Top 10 Dont's and No-Nos for Toycon

The Philippine Toycon is nearly upon us again and I'm proud to say that this website is a media partner. It sucks though that the logo didn't appear on the final poster, but as Jim Rhodes in Iron Man once said, "Next time baby". Anyway, here's a couple of reminders before the beautiful chaos known as TOYCON starts.

Let's start the countdown/ reminders after the break.


10. DO NOT BLOCK THE DRIVEWAY

This one can't be helped but can be minimized. Toycon organizers have told us time and time again that there won't be any plans of moving the biggest popculture event here in the Philippines to a bigger venue. Megamall's Megatrade halls are their lucky charms so we can't do anything about it. That being said, we can easily go out of our way and ensure that we don't block the designated walk ways. If you meet somebody pull to them another place or go meet outside, that way, we don't experience traffic. (I was supposed to say human trafficking but that would take it to a different context altogether).

9. DONT HOG THE COSPLAYERS

Year in, year out we always encounter some asshat who sets up their gear for a beautiful cosplayer, thereby hogging the chance for other photographers. Don't be an ass hat. If you want some one-on-one time with the cosplayer, go outside and join the other photographers who set set up their lighting there. Of course just be ready to become 'manong dibidi when the police arrive'. 

8. STOP BEING A CRITIC

Lots of times I've eavesdropped on people walking and making rude or snide comments about cosplayers. "Di maganda" or "Ang taba taba nya". Man! Cosplaying is about expressing yourself through the character. It's about showing creativity thru your costume and passion with the way you act. You're not a critic or a judge so don't be "F na F" about it. 

7. DONT BE GREEDY WITH TABLES AND CHAIRS

Chairs are limited in Megatrade, it's meant to be shared. The same thing goes for tables at the dining section of the convention. I've had the displeasure of having lunch and feeling like a pauper moving from table to table asking if the tables were taken. However there was this cosplayer who put all her stuff on top of the table. She was obviously alone so I asked her if she minds that I have lunch in 'her table'. Of course she rejected and I had to eat standing up all the while observing her. The bad news, she was never waiting for anybody. After finishing her meal, she stood up, looked around and hauled her stuff. DAMOT!

6. DONT SHARE YOUR DISPLEASURE

you might not be happy because of the heat and the traffic (there it is again) or because somebody stepped on your foot accidentally but dont dish it out on other people. Toycon is expected to reel in huge numbers of people, that alone is a given. Don't expect this to be Greenbelt 5 or Power Plant where it's spacious. Plus its a bloody convention what'd you expect. Bare your fangs somewhere else please. We can take all the minor inconveniences but we cant take your attitude. 

5. THOU SHALL NOT STEAL

May the lord send a lightning bolt if you're going to Toycon to fill out your little kleptomaniac kinks. People actually worked hard to buy the stuff that they bring along. Don't be a menace. 

4. DONT LEAVE YOUR VALUABLES UNATTENDED

Don't be so quick to trust. There's security but don't expect security to see everything and observe what happens to you. You're not Alodia Gosiengfiao [who's pretty much the queen of Toycon]. Carry your stuff and make sure that said stuff are still with you from time to time. Don't bring unnecessary stuff like laptops, it'll only make things harder for you and the experience less enjoyable. 

3. DO NOT OVER HAGGLE

There are a lot of toys, comics, video games and other stuff at Toycon that's going to be sold at a fraction of the cost. Usually people are willing to buy at that price but if you're inclined to haggle then do so. Just don't overdo it. Last year there was this dude that wanted to buy a Darkseid figure that was priced at Php500 for Php200. I left that booth/table with my best impression of the people's eyebrow. 

2. DO NOT BE A PERV

Damned pervs are everywhere. And they take on various forms as well. Some pervs even put on this guise of being a 'photographer'. That's whats happening not just in TOYCON but in all conventions. If you're planning to 'perv out' this weekend, I suggest not. Social media is quick and fast, for all you know, you might be the next topic of various groups. Yes, just leave your lecherous tendencies at home; you'll have better days that way. Here are more pics:

Photos from http://comicconpervs.tumblr.com/page/2

1. DONT FORGET TO SMILE AND ENJOY

Conventions like this are supposed to be fun and enjoyable. Leave your frowns at home, they won't do you any good this weekend. Also make sure to dress comfortably for even more smiles. Take the time to talk to store owners and even other buyers. Help them out if possible, never forget that friendship starts with one A.R.K. [Act of Random Kindness]. 

See you this weekend, and be sure to pass by some stores that I might hangout including Comicx Hub.