Collecticon 2014- Top 5 Reasons to Visit

SM Megamall – Megatrade Hall # 3 , Mandalyong City , Philippines

 SM Mega Trade Hall # 3

Collecticon 2014 in partnership with SM Megamall , its sponsors and media partners had once again staged its event at Mega Trade Hall # 3 .  The event used to be held at the Robinson’s Place Midtown– Ermita in Manila for several years , until a change of schedule to give way to a moon cake event prompted  the organizers  to look for an alternative venue .

 1/4 scale model of spider man

There is an entrance fee of Php 100 for the general public , A raffle stub will be given and a chance to win a spider man figurine to be raffled-off at the end of the 2- day  event.  We decided not to enter our raffle stubs just to give some chances to others ,   It is our own small way to help the show.

Here are the Top 5 Reasons to Visit :

Mr. Ronald Tan is a comic artist

5.) Comic and Book Artist Meet and Greet

There are over 2 dozen comic artists and illustrators that were present during the event. I saw some friends like Mr. Henry ” Pogi ” Chua and Mr. Dennis Kho during the convention.  We also took some time in strolling around the exhibit , commercial booth , stage and food area.

“Search for Weng Weng” comic

Mr. Henry Chua bought some comics and had a chance to let Mr. Ronald Tan signed an autograph .  Mr. Henry is a also a blogger , a comic book, toy , poster and stamp collector.  He bought a couple of comic books, some posters,  batmobile , a coke van and toy figurine at the site. While it took me some time in choosing a couple of hot wheels die- cast toy  .

BIG J Sausages

Mr. Henry treated me  at the Big J sausage booth . They have Ilocos longganisa , Boston Franks and combo meal package.

4.) Retro Toys

One reason to visit the event to to find some retro or vintage toy for SALE. A lot of them are already considered as Collector’s Item .  There are also some booth selling toy spare parts.

3.) Meet and Greet Doraemon

We were able to see some anime characters like Doraemon and his friends Nobita Nobi performed during the exhibition. There are the usual ” Bring ME” contest which entice participants of the show to bring a 1 peso coin, a new generation Php 1,000 bill , a poster .

Doreamon booth

Some of the lucky winners get a chance to win some Doraemon stuff toys, posters and among other items.

There is also the usual on-the spot auction , K pop sing and dance , cosplay and forum style question and answer , gundam toy kit assemble contest, photo booth and on-the spot raffles.

2.) Toy Collections and Exhibits

Transformer Pinoy Collectors

Transformer Pinoy Collectors is a group of Filipino toy collectors that specialize their collection to Transformers.

 

The Simpsons characters on display

The Simpson is a popular television char cater created by Mr. Matthew Abram “Matt” Groening . Since its debut on December 17, 1989, the show has broadcast over 550 episode   and its 25th season began on September 30, 2013. The Simpsons is the longest -running  American sitcom, the longest-running American animated program, and in 2009 it surpassed Gunsmoke  as the longest-running American scripted prime-time television series.

Revenge of the Toys – The Simpson’s collection

The Simpson’s figurine toy collection is owned by Mr. Benz / Bjie

1.) Superman vs Batman

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is an upcoming American superhero film featuring the DC Comics characters Superman and Batman. At least there are some sort of a teaser .

Note: I am expecting that there will be more improvements in the upcoming Collecticon 2015 . There is not much publicity going around ,  traditional and even in the social media . If it was not for my friends joining the commercial exhibits , cosplays and exhibits , I would be totally clueless  .  The upside is that with fewer people bumping and shoving around , It made us easier to buy toys and merchandise items that we like.  It was like a leisurely walk in the park . I would still prefer the old venue , there are more cosplayers and more people attending . I am  pretty sure that commercial stall tenants have reported brisk sales at the old site .

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Before There’s A We, There’s ” ME” by Ms. Ilsa B. Reyes

SMX Convention Center, Pasay City – Philippines

Before There’s A ” WE” There’s ” Me” book

It was last September 21, 2014 –  We are doing our last minute shopping at the 35th Manila International Book Fair  . We met Ms.Maria Rona Beltran , a fellow blogger friend at the expo site. She quickly introduced us to her friend at the booth of Saint Paul Bookstore .

