heading to Ugong, Pasig. The jeepney’s route will pass by Tiendesitas. Ask the driver to drop you off there.
8. Cosplay Manila 2018
When: September 29 to 30; 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Where: SMX Convention Center
Prices:
Silver Day 1 Pass – PhP449
Silver Day 2 Pass – PhP449
Silver Two Day Pass – PhP799
Gold Day 2 Pass – PhP849
Gold Day 1 Pass – PhP849
Gold Two Day Pass – PhP1,599
VIP Day 2 Pass – PhP2,499
VIP Day 1 Pass – PhP2,499
Besides Otaku Musika, Cosplay Mania is another event that anime lovers will get to enjoy this September. As is evident in the event title, Cosplay Mania will focus on cosplay. You can dress up as your favorite anime characters while also meeting the star cosplayers like Ola Aphrodite, Hakken, Astrohime, and Emperor Cosplay. Filipino cosplayers can also participate in the contests where they can win cash prizes as well.
In addition to these, some of the talented voice actors, stage actors, and Japanese anime music artists will also grace the event. Tickets are available at SM Tickets outlets and SM Tickets online.
How to get there: Follow directions that were given previously.
Tips for ticket purchasing and watching:
- Follow the social media pages or websites of the event organizers for last-minute announcements or changes.
- Only purchase tickets from authorized distributors and partners to avoid being scammed.
- If you’re going with students, PWDs, or senior citizens, try to check if they can avail of the discounted ticket price.
- Observe the rules and regulations of the venue. Always take notice of what is allowed and prohibited.
- If you want to bring children, check first if the event is kid-friendly. If children are allowed, make sure to keep an eye on them during the event.
- Always keep an eye on your personal belongings during the event.
Which of these expos in Metro Manila this September 2018 are you most excited about? Leave your answers at the comment section below!