Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Happy 1st Birthday Satchmi



Satchmi has steadily grown into a brand that is loved and recognized by many who share their same passion for music and a lifestyle brand that is uniquely theirs. That is why it was no surprise that on the celebration of their store's first birthday last September 26, Saturday, it was jam packed with loyal customers and supporters.



It really was a party! 

There was free food courtesy of Mr. Grahams Sandwich Shop, their highly talked about Cebuano along with chips and dip filled everyones appetite throughout the event. In tandem was Mrs. Grahams macarons straight from her cafe, specially made for the event complete with vinyl record designs and plating. Their Apple Pie Soda was also served during the party as well as Craftpoints Summer Sessions. All free aside from Satchmis esteemed third wave coffee.


People got to experience fun and games throughout the event like spin the wheel with prizes from Satchmis lifestyle brands — Happy Socks, Lost Nomad, Gouache Bags, The Green House Project, Sunday Paper Co and more, there was also a sleeve face Photo Booth contest, by the end of the night the most creative photo got to take home a Motorino Mk II.

We haven't been to any music gigs lately so it was really refreshing to be in the presence of some of our country's up and coming artists. Guests were treated to awesome performances from B.P. Valenzuela, Reese & Vica, Coeli and CRWN. 

Paul and I enjoyed the act of stand up comedian Chip Balbuena from Comedy Cartel, we were laughing so hard and days after the party we're still going back to his jokes. That was something refreshing and enjoyable. 


It's been an awesome year for Satchmi, from Vinyl Day to the Fresh Filter Vinyl launch we just know that there are just bigger and better things in store for Satchmi. Speaking of which here are some exciting news to look out for next year! 

Some of the things announced were that they are opening a 2nd branch in Quezon City (exact location still top secret) early 2016, the Motorino Mk II now comes in the new color Silver bidding goodbye to the Ivory model, a new Satchmi Blend of beans exclusive from EDSA Beverage Design Studio coming soon to the store and most importantly, a new vinyl compilation that is composed of some of their favourite performers from Vinyl Day 2013 to 2015. Some of the artists include Autotelic, Oh, Flamingo!, BP x CRWN collab, Tandems 91, Shes Only Sixteen, Reese & Vica, Imago, Taken by Cars, and more! A total of 12 tracks for a vinyl produced and manufactured entirely by Satchmi. The vinyl, entitled General Assembly” (and rightly so) will be released sometime in 2016.

Exciting things up ahead indeed-can't wait! But for now - Happy First Birthday Satchmi! 


Click here for more photos.

Matt Damon: Makes Science 'Cool' in 'The Martian'


Move over Marvin-there's a new Martian in town. 

I was able to finish the novel The Martian by Andy Weir literally hours before I saw the advanced screening of the adaptation by Ridley Scott. It was one of those I-have-to-read-the-book-before-I-see-the-movie moments and I was actually glad that I did. I LOVED the book! (Book Review up soon)  and it also helped me understand the science that is the foundation of the movie. 

9 out of 10 stars! The movie was fast-paced, smart, witty and makes science and geeks (even Botany) look cool! I love that the movie takes on human survival on a whole new planet (literally) and looks into the nature of humans to help, no matter what the circumstances. 

In my opinion it was a very good adaptation from the source material, they stayed pretty much true to it expect for some liberties in the end. I guess they wanted a more exciting and daring scene and they also wanted Golden Globe winner Jessica Chastain to have a bigger and more heroic part in the movie. 


Matt Damon was able to catch Mark Watney's humor and unbreakable spirit. He was perfect for the role! Some moments that were not caught in the book but was captured on screen: (SPOILERS) 

Mark Watney's weight loss. If your diet consists of strict rations and potatoes for months you would loose a few pounds and that was exactly in the movie and which was not in the book. 

Another heart wrenching moment was the emotional state of tears that Mark finds himself in as he nears the end of his ordeal. It wasn't in the book but it was just beautiful on screen. 