Ms. Ilsa B. Reyes

I remember that we would always buy inspirational books and novena pamphlets. Ms. Ilsa B. Reyes  co-hosts  a program called Salitang Buhay over DZMM Teleradyo 630 khz a.m. ( Television Radion ) station, channel 26 Skycable, Sundays, 9:00-10:00 PM with Fr. Bel San Luis, SVD and Fr. Jerome Marquez, SVD, and is facilitator of the ARISE Integrative-transformative seminar-workshops. She also  has a Christian CD called The Treasure.

She is also a full- time church worker called inner healing , intercession . Aside from her current book. She wrote Affirmation and Healing Treasures, Inner Child Treasures , Healing through Mary’s Embrace , Healing through Our Eucharistic Lord and Healing through the Sacrament of Reconciliation (2012 Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Awards Best Book Ministry Category) .

Ms. Maria Rona Beltran together with Ms. Ilsa B. Reyes

Saint Paul bookstore had a promo during the fair  which they gave a 10% percent   to 50% discount to their books.  This book  was originally priced at Php 100  but was sold for just Php 90.00 during the duration of the fair.

It was published this year ( 2014 ) and it is an ideal handbook for all walks of life. It is very practical  and the book is not very bulky it can easily fit inside a hand/ pouch bag  . The book is well-written and easy to understand . It is divided into 10 chapters , like  Self-Love Isn’t Being Selfish  , Allowing God to Love Me, Self Love moments , A Firm Sense of Worth and Identity , Do we Like , Love and Forgive Ourselves? , Giving Love to Others.

Bible quotes come in very handy in every chapter . One can read the book everyday, whether in school, office, travel or as a perfect gift to someone this Christmas . With just 107 pages. One can easily finish this in just one sitting.

For Orders and Inquiries , Please try to visit the site :

Website: http://www.stpauls.ph/

20 Exciting Reasons to Come to the 35th Manila International Book Fair

SMX Convention Center, Pasay City , Philippines

Senator  Paolo Benigno ” Bam”  Aquino IV is among the several distinguished guests of honor during the book fair.

Manila International Book Fair  is organized by Primetrade Asia, Inc. in partnership with Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc. (ACCI), Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP), Philippine Booksellers Association, Inc., (PBAI) and the Overseas Publishers Representatives Organization of the Philippines (OPRAP).

20. INTERESTING 3-D Postcards

Asiatype Distribution Incorporated sells interesting 3-D postcards at Php 125 pesos per piece. There are over two dozen designs to choose from . The company also distributes maps and they are the ones which published and distributes ” The Rise and Fall of Imelda Marcos ” book for just Php 599.00 . The book also also available in e-book format and Amazon .com sites.  The publisher had printed additional copies second edition .

Ms. Grace F. Lacaste

We all know that it is internet and electronic mail era , but collecting postcards especially 3-D ones are collectibles although it is a bit more expensive compared to the common ones.  The company also have inexpensive hardbound books for sale.

Contact Person : Ms. Grace F. Lacaste

Mobile 0922-876-5075

Direct Line (632) 744-05-75 Fax (632) 744-0506

Address: Suite 113/114 Columbia Tower Ortigas Ave., Greenhills
Mandaluyong City / Telephone No. 7256262 loc. 302

Website: http://www.accu-map.com/

Philippine scenes , festivals and tourist attraction on postcards

Each pack cost Php 125 . The postcards are ideal for sending to important person, promoting the country’s tourist spots and festivals and for collection.

19. Vertical Gardens

I think this is the first time that a plant and fertilizer company is participating in a book-fair. Ramgo Seed and Fertilizer Company eye-caching exhibit which showcase vegetables and DIY starter kits . Their friendly sales staffs are there to answer one question on how to start gardening.

some of the products being sold by the company

  They also have a garden kit with packs to seeds, fertilizer, soil mixture and eco-bags . They are being sold at Php 400 . I bought some slow release  and water soluble fertilizer packs before leaving the booth.

