BACON POP 2024: COSPLAYERS INVADE THE MALLtiverse

 

 MALLTIVERSE OF MADNESS

BACON POP TURNS AYALA MALLS CAPITOL CENTRAL INTO POP CULTURE HAVEN (with video)

With a mission to bring Pop culture enthusiasts, and local talents & artists together under one roof, BaCon Pop brings fun to mallgoers. 
Ayala Malls capitol Central became full of kids and parents who wandered around the booths filled with Pop culture stuff and merchandise. Around the mallgoers were local Cosplayers who are equally stunned in seeing others in costume play. 

VIDEO of BaCon Pop 2024

Pop Culture Extravaganza! You might misinterpret the brand BaCon Pop as a food event at first glance. Well, actually, it's an acronym for Bacolod Convention on Pop Culture, it's an annual event usually held during Bacolod MassKara Festival weeks in October. It's designed by  pop culture enthusiasts for Pop Culture fans (the fandom includes but not limited to Anime/Manga, Superhero flicks, Hollywood iconic characters, Music,  Gaming, Iconic Memes) 

Phenomena And when you speak about pop culture in general, you need to note how wide is this phenomena spreading in the island of Negros, considering how fast media spreads information and data nowadays and there are a lot of genres and fandom to choose from. 

Kids were amazed with BayMax Cosplayer

Asian and Western Influences
First and foremost, it's not only focused on Japanese animes and manga culture. There are also a lot of American comic and cinematic universes intertwining as pop culture fans' taste are so diverse these days. 

Day of the Cosplay That's why, walking along the mall,  there are a barrage of  superheroes characters meeting horror movie characters. And yes, they get along. It seems to be an unlikely scene but you will know how massive is the influence BaCon Pop have created among Negrenses. 

Asian Dr. Strange in the MALLtiverse

Merch, Anyone? The presence of cosplayers are equally important as the merch booths at the event center of Ayala Malls Capitol Central. The men and women in costume are so entertaining that are cool to look at. They really get the attention of families.

Larger-than-life Baymax
You'll find lots of sci-fi characters and gaming console icons taking to each other. Seeing a larger-than-life Baymax is a sight to behold and kids and Big hero 6 fans are going crazy over the all white white "mascot". You'll just be curious on how the cosplayer behind it can breathe inside of it. 

Cosplayers are enthralled with each other's costumes

Dr. Strange is no Stranger The Sorcerer Supreme Dr. Strange is even a hit to many as the cosplayer personifying him looks and moves like Benedict Cumberbatch's acting in MCU movies. 

Real-Life Gaming
BaConPop has exciting events like Fightsaber, Asian Pop Quiz, Random Play Dance, FanClub Fanchant Clash,  Bee for Superfans, Cosplay Parade, Pro Cosplay Showdown, Meet and Greet and more.

CAMPUESTOHAN AWARDED By GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS

 LARGEST ROOSTER BUILDING 

HOW DID CAMPUESTOHAN HIGHLAND RESORT APPLIED AND WON A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS AWARD? (with videos)

In the Philippines, a gigantic rooster building rose in the mountains of Talisay city, just an hour drive from the capital, Bacolod. This giant rooster is the newest attraction of Campuestohan Highland Resort. However, it's  not just a simple tourist destination but a product of a great vision.  Inside are rooms intended to welcome visitors and guests who wanted to sleep overnight in this resort. Imagine that creativity! And now let's get to another story.

New Cock Addition
To add to all of this amazing things the owners are doing, they applied for Guinness World Records to help put their resort not only locally but also in the international map of travel. Called "Manok ni Gwapo Cano Tan", this towering hotel is worth to set a record not only in Asia but in the world. And how did the owners do that? 

Guinness Criteria
It turns out applying and setting for Guinness World of Records is not that easy. Guinness World Records, a global authority on World Record Breaking Achievements, have lists of criteria. One of them is how to record the precise size of the structure using modern surveying techniques. So, the owners rented the services of professional surveyors to map out the big rooster hotel (which was still under construction at the time). 

WATCH: VIDEO OF LASER SURVEY for GUINESS WORLD OF RECORDS

Drone Survey

The engineers used a LIDAR (laser scanner) attached to a DJI drone and let it automatically fly and scan to record it from above, 360 degrees. (see YT video above)
The surveyors from Manila also used other tools to scan the building perimeter and submitted it to the award institution as basis for their judgment - to set it as it is the biggest rooster building or not. 

Awarding Day

On October 19 2024, Saturday, a Guineess World of Records adjudicator declared "Manok ni Cano Gwapo Tan" at Campuestohan Highland Resort in Talisay City as the Largest Rooster Building.

Facing Challenges
Indeed, the sacrifices of those who envisioned and built it, especially the owner Ricardo Cano Tan and his team,  who were braving the rains and hot sunny weather are worth it. Indeed, we can't wait for the book to be published.

CAMPUESTOHAN ACTIVITY GUIDE VIDEO

For Newcomers (About the Resort)

For those who are not yet familiar with the place or still planning to visit it, Campuestohan Highland Resort has many activities ranging from swimming to Bike in the Sky to Slide for Life and more. (See campuestohan Guide video above) The place will also feature the longest slide race that could also be worthy for Guiness World Records.

CAMPUESTOHAN AT NIGHT
(VIRTUAL VIDEO OF LIGHT TUNNELS)

Lights at Night

At night and especially during ber Months and post Christmas, Campuestohan attracts more visitors because of their beautiful night effects like tunnels scattered all around the vicinity. These light effects, ranging from Sci Fi portals to Alien plants, can be experienced through the video above that will give you a virtual tour.

