I had an awesome and exhausting 45-day stay in Manila thanks to my friends. Even though I'm tired and almost ran out of cash, it was all worth it.
The stay wasn't that much exciting considering that most of it was ToyCon/Work related, however my nightlife was never dull. Then again if you'd consider staying at McCafe for more than 3 hours is dull, then I guess it's from anyone's perspective.
Things were memorable to me to a point that I could actually blog it right now week by week. Let's see what I've managed to do within my 45-day stay in Manila. My friends, if you have more things to add and if you guys remember some stuff you'd like me to put, you know where to find me hahaha.
Week 1 (May 22 - May 27)
This could probably be the 2nd most exhausting and 2nd most exciting week during my stay in the Philippines. I arrived at Terminal 3 at 10PM, which is an hour earlier than my scheduled arrival (so I had to wait at the airport). The next day, I met up with a few friends and discussed work immediately. On that week's weekend, we set off for our Batangas Weekend Getaway.
This weekend was one of those stress relieving days where you shouldn't mind problems and work and just get to have fun with friends. One unfortunate thing though was that my iTouch 4th Gen got wet because of a mishap, however I'm glad that my friends were alright when that wave hit them. Though some of them came back with scratches and bruises, everything was good. I just don't know about a certain someone who fell off the stairs twice (hahaha).
Week 2 (May 28 - June 3)
This week became hectic as several meetings emerged out of nowhere and we had to participate in an event organized by MCT Events Management. Never got to buy anything really at that event even though prices for cellphones and other stuff came to a 70% off discount (or so they say). But nevertheless, this was like a prelude to a storm that was headed my way during my stay in Manila.
Week 3 (June 4 - June 10)
Ah yes, the week before the biggest pop culture event of the Philippines. Where all of the last minute work and tasks are given. It's the time where we go on all-out in preparation for ToyCon. This year however, we were all laid back, despite the pressure and stress that can be seen on our faces.
Tuesday was ToyCon's Exhibitor's Briefing. It's where ToyCon's exhibitors gets briefed (lol). Actually it's where most of the participants of the 11th Philippine ToyCon gets informed of the house rules, parameters and processes they have to follow before, during and after the event proper.
Wednesday, me and my friends head out to Japanimation's store to browse for some stuff. I, well a friend actually, found something rather interesting at the store too. One of them even mistook it for a magic wand. Well it's actually a wand and it does have some magic in it ^_~
Friday! 3 major things happened:
- ToyCon Press Conference
- ToyCon Security Briefing
- ToyCon Toy Group Briefing
It's very much self explanatory.
--- If ever you're wondering what I do at night, that's coming in a bit later ---
Week 4 (June 11 - June 17)
This is what we call (in the organization) "The ToyCon Week". Others call it the "Doomsday Week". I personally call it "The No Rest and Sleep Week". Although normally the event takes place by the weekend, this week is entirely dedicated for ToyCon now. Within the previous weeks, we've had several meetings with several different events and clients, but we usually lock ourselves down and prioritize everything about ToyCon within the week the event will be taking place.
June 11, 11:30PM - Something happened. To be explained later.
Everything in this week started on June 12. Kicked off with a Cosplay Meeting for ToyCon with Mr. Jingo Zara (ToyCon's Event Manager) at McDonald's ABS-CBN, which led me to discover a new hangout spot (to be explained later). The meeting's duration was just fine, from 10:30AM to 12:30PM wasn't bad at all. However, due to a previous instance (RE: June 11, 11:30PM), we just had to go for another drive up that hill with an awesome view of the Metro. So thus, our midnight independence day roadtrip happened in the evening of the 12th and lasted up until 1 in the morning of the 13th, where we're supposed to be at a TV guesting at 'Umagang Kay Ganda' which begins at 5AM of the same day. (Literally "No Rest and Sleep Week right?)
Continuing on, June 13th at 2 in the morning, we had to fetch all the cosplayers that were needed to guest for the morning TV show of ABS-CBN and at around 9AM, we had to chauffeur them back to where we picked them up and then return the van at the studio. Everything finished by 12NN. Unfortunately it doesn't end there. In the afternoon of that same day, we had to purchase some stuff and supplies needed for us to work for ToyCon and had to polish things up for ToyCon's INGRESS which will be happening on the 14th (the following day). Of course in the evening, was something yet to be explained again.
And before you know it, ToyCon just passed like a breeze with minimal problems at all.
On to the escapades. Basically every night we just went to McCafe and just stayed there for 2-3 hours talking our asses of. But one spontaneous move we did was on June 11 when we suddenly drove up to Cloud 9 at Antipolo City with my gas tank nearly empty. Apparently we just felt like driving around since our other friend managed to bring out his car for the night. The following evening, it was decided that we drink there regardless of the TV guesting that we were supposed to attend to the following morning, thus the independence day roadtrip began.
All of these experiences was made possible by my friends and colleagues and it was truly a remarkable 45 day stay in Manila. I hope that my future stays become more exciting and as much as possible, less stressful (if that's even possible). Many thanks to you all and until the next time I get back there.
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@xsprinter