Office Address: Maybunga, Pasig City , 1607 Philippines

Outlet Store: 33 General Lim St., Heroes Hills,Quezon City, 1104 Philippines

Contact Numbers: +63(2) 641-6808    +63(2) 642-5828
+63(2) 643-8482    +63(2) 642-5804
+63(2) 643-8883    +63(2) 642-2810

Website: http://ramgoseeds.com/

18.  GREETING WALLS

There are several booths in which visitors can post small messages and thought. There are also interesting slogan message like ” Oppose Piracy ” especially on books and other intellectual properties .

Oppose Piracy slogan

17.  Komikon , Comics

I am glad that organizers of Komikon were invited by the organizers. Their booth gave away interesting comics made by Filipinos .

16. Pocket Events and Simultaneous Events

There are a lot of pocket events organize by the booth tenants from book launching, meet and greet with book authors, on the spot contest , promos , seminars , free lectures and there are also 2 other events which are also happening at the SMX Convention center.  Digitech 2014 and the Best of  Anime.

15. Technology and Science

Edutech  had partnered in providing a software application program for tech savy people to be updated with the on-going MIBF event.

Data Science Technology Corporation are among the companies which showcased their latest technologies and partnered with the organizers. Data Science Technology Corporation meanwhile sponsors qualified students to the International Robotics Olympics to be held in Beijing , China.

They also have an interesting black globular shaped exhibits which teaches young visitors to the site about the galaxies and planets.

DSTC Booth

They also have a 3-D printer available.

Website: http://dstc.com.ph/

14. LOTS of GOODWILL

Goodwill Bookstore Philippines

There are 2 Goodwill Bookstores at the fair . One is my favorite and suki bookstore which sells quality books and cheap postcards . The store manager of their Greenhills, San Juan branch ( Bridges) gave me some complimentary tickets.  NOW that is a touch of GOODWILL !

Website: http://goodwillbookstore.com/

  Goodwill Publishing Company which is based in New Delhi , India .

The company had a lot of children books , coloring books and dictionaries . They are open for local distributors .

G-1A, Rattan Jyoti Building, 18 Rajendra Place, New Delhi – 110008, INDIA

Tel.: +91 11 25820556/25750801/ 25755559/25720209/25755519

Fax: +91 11 25764396/25763428

Website: http://www.goodwillpublishinghouse.com/

13. CHARTS

Charts Unlimited provides good educational start -up learning tool for children and pre-school teachers.  The charts are colorful and helps young students in their needs. What is nice about the materials ( teaching aids ) are manufactured locally and thus also helps local industry .

12. Educational Toys and Play Items

Gentle Star Trading Company had several outlets in well-known malls in Metro Manila . They have several educational toys. Worth to visit their store for an early Christmas shopping .

11. Science Made Easy

Uchida Yoko Science booth showcases how science works. A small hand crank tool which can generate energy in form of electricity . The tools and educational materials are from Japan . The booth is highly interactive with visitors . The company is involved in a wide range of activities that promote ICT education. In addition to providing educational support tools such as computers and projectors which make it easier to conduct lessons

Website: http://www.uchida.co.jp/global/6,0,19,44.html

10. VCD, DVD’s Bargain SALE

They are not the pirated ones being sold in Quiapo or Divisoria,  but these are educational DVD’s and VCD’s for sale !  The target market are for students and schools .

9.  Unique Stationeries and Other Office Supplies

These stationeries and notepads  are unique and offering different quotes like ” Stuffs To Do On Filipino Time” ,  “I Beg to Deter!”  or simply ” Salamat ” . They are cute and ideal giveaways this coming Yuletide season.

8.  Meeting New Friends and Acquaintances

At the 35th MIBF trade fair , Meeting new friends and networking is one way when going to a trade fair. We were met by friendly staffs and managers of Biblica Publishing and Distribution Foundation . The company sells bible and new version like Salita ng Dios ( Tagalog version ) They also have other version in different languages  . The book is being sold at Php 115.00 during the MIBF event . The company is also open to distributorship .