If you think Mark was funny on screen - he's a stand up comedian in the book! I highly recommend that you guys read the book too :) 


The movie was not only entertaining but very educational as well I had a crash course in all kinds of science, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Astronomy and I also learned a lot about NASA, space travel, manned and un-manned missions in space. The great thing about it is that you'd be so entertained, you're laughing, you wouldn't realize that you're learning a lot too and isn't that something our teachers would have wanted? :) 

The movie also has some groovy Disco soundtrack. My only dissapointment was - how come they didn't play 'Staying Alive' ?! 

Aside from Matt Damon and Jessica Chastain, the movie has a powerful supportive and colorful cast, made up of Kristen Wiig, Kate Mara, Micheal Peña, Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Donald Glover and Sean Bean. 

From 20th Century Fox. The Martian is in cinemas on September 30! 






Monday, September 28, 2015

The Martian - Book Review


When I found out that the upcoming movie The Martian was actually based on a novel I immediately set to work reading it before I saw the movie. I was just rally curious, I had an idea about what the story was about but I really didn't have an idea or clue about the style of the author Andy Weir. Well needless to say I really enjoyed the book! 4.5 out of 5 stars! ⭐️

The Martian has a very interesting narrative as it is told through different perspectives and means. It opens with a log from Astronaut Mark Watney, he narrates in a very casual way using the vernacular, cursing and all that. Despite his situation of being left stranded in Mars, he has a very good sense of humor and you will surely find him hilarious, like stand up comedian hilarious and it is his humor along with the story which helps you (not get bored) past the science in the book. 

I may have a Bachelor in Science degree (Nursing) but I have never been one to take an interest in a Chemistry or Physics and there is a lot of that in the book, even Math (which I have never had a good relationship with) but despite my lack of love for the sciences I still enjoyed the book and I learned a lot from it. 


Author Andy Weir is the son of a particle physicist and he has a background in Computer Science did a lot of research on the material of the book, this is to ensure that it will be as realistic as possible and would be based on existing technology. Weir studied orbital mechanics, astronomy and the history of manned space flight so at least you are assured that the science is real. 

The book is not only narrated through Watney's logs but also takes turns with narratives of the different characters in the book. Some parts of the story are even told through the perspective of a piece of canvas and some Martian terrain. 

It was an enjoyable, entertaining and I must say educational read and I recommend it! You should go out and see the movie too! 


Friday, September 25, 2015

Heroes Reborn: Second Chances




When the original series of "Heroes" came out in 2006-2010 I wasn't the big TV Geek that I am now and one of my regrets was not getting to follow the original multi-awarded and highly acclaimed TV series. 

It's a good thing that there are second chances-Fast forward to 2015 "Heroes Reborn" is described as a 13 episode event mini series which will be the continuation of the original Heroes TV Series. Lucky me right?! 

I was able to catch a few episodes of the original series just so I wouldn't be completely lost watching Reborn but the challenge with continuing series, or spin offs is that it should be able to stand on it's own while still maintaining the same feel and tone as of the original. 

So after the two hour premiere how did I find Heroes Reborn? 

Well- as the first episode started it felt really rushed like you are suddenly thrown into the fray and so many things are happening at once (you're traveling from one place to another dealing with different characters and story lines) but I guess with an established myth, existing characters and new ones it was going to be crazy, very fast. 



I just love Zacharay Levi! I loved him in Chuck and I love that he's such a big and proud Geek. I was excited that he'll be in Reborn but just sad that he'll be playing the antagonists (well, so far). 

Miko Otomo was really cute but she dresses up like the Pink Ranger and what's up with that CG transformation? Not so sure on how to feel about her plot. Are they trying to re-create Masi Oka's popularity in the original series? Most probably. Will they succeed? That is something that is left to be seen. 


Yes- there are a lot of characters new and old and different story lines that overlap with each other but things manage to intertwine, sort of and you get a grasp of things but it was hard to feel empathy for any of the characters, since they threw in so many of them in one go. 

