Promising to be even bigger, better and bolder than its historic first year in the Philippines, History Con captured everyone’s attention and imagination over the course of four days, laying rightful claim as Manila’s biggest entertainment convention. With its bewildering array of distinguished guests, incredible attractions and a multitude of booths, activities, and exhibits, History Con 2017 had something for everyone and more as one of the most anticipated events of the year.
With the amazing support they have received from the thousands of Filipino and even international attendees last year, the organizers have vowed to have Manila’s biggest entertainment convention back and promised a bigger, better, and bolder showcase at the World Trade Centre Manila from August 10 to 13. With over 300 exciting exhibits and experiences, from historic and classic displays of traditional, as well as contemporary and popular cultures there was definitely something for everyone, including the first-ever ‘FYI Home & Living Fair’ and exclusive talks and workshops by esteemed celebrities and personalities.
Headlining the return of History Con, as well as their own return to the country, were Corey Harrison of Pawn Stars, Jaime Dempsey of Ride N’ Seek and Justin Mott of Photo Face-off, alongside “Horny” Mike Henry of Counting Cars, Danielle Colby of The Pickers, Ryu Lim of Forged In Fire, and Phoemela Baranda of Celebrity Car Wars. Popular international celebrities from FYI’s hit shows John Weisbarth and Zack Giffin of Tiny House Nation, and Adam Liaw of Destination Flavour also got to take part in the festivities as part of the stellar line up.
Other special guests included astronaut Barry E. Wilmore, U.S. Navy Captain and a veteran of two spaceflights who has accumulated a total of 178 days in space as a NASA astronaut, and he was admired and adored by the audience as he gave a special talk on space travel and his own experiences as an astronaut.
One of the most striking highlights of History Con was the largest automotive display of cars and motorbikes. A legendary motorcade rally with Jaime Dempsey and other celebrities and a hands-on ‘live’ car airbrushing showcase by “Horny” Mike Henry made for a great show at the event.
Ryu Lim, originally from the Northern islands of the Philippines, has been practicing bladesmith since the age of nine. He returns to his homeland and conducted “live” demonstrations on the test of blades forged by some of the best local artisans and bladesmith in the country. Exploring the ‘lenscape’ of photography was award-winning resident professional photographer, Justin Mott as he conducted exclusive photography masterclass sessions where participants learned photography tips and tricks, including a hands-on photo walk to apply their learnings in an out-of-classroom experience.
Popular culture has always been an important part of History Con, and this year saw even more displays and exhibits of comics and special collectibles of superheroes, and toys by creative talents in the Philippines and around the world. Also, the superheroes and many colorful characters from these works come to life through the art and creative expression of cosplay. Starting out with historical cosplay and cosplay based on History Channel shows last year, History Con gave cosplay a bigger part this year, and there were a lot of cosplayers who got to join in this year’s festivities.
An array of exciting indoor and outdoor activities gave the rare chance for attendees to experience thrilling activities such as the shooting range, medieval battle, airsoft wargames, paint ball, archery attack, motorbike obstacle course, bubble sport, and even indoor laser tag.
And with over 300 exciting and varied exhibits and experiences, from historic and classic displays of traditional, as well as contemporary and popular cultures, attendees had the time of their lives browsing through everything at the venue, each not the least as curious and interesting as the next one, and even got to take home pieces of history home with them.
In scope and scale, we along with the thousands of attendees over the four days definitely agree that there was nothing quite like History Con 2017, and that it was definitely one of the most enjoyable and most memorable events of the year. History was definitely made, and we look forward to even bigger things History will be bringing to our shores soon.
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