Contact Person: Mr. William Roy Lim

Website: http://www.biblica.com/

Address: Unit  201Benelisa Mansion , 223F Roxas street corner 4th Avenue Grace Park, Caloocan City

7. Pope Francis to Meet and Greet

Jesuit Communications Foundation booth had exhibited Pope Francis in their booth. Visitors can take photos and buy some of his published books about philosophical views and works.

Website: http://www.jescom.ph/

Contact Information:

• (632) 426-59-71 or 72
• (632) 426-59-70
• corporate@jescom.ph

6. Freebies , Raffles and On- the- Spot Games

There are several booths which offered a lot of freebies, discount prices , on-the spot raffle and contests to the visitors .  Jehovah’s Witnesses gave away reading materials to the visitors of their booth.

Website: http://www.jw.org/en/

5. Interesting Exhibits and Company Displays

Coming to the book fair is not just an intellectual treat but also a visual treat . The booth and company exhibits excites every visitors .  Rex Publishing Company is an example of such visual treat.

Website: http://www.rexpublishing.com.ph/

smallest books are displayed by the company  (3.3 x 3.3 mm ) only !!!

Many visitors would stop at their booth and marvel at their collection of small and large books ! They recently opened a Book Museum Ethnology Center in Marikina City .

Almost all of the miniature books were from the personal collection of Atty. Dominador D. Buhain .

collection of largest and smallest book on display

The museum can be visited from monday to saturdays.  It is advisable to make some reservations or bookings before the appointed schedule of visit.

Book Museum Ethnology Center

Address: 127 Dao Street Marikina Heights , Marikina City

Contact information : 570-44-49

5. CUTE Mascots on Parade

There were a lot of mascots during the event. They serve as goodwill ambassadors of their respective companies. Some of them gave some freebies and gave the visitor a chance to have their photos taken .

mascots were part of the pocket book launching

scribbler art

Dong-A company had recently sponsored a scribbler art contest or pen art in which students from different schools had participated  . The award- winners of the pen arts were exhibited .

students and visitors having a fun time doing graffiti on wall

4. Graffiti and Scribbler Art

People who visits the ongoing book fair will be welcome by  a giant tarpaulin poster .

3. Organization and their Advocates

  Yoga and Indian Philosophy promotes healthy living , yoga and even incense . Their office is located in Cubao, Quezon City .

Goethe Institut- Philippines

Goethe-Institut is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany with a global reach.

The Institute  promotes knowledge of the German language abroad and foster international cultural cooperation.  They also convey a comprehensive picture of Germany by providing information on Germany’s cultural, social and political life.

Website: http://www.goethe.de/ins/ph/en/map.html

Goethe-Institut Philippinen
G/4-5/F Adamson Centre, 121 Leviste St., Salcedo Village ,1227 Makati City, Philippines

Postal Address:
P.O. Box 1744
Makati Central Post Office
1257 Makati City, Philippines
Tel.+63 2 8405723/+63 2 8405724/+63 2 8170978
Fax:+63 2 8170979

Mr. Chingkee Tan – A lifestyle and motivational speaker with his latest book ” Secrets of the Rich and Successful ” . The book is being sold for just Php 100 at the fair.

I met him several years ago at the Philadelphia High School in Quezon City in one of his book launching ” Till Debt Do as Part” in December 6, 2008 . The book is one of his best sellers .

Here is the link or the previous article : https://renz15.wordpress.com/2009/10/07/mr-chingkee-tan-at-philadelphia-high-school/

Website: http://chinkeetan.com/

2.) Celebrity Authors Meet and Greet

Bibliophiles troop to the annual book fair to show support to their favorite authors . It is a also a time where one can get their books sign and autograph and get their photos taken with their author.

Ms. Ilsa B. Reyes together with Ms. Maria Rona Beltran

DZMM radio host , Health and Self Love author Ms. Ilsa B. Reyes . The book is being sold in all Saint Paul Bookstore outlets for just Php 100 each.  Saint Paul gave 10% discount and buyers get a chance to have their book signed by the author.

Website: http://www.stpauls.ph/

I have a chance to acquire a book and will give my book review in the coming weeks.

C and E bookstore

C and E Publishing Company gave up to 90% discount on selected books .