JOLLIBEE COLLECTIBLES, HISTORY and BIRTHDAY PARTY

THE BEST JOLLIBEE KIDDE MEAL CHRISTMAS COLLECTOR'S ITEMS?

 If you are an avid Jollibee Kiddie Meal Toy collector, you've come to the right place. Jollibee, as all we know, is a more than a mascot. One can't deny its magic. For kids and families Jollibee makes them whole when they dine in a certain branch. 

JOLLIBEE CHRISTMAS SEASON SANTA-INSPIRED COLLECTIBLES (VIDEO)

Jollibee's main target are wide range but they tapped on to the kid's market as they knew how their mascot has become a beloved icon by kids. And the kids, who are now, grown up and have their own families. And it turns out, their own children also love Jollibee. As a company, Jollibee is spreading more magic worldwide with branches in the Philippines,  Brunei, Taiwan, Jakarta, Indonesia, Singapore, Hongkong, Qatar, Vietnam, China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, USA, UK and more places. 

But how did Jollibee even began? From a humble ice cream parlor in 1975 located in Cubao, Quezon City, the outlet later began selling hot meals and sandwiches. When the food became more popular than the ice cream products, the family decided to convert the parlor into a fast food restaurant which became the first Jollibee branch in 1978.  Even its original name Jolibe was changed to what is now. Adding one l and e really helped the brand stood out from its competitors. 

And now the Kidde Meal toys are worth collecting. The one that really stood out was the Santa Claus Paskong Pinoy "Filipino Christmas"-themed collector's items which portrays a mascot wearing Santa costume. Each is also doing significant Xmas traditions and cultural stuff like drums, lanterns, and more. Not only these are toys, but they are also made decoration that you can hang on your own Christmas trees. Just one click of a button, each toy moves or alights. 

Aside from just selling Chicken Joys and Jolliburgers and Kiddie Meals Collectibles, one of Jollibee's oozing pride is bringing fun to children especially on their birthdays. True to the character of their ever-smiling and friendly mascot. That's why most Jollibee standalone stores have event spaces or rooms for bday celebrations. 

KIDDIE MEALS with TOYS INSIDE 

Guests are entertained by crews with icebreakers, parlor games, prizes and most of all a surprise meet ang greet with a real Jollibee Mascot (not just the statue) who will dance with the crew and also assist in giving the giveaways and kiddie meal collectible toys (shown  in the video above).
Well, the famous Jollibee advertising song I LOVE YOU, SABADO still resonates to many, as weekend kickstarts ,so as many scheduled parties in their branches.

BATCHOY: THE PERFECT RAINY DAY FOOD

BATCHOY IS A PERFECT RAINY DAYS COMFORT FOOD, WOULD YOU AGREE? It's a stormy week again? Well, one thing that can cure our hunger on a rainy day and gives us a comforting feeling is one soup that really is satisfying to the stomach. BATCHOY or batsoy is a very popular FIlipino noodle soup cuisine that originated in the Visayas. And it is one perfect rainy day food.

21 resto's batchoy

It is usually composed of pork offal, crushed pork cracklings, chicken stock, beef loin, and round noodles. There are many origin stories about this delicious dish. The original and most popular variant, the La Paz Batchoy, traces its roots to the Iloilo City district of La Paz, in the Philippines. However, the origin of the La Paz Batchoy is unclear with several accounts claiming credit for the dish.

One restaurant that's filled to to brim especially during rainy days is Super Batchoy House. Super Batchoy House is located in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. They have branches spread all over the city. Their delicious Batchoy has been sold for many years and still has the consistent flavor that many are still hooked to eat even up to this day.

Meanwhile, a Shell gasoline station in Bacolod where its convenience store serves Special Batchoy with cheaper price. It's very tasty for its price. However, drinks are sold with the usual convenience store pricing which is usually higher compared in restaurant or eatery. Batchoy is a Filipino noodle soup of pork offal, crushed pork cracklings, chicken stock, beef loin and round noodles. There are more restaurants that serve batchoy and these are Ted's, Deco, 21 restaurant in Bacolod, Nick's in Manapla, and even Shell convenience stores.

Different VARIANTS of BATCHOY:

ORDINARY or REGULAR BATCHOY - no egg and no offals or chicharon (sometimes smaller serving) SPECIAL BATCHOY - with egg, chicaron and offals (bigger serving) SUPER BATCHOY - with raw egg, offals, chicharon, bone marrow. usually served in bigger bowl

WHAT'S INSIDE A JOLLIBEE PARTY (with video tips)

WHAT TO EXPECT in a JOLLIBEE CHILDREN'S PARTY
(What are the secrets and surprises?)

What happens in a Jollibee party?

Well, every Jollibee Children's Birthday Party follows a template - play parlor games, eat food, award prizes, dancing and more.

WHAT HAPPENS IN A USUAL JOLLIBEE PARTY? (WATCH VIDEO)

But of course, when you are present in one of these birthdays, you will always see the kids' excitement and that the love for the endearing mascot is overwhelming. Thanks to the Jolli Crew, the event is always fun and full of surprises.
Watch the video (above) where Jollibee (mascot) has to hide in one of the rooms before he shows itself and its dance antics in a Meet and Greet session -  a surprise that always make guests and the birthday celebrator jump up with glee.

JOLLIBEE KIDDIE PARTY IN SAUDI? (WATCH VIDEO)

Even Jollibee branches around the world and specifically in Saudi Arabia have Children's birthday celebration event space which welcomes local and expat families alike to celebrate there. (See video above) But is the party the same in the Philippines? Well, try to find with the videos shared here,
Do check out 10 What to Expect inside the usual Jollibee event also in the video.
Don't forget to Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! 

S&R Bacolod