The episode opens with a peaceful existence of humans and EVOs (you know, another word for mutants) but then a bombing kills thousands, EVOs are blamed and now they are in hiding. Mercenaries in the form of Zachary Levi and his wife are off killing EVOs. Noah Bennett has his memory erased, becomes a car salesman but is soon back to what he does. There are many other characters and new EVOs but we'll have to wait and see how everything plays out. Like I said it's confusing but I'm hoping everything will tie up soon and fast. 

Will I watch episode 2? Most probably yes. Am I worried about the series? Honestly - I am but remember that the first episode will always feel a bit confusing but things should get better along the way. Still giving this one a chance. 




Wednesday, September 23, 2015

The INTERN - Heart-warming Humor that transcends Generations



Rare is a movie that effectively transcends generations and speaks in a language of the times, wherein the characters are realistic reflections of the society in which we live in today. 

The Intern is a surprisingly hilarious and heart warming movie which starts in an awkward situation and blossoms into a beautiful friendship. 

Academy award winner Robert De Niro stars as Ben Wittacker, a 70 year old widower who finds himself with so much time in his hands and with nothing to do. Apparently, retirement isn't all that it's cracked up to be. Taking advantage of an opportunity which will get him back in the corporate scene. 

Enter Academy award winner Anne Hathaway (Jules Ostin) whose online fashion site is looking for senior Interns (senior in life), at first Jules isn't so sure about the idea of senior Interns in her fast-paced demanding world but what she doesn't realize is that Ben might be exactly what she needs. 

I wasn't so sure how the story would play out and where would the conflict arise but The Intern delivered, not just in the hilarious scenes which had the whole movie house breaking into hysterical laughter but in the aspect of real life troubles as well. You could tell that the audience was invested in the characters with how they reacted to each scene. 

It's a new buddy movie, one that we haven't seen before and I really enjoyed the film. 


The film’s multi-generational cast also features Rene Russo, Anders Holm, Andrew Rannells, Adam Devine, Celia Weston, Nat Wolff, Linda Lavin, Zack Pearlman, newcomer Jason Orley, and Christina Scherer. In my opinion the cast was pretty strong and they had a good ensemble about them despite the generation gap but this just makes the movie even more adorable and worth-watching. You'll enjoy it as a date movie with your loved one or even your parents! :) 


You may not be able to teach an old dog new tricks but maybe he can teach you some. 

Opening across the Philippines on September 24, “The Intern” will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.



Monday, September 21, 2015

Be happy. Love Your Life Now.

Quick Dip in the Sofitel Pool :) 

Life is never easy, there are always challenges, struggles and trials but sometimes all we need is a positive perspective and a little luck to help us be happy and love our life.

Lifestyle TV has this beautiful campaign about loving your life now and with all the negative energy and bad news going around we definitely need this touch of optimism in our lives. 

I saw online that they were having a Love Your Life contest, mechanics were to simply cut out paper hearts and have a photo taken of holding this up against something that makes you love your life now. 

It was very simple and had such a positive outlook that Paul and I jumped at the challenge. From the different things that we love in life we decided to feature photography/photos. We took some printed photos we had, an old Minolta film camera and an old film and set them up on a piece of wood which was actually cut from one of the trees in the house. We cut paper hearts and scattered them on our set up and had one hand (mine) hold one paper heart. It was fun working on the styling and the shoot and doing the write up for the piece. 

This was our entry in the contest :) 

With a little hard work and a little luck we won an overnight stay for two at Sofitel Manila with breakfast and Statement Tees! 

We were so lucky and winning the hotel stay came right in time for our 10th anniversary (as a couple) and Asia Pop Comiccon (will be posting more on that soon!) which was held at World Trade Center -just across Sofitel! Talk about great timing and coincidence right?! 



Sofitel was just so beautiful and luxurious it was so easy Love Your Life! We were working hard covering APCC and we got to go home to what was literally a stone's throw away and it wasn't just any home but a room in Sofitel! We had only won a Superior Room but we were upgraded to a Luxury Suite! After a long day covering the event we got to rest, in the best way possible. 

The next morning we enjoyed the Manila Bay view, swam a bit in the pool (which my Grand Uncle designed by the way) and had a hearty breakfast. After relaxing for a bit it was time to Check Out and go back to covering Day 3 of Asia Pop Comiccon. 



