Diverse fans of the biggest Pop Culture Convention in Western Visayas “POP-X BACOLOD” gathered at SMX Convention, Bacolod City on September 17-18.
Hundreds of anime lovers, K-Pop, and cosplay fanatics from different cities and municipalities in Negros Island and even some from Iloilo province participated with their spectacular costumes that represent their favorite characters. It consisted of different pop culture elements such as Cosplay, K-Pop, Artists, Mini 4WD, TCG Tournaments, Merchandizing Booths, VR Games, and Toy Displays.
Most of the participants and guests that came heard about the event through social media posts and through their peers, many were excited to go see the cosplay culture and other local artists since it was years ago since such a sizeable convention was held.
Mall goers were amazed at the number of Cosplay attendees during the event which stuffed the venue with enthusiasts who wanted to take pictures along with cosplayers of famous characters.
A K-POP Dance Competition was met with loud cheers from K-pop fans with official light sticks and amazing performances.
“So far it’s enjoyable, I’m actually quite overwhelmed that there are a lot of Cosplayers here in Bacolod, [be]cause usually you see most of them in Manila or Cebu but there’s actually a community here that I didn’t even know of,” Jezzle, a VIP spectator happily expressed as she shared her valuable experiences during the “POP-X BACOLOD” event.
The event was a collaboration of Bacolod City’s two largest pop culture organizers which promotes “hobbyism”, emphasizing strong bonds within our “kasimanwas”- families and friends, to inspire passion and arts and to create a lasting identity in the country as one of the biggest hobby conventions that Filipinos will look forward to each coming year.
TARGET: POPX 2023
After the two-day POP-X 2022, fans now have something to look forward to as organizers are planning to hold another convention in 2023.
“Even from basing on Day 1 of the event, I can consider it successful as the estimated foot traffic was around 2,500. For the second day, which is the highlight, we expect the food traffic to be around 3,000 to 3,500, but we are targeting 5,000,” said Rhene Piurque, one of the organizers for POP-X.
The organizers, which were combined from BaCon Pop and Playground EX, are projecting to hold POP-X 2023, BaCon Pop 2023, Playground EX 2023, as well as other mini-events, after the successful turnout of POP-X 2022. Although handling the event was no easy feat, especially considering the recent pandemic, both groups collaborated to jumpstart POP-X.
‘’There was an adjustment period due to differences in handling the event, but we overcame it by consolidating our opinions and voting,’’ stated Piurque.
Despite the struggles, when Piurque, a toy collector, was asked why he chose to spearhead POP-X, he said, ‘’Our group, Negros Toy Collectors (NTC), decided to have an event with one venue to gather different hobbies to share a passion as one and to promote our hobbies to let them know that NTC exists and that there are people with the same hobbies. Furthermore, we wanted to put the name in the pop culture convention in Bacolod, as well as promote tourism.’’
Mae Ann Gochangco of Chery and Foton Bacolod and one of POP-X 2022 sponsors shared that they decided to sponsor the event as her husband was also a member of NTC.
During the event, major sponsors Chery and Foton Bacolod also launched and displayed their new car models, Chery Tigo 8 Pro and Foton Thunder 2.0 L Pick-up.
“POP-X BACOLOD” was also made possible by GRABFood, Acacia Hotels Bacolod, Sprint ADS, A.C. Rivero Dev. Corp., German Unson Heritage House, Hanok, Bright Kids’ Preschool, G Coaching Dance Studio, Azatri Tourism Souvenirs, Extreme Jet Speed, and POP n Craft, among others.*Maynard John Gaton and Mary Christie Espinosa/YCC/N&CA