  Website: http://www.cebookshop.com/

1.) Bargain Books and Great Finds

books being sold for just Php 10 each

Great Discounts for all the books, school supplies , instructional materials and even fertilizers ! Discounts can range from 10% to as much as 90% !!!!

buyers

The 35th Manila International Book Fair had come a long way since its humble beginnings.  We saw several international book publishing companies joined the annual fair.

Note: There is a small entrance fee of Php 20 general public and Php 15 for students and senior citizens with valid ID’s

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Pet Show at Quezon Memorial Circle

Hardin ng mga Bulaklak, Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City

Sulfur Crested Cockatoo -was voted ” Most Popular , Most Desirable and Best Pet of the Show” owner Ms. Vangie Go.

different variety of lizards

” Most Desirable Pet” award goes to a Chow-Chow dog owned by Mr. Manuel and Susan Lee.

Chow-Chow dog

It was a bit sunny on September 6 and September 7 when Philippine Orchid Society members together with some pet enthusiasts hosted a 2-day Pet Show .

ballot box

There was a popularity voting which requires visitors to choose from several kinds of pets at the exhibit area. There were over 50 kinds of pet that was entered in the contest ( registration fee of Php 50 ) .

visitors to the pet expo

golden pheasant

The variety of pet includes, dogs, cats, turtle, bantam chickens, frogs,pigeon, cockatoo , rabbits, snakes, lizards, pheasants and even cockroaches ! These is also to attract hobbyists and younger children to have some hobbies.

bull frog

sulcata tortoise

Our small close knit blogger and media friends decided to go and visit the Pet show which also coincided during the 68th Mid-Year Orchid and Garden show.  Some of them were quite disappointed because of limited number of pets and on display .

Ms. Stephanie Cham

It was on the last day , when Ms. Stephanie Cham ( a well-known pet and reptile breeder) was invited as a speaker on March 7. This was the last day of the Pet expo and , she taught about the new trends of breeding insects such as cockroaches, kataba worms, crickets which pet shops in having a short supply .

Hepamin OD: Silymarin in Action to Protect our Liver

Narra Building, Pasong Tamo , Makati City -Philippines

The liver is the largest glandular organ of our body which performs many vital functions to keep the body from toxins and harmful substances. However, it is also a silent organ that can be damaged without us knowing it because there are no visible or felt symptoms until its already in a worst condition.

With the proliferation of fatty, oily and junk foods, and the indulgence of many to different varieties of alcoholic drinks and liquor, many of us are highly susceptible to many kinds of liver diseases including the Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) which is the abnormal accumulation of fat in the liver cells. This disease may cause the liver to swell with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, overweight and metabolic syndrome. Thus it is very important to take some form of liver care supplements to get the protection we won’t normally get from our regular diet and exercise.

important ingredients used in manufacturing Hepamin OD

Hepamin OD, brought to us by pharmaceutical company Trianon International Inc., is now being introduced to the market to provide the much needed silymarin on a once-a-day dosage as part of the management of liver diseases such as NAFLD.

Silymarin is a unique flavonoid complex containing silydianin, silychrisin and silybin that is derived from the milk thistle plant. Milk thistle is the number one recommended plant extract for the protection and detoxification of vital liver function.

The forum was held last September 4, 2014 at the Trianion Plenary Hall of Trianon International located at the Narra Building at Pasong Tamo Extension of Makati city.

At a media health forum organized by Trianon International, members of the blogging community were treated to a short talk about NAFLD from Dr. Katherine Arupo-Reyes.

Dr. Katherine recommends the use of liver protective supplements, lifestyle modification such as regular exercise, eating in moderation and avoiding fatty foods, soda and sugar.

The officers of Trianon International were also present to add additional information to further increase our knowledge of the Hepamin OD product that is said to be imported from abroad.

Hepamin OD has a high silymarin content of 300 mg with an additional 150 mg of other hepato-protective agent (Dandelion Root and Artichoke Leaf). Silymarin is now also being prescribed as a prophylaxis for progression of fatty liver to more severe forms of liver disease.

For those who wanted to know about their products , try to visit their website.

Website: http://www.trianon.com.ph/