It was an unconventional way of celebrating an Anniversary but Paul and I are very passionate about what we do and getting the chance to take photos, cover events and write makes us love our life! 

Thank you to Lifestyle TV and Sofitel! It was a great misadventure! 

#LoveYourLifeNow ❤️❤️❤️

Click Here for MORE photos! 

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Witness the Majesty and Wrath of "Everest"


Whenever I see news about people reaching the top of Mt. Everest I'm like "Wow they made it to Everest!" But after watching EVEREST I have a renewed respect for these inhuman athletes who possess strong will and spirits. 

Based on the tragic events of May 10, 1996 EVEREST follows the story of two groups of climbers led by Rob Hall (Jason Clarke) and Scott Fischer (Jake Gyllenhaal) as they make their final ascent to the summit of Mt. Everest and being hit by one of the worse snowstorms mankind has ever known. 

I really enjoyed how the movie made you admire the climbers for their courage and per perseverance to reach (literally) the highest goal possible. 


I have never been keen on outdoor activities (I would rather be wrapped in a blanket, reading a book or watching T.V.) so I don't really "get" climbing mountains, (even if I live on one) but after seeing the movie which was well made-it was shot on location in Nepal and other sites showcasing majestic landscapes and breath taking scenes; I now have an inkling as to why people climb mountains. 

As Jake Gyllenhall said in an interview " I think the simple idea of climbing Mount Everest is exciting. But it’s each person’s reasoning for doing it that is truly fascinating. Everest begs the questions inside all of us: What do we want to accomplish in our lives? What gives our lives meaning? This mountain, literally or figuratively, asks that question to everyone. It’s a metaphor for so many things, and it is Mother Nature humbling us.”



I was just 9 years old when the events on which the movie was based were taking place; which is why I wasn't really aware about them but seeing the movie & the events unfold really left a bitter sweet feeling in my heart. The movies' events still linger in my mind, days after seeing the film. 

The film's strong cast of actors and actresses (kudos to Keira Knightley for that tear-jerking scene!) delivered impressive performances which left me wiping away tears. 

I commend Director Baltasar Kormakur for making a point to re-create actual photos from the events on which the film was based on. I feel that the intention for the audience was to feel that these are actual people who lived and had loved ones and not simply characters created for a movie, was really accomplished. 


I did not know the story as it was unfolding in 1996 but I'm glad that I got to know it through Everest, it gave me a glimpse into the real strength and courage of the human spirit. 

You will enjoy the film whether you climb mountains or not, Everest will keep you at the edge of your seat, you will admire the beauty of nature & will be humbled by it's wrath. You will cry & your heart will break and you will witness a miracle. 

Everest  is now showing in cinemas and is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures. 




Monday, September 14, 2015

Books & Coffee: What more can you ask for?


One of the stories my mom loves telling (over, and over again) is that when I was 9 years old I asked to receive books from Santa Claus she was so proud that I chose books over toys at my age.

When Christmas Eve finally came I received Louisa May Alcott's Little Women and Jean Webster's Daddy Long Legs and I've been a bookworm since.


Which is why it was no surprise that my interest was captured when I saw that Eastwood, my home away from home was having a Books & Brews event. I mean books and coffee what more can you ask for right?

The event was held in a number of days at Eastwood Mall, there were different booths that had all kinds and sorts of coffee and books. I was especially excited since you could trade up your old books, which I did. I got a couple of classics Moby Dick (in time for the movie, The Heart of the Ocean) and Sherlock Holmes. Paul got a sketch notebook which featured. Design by local artist Manix Abrera. 

There were even booths that had the popular adult coloring books. 

My only regret was that we only went once and after an event coverage at that, our schedule made it difficult to check out the event. I hope there's going to be another Books & Brews event. It makes me happy to see that the traditional paperback still has a place in these modern times. :)




Enzo's First Birthday


I met Mae in the office and we soon discovered that we both love photography. Mae herself shoots her photos and is well versed in photography terms enough to carry out a conversation with Paul. She was even our accidental seat mate in one of the seminars during the Digital Photographer Philippines event. Which is why is why we were really honored when she asked us to cover her son's first birthday celebration.

Like us, Mae understands the importance of capturing memories and immortalizing them in photographs; and just like us she understands that it's not as simple as using your mobile phone and clicking non-stop.

Remember that we are talking about memories here and its always a good idea to invest in great quality photos. It's sad to think that some people are content with just taking a few low quality photos and uploading it on Social Media. With the advancement in technology we should take it upon ourselves not to settle for just any photos but to really look into having photos which will make us smile and bring us back to that moment, no matter how many years has already passed and beautiful photos can do that.

Thank you Mae for believing in us! As a fellow shutterbug that really means a lot! :)

Click here for more photos!

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Conquer the highest peak with EVEREST



I never really got the thrill of extreme sports, I'd rather stay at home and read a book than climb up a mountain. To each his own I guess, which is why I'm happy to just sit back, relax and enjoy movies about them.

Based on real events, Everest follows the story of the tragic events in May 1996 represented, at that time, the deadliest climb in the mountain’s history, and dramatized in Universal Pictures’ upcoming epic adventure “Everest.” The world’s media were transfixed by this story of human endurance, which became the subject of best-selling books and documentaries, often with contradicting accounts of the events.



Director Baltasar Kormakur did research and preparation for what he describes as “the hardest thing I’ve done in my life” began in earnest with his reading every book and document about the events that he could get his hands on. He had countless conversations with people who had climbed Everest, trying to understand the mind-set of a climber. He took a trip to Everest early in preproduction, then traveled to New Zealand to meet the families of those involved.




Inspired by the incredible events surrounding an attempt to reach the summit of the world’s highest mountain, “Everest” documents the awe-inspiring journey of two different expeditions challenged beyond their limits by one of the fiercest snowstorms ever encountered by mankind. Their mettle tested by the harshest elements found on the planet, the climbers will face nearly impossible obstacles as a lifelong obsession becomes a breathtaking struggle for survival.

The epic adventure stars Jason Clarke (“Terminator Genisys”), Josh Brolin (“Gangster Squad”), John Hawkes (“Lincoln”) and Jake Gyllenhaal (“Prince of Persia”). They are joined by Sam Worthington (“Avatar”), Robin Wright (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”), Emily Watson (“The Water Horse”) and Keira Knightley (“Pirates of the Caribbean”).
“Everest” is directed by Baltasar Kormákur (“2 Guns,” “Contraband”) and produced by Working Title's Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, Cross Creek's Brian Oliver and Tyler Thompson, as well as Nicky Kentish Barnes (“About Time”).
The film is adapted for the screen by Mark Medoff (“Children of a Lesser God”) and Oscar winner Simon Beaufoy (“Slumdog Millionaire”).
We all have our own Everest, the highest peak for us to climb and accomplish, it may not be a mountain, it may be a dream, an ambition and what's really scary is that climb to the top can be our very own undoing or the view from the top could be an accomplishment that would make all the risk worth it in the end. 

Opening across the Philippines on Sept. 16, 2015, “Everest” is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Experience “Everest” in IMAX 3D and on premium large-format 3D screens, as well as in standard 2D and 3D.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Beautiful and Captivating- Live and Die with Me And Earl and the DyingGirl


Me And Earl and the Dying Girl is everything that a teenage romantic comey is not. For one, lead characters Greg and Rachel are not your typical teenage love team that is made up of two supermodels. The witty and hilarious narrator of the story, Greg Gaines (Thomas Mann) even describes himself as "pasty" and having a "hedgehog face" (or was it ground hog-well something to that effect).

Well, you might have already guessed that the movie is about a girl with cancer and the awkward boy she becomes friends with but unlike a movie with a similar premise, Me And Earl and the Dying Girl will move audiences with it's thought-provoking, witty, beautiful and captivating story. 

Based on the debut novel of the same name by James Andrews (which I am currently reading) the movie is directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, Andrews works on the film as a writer. 


