It’s been a week, still at Manipopcon2023 high and I still couldn’t believe I saw Mackenyu upclose and I’ve been watching Miraculous lady bag with my sisters for the longest time, and we couldn’t believe Tikki was voiced by Mela Lee!
So coming from Thailand to Manipopcon2023 was definitely worth it. Especially the geeks and the cosplayers who were really dedicated since day 1.
Manipopcon2023 was held at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay. It run from November 17-19 2023. The 3-day event had fun activities, booths (I bought a lot of Kawaii stuff, mostly sailor moon haha) and you also get to be a film geek as well because of classic cinema movies such as Master class Ibong Adarna (1941), Giliw Ko (1939), Tisoy (1977), Captain Barbell (1973), Omeng Satanasia (1977), Sa Init ng Apoy (1980) and Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara (1995).
They also had Silent Sanctuary’s Kahimanawari music video release and the super funny Mike Unson who always brings everyone laughing at their seats – The first time I watched him, my best friend was crying from laughter seriously. Manipopcon also had activities for aspiring designers too! My sibling was looking forward to this segment as a creative herself.
Here is the schedule (main stage) of the 3-day event:

I arrived at Day 2 (Nov 18), it started off with the grand launch of GMA’s Encantadia chronicles: SANGGRE starring Bianca Umali, Kelvin Miranda, Faith Da Silva and Angel Guardian. Those who attended were the first ones who got to see the teaser. This generation of SANGGRE I believe is a continuation from the 2016’s Encantadia. Bianca Umali who will be playing Terra plays the lost sanggre and will also be a superhero in the human world. I’m sure hardcore Encantadia fans will be staying tune 🙂
Next, was the most awaited Mackenyu’s solo panel, Mackenyu has gained international fame because of his role of Zoro from One Piece but he is already an established or known actor in Japan for those who don’t know yet. He has done several anime live action adaptations prior such Knights of the Zodiac, Rurouni Kenshin and others. His dad is Sonny Chiba, you might be familiar of his work, he was in Kill Bill and Fast & Furious “Tokyo Drift”.

Personally, I’m so grateful to see him upclose and personal (this was my day 3). He interacted with fans, answered questions and he couldn’t believe that he has a massive fan base here in the Philippines. At the end of the interview portion, the entire Ayala Malls Manila Bay sang to him “Happy Birthay”, it was his birthday last November 16.
You may watch some clips of the questions he answered during the solo panel on my Instagram (@krishlour) and tiktok (@stylewithkrishcatapang).

Day 3 (Nov 19) – Mela Lee’s solo panel was actually fun and Mela was the sweetest! She voiced Jade of Mortal Kombat but I am familiar with her work as the voice of Tikki from Miraculous Lady bug and Canary from Hunter x Hunter (Btw Mackenyu also loves Hunter x Hunter as emphasized by his manager who I got to interact with during Manipopcon). Afterwards, my friends, sister and I had a photo with her and she was the cutest –We had a photo together and it was her first time hearing “korean heart”.

I also had a photo op with Mackenyu afterwards, As a person who is familiar with the industry and culture, I do respect the management and I complied 🙂 Then looking at the bright side of things, I was able to see him really upclose and got the photo with him, that’s good enough for me 🙂 Mackenyu gave us a warm greeting, he was kind and very respectful.— Btw, he really has great skin and he is good looking.
Would I come back to Manipopcon, definitely yes! It’s also the experience, meeting new people and as a geek myself (I wouldn’t say that much), I would see myself enjoying events like this with friends and family 🙂 Thanks Manipopcon2023!