The film premiered at the 2015 Sundance Festival to a standing ovation. Bagging the US Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic and the Audience Award for US Drama at the festival. Now if that doesn't convince you to see the movie then I don't know what will. 

When you come to see the film, you expect to cry but instead you find yourself laughing because of the many smart but hilarious scenes, the use of clay animation, funny subtitles and even references to classic films, rest assured though that you will cry so make sure to pack some Kleenex. 


When we meet Greg, he is lanky, awkward, he thinks that he has everything figured out but when Rachel (Olivia Cooke) who has been diagnosed with leukemia comes to his life (the beginning of a doomed friendship) Greg learns what it means to be truly selfless and grows up into a man in the process.  


There are so many lessons in life to pick up that you will leave the cinema with a new perspective in life. I personally loved how the movie tackles life after death, how even after death we discover things we never knew of our loved ones. This resonates in me since I lost my father at a young age. 

There are many things to love about Me And Earl and the Dying Girl, aside from the story and characters, the humor and wit and the life lessons, the camera work and play with light is beautiful as well. 

The charm of Me And Earl and the Dying Girl is that it transcends the typical teenage movie for even adults to enjoy. If you're tired of the typical blockbuster films and teenage romantic comedies then this one is for you. 

 “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” opens September 16 in cinemas from 20thCentury Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.





Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Out of the Maze, Into the Scorch and the End of the World


"Hope is a dangerous thing" -Brenda

Did you ever feel like nothing ever went your way and it seems like the whole world is against you? Well Thomas and friends (pun intended) have never really had a break since their escape from the maze in the first movie. 

The Scorch Trials is stronger than it's predecessor with (more) running away from more frightening things than what they left behind in the glades. For the first time the audiences see what the world has become after the flare -and it's not a pretty sight. While there are still more questions left unanswered, audiences would finally get a sense and a feel of the direction for where the story goes. By the end of the movie you'll have more of a pulse of what is actually happening and where the story is going, which was my frustration with the first. Speaking of frustration I'm actually into reading a few chapters into The Scorch Trials and it was confusing since the first of the movie and the book had so many differences I wasn't sure if I was watching the right movie, but of course all these changes were for the good of the movie, where the fast pace picks off and it doesn't end. They could have trimmed down a few scenes but all in all it was a good pace considering all that was happening. 


Out of the Maze and Into The Scorch

The audiences see a barren wasteland and a destroyed civilization, kudos to the huge and amazing set pieces used to depict the dystopian setting. It's familiar and it is this familiarity which is frightening.

SPOILER!!! 

One thing I don't know exactly how to feel are 'the Cranks' in the book, they are described as the ones infected with the Flare virus which is the cause of humanity's demise, yes they are described as crazy and frightening but in the movie they are literally zombies. Like a cross of The Walking Dead and World War Z zombies, hideous looking but damn are they fast. There were parts in the movie where I was covering my eyes and ears just because I didn't want my heart to stop from a sudden 'crank attack'. 

Of course it was the Cranks which made the audiences scream (yes, lots of screaming) and which contributed to that 'exciting factor' which makes for a great movie experience. 

Warning - they are really ugly not for the faint of heart. 


Aside from escaping WCKD and running away from Cranks, Thomas and friends must deal with more characters who have been out in the world longer than they have been and therefore have the upper hand. It's a game of whom to trust, whom to consider an enemy and a friend. Little does Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) know is that a painful betrayal is just around the corner. 

Along with O’Brien, returning cast includes Kaya Scodelario, Thoma Brodie-Sangster, Ki Hong Lee, Dexter Darden, Alexander Flores and Patricia Clarkson with new cast members Aidan Gillen (shoutout to Baelish!) Rosa Salazar, Jacob Lofland, Lili Taylor, Barry Pepper and Nathalie Emmanuel. 

An ideal date movie or one to watch with friends, make sure you like the person sitting beside you, you'd most probably make a grab for them. 

 “Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials” opens this September 9 nationwide in Philippine cinemas (ahead of its U.S. release, September 18) from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Don't forget to share your Scorch Trial experiences with the hashtag #ScorchTrialsPH 
 


Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Filbar's brings exclusive Toy Collectibles for Asia Pop Comic ConManila 2015


It's not a convention without mouth-watering toy collectibles and Filbar's-the country's one stop shop for all pop-culture needs is sure to bring it's A game to Asia Pop Comic Con Manila 2015 on September 17-20, 2015 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. 

The Hot Toys Booth, powered by Filbar’s or Booth K#19, will delight action figures hobbyists with four Hot Toys 2015 Toy Fair Exclusives—the Iron Man Mark XXIV Tank, Maria Hill, Luke Skywalker (Stormtrooper Disguise Version), and Metal Gear’s Raiden (Inferno Armor Version). Special Edition Hot Toys based on Marvel and Star Wars properties are also available for preorder in limited quantities during the event.

Known for its realistic diecast figures, Hot Toys fittingly found its Philippine distributor, Filbar’s, in showcasing its detailed and high quality products. It previously partnered with Filbar’s for its “Avengers: Age of Ultron” exhibition last May.


Exclusive Filbar’s products available at Asia Pop Comicon Manila 2015 include:

Hot Toys

Iron Man Mark XXIV Tank
Expand your House Party Protocol and add this Iron Man armor to your collection. This Heavy Combat Suit features metallic brown and gold-colored armor, Unibeam and thruster effects accessories, LED light-up functions, a dynamic figure stand, and Mark IX and Mark XXVII (Disco) mini collectible figures that are perfect for recreating the iconic Iron Man 3  poster where the House Party Protocol Suits are flying into action. Php14,000

Maria Hill
A great addition to your Avengers: Age of Ultron collection, this movie-accurate collectible is specially crafted based on the image of Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill in the film featuring a newly developed head sculpt, finely tailored outfit, weapon and accessories. Php 10,500.

Luke Skywalker (Stormtrooper Disguise Version)
Based on Luke Skywalker’s disguise in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope,  this features a newly painted head sculpt, finely tailored Stormtrooper armor, an interchangeable Stormtrooper helmet with mechanically detailed interior, weapons and accessories, and a figure stand. Php11,000

Metal Gear’s Raiden (Inferno Armor Version)
From “Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance,” this figure comes with a highly detailed head sculpt, specially applied metallic red and gold colored armor, meticulously constructed body, a high-frequency blade, a HF Murasama with sheath, an assault rifle, a newly designed visor with digital pattern, and figure stand. Php14,000




Beast Kingdom

Floating Iron Man Mark III 
Shellhead is a flashy, new updated color variant of Beast Kingdom's Floating Iron Man Mark III featuring red and chrome markings. The statue includes an arc reactor base, with Iron Man floating above it in a flying pose. Php 8,500

Star Wars Egg Attack Action Darth Vader
This six-inch limited edition Beast Kingdom rendition of the iconic villain is constructed with compound materials and painted with expert techniques that perfectly capture the texture of Darth Vader's armor and clothing. It also features a light-up LED lightsaber and life-supporting device on the chest.Php 5,500




Funko

Science Bros 
Set of 2: Iron Man Unmasked and Glow-in-the-Dark Hulk

If you love the friendship between Iron Man and the Hulk on screen then you should grab the Science Bros set. This includes two Filbar’s Philippine Exclusives Iron Man Unmasked and Glow in the Dark Hulk.Php 1,600

Keep updated for more surprises from Filbar’s on Facebook (www.facebook.com/filbarsonline) and follow us on Instagram and Twitter (@filbarsonline). Join the conversation using the hashtag, #FilbarsAPCC.


About Filbar’s

Filbar’s, the country’s premier store for pop culture goodness since 1979, carries toys, comics, magazines, and young adult novels from both local and international publishers. Filbar’s is an official Philippine retailer of Hot Toys, Diamond Comic Distributors, Marvel, The Wand Company Ltd., Dark Horse Comics, RubberToe Replicas, Beast Kingdom, Funko, Wizards of the Coast, infoThink, Star Ace and Badali Jewelry.  Under the management of Collecticons, Inc., Filbar’s now operates seven major stores and three magazine stands in malls across Metro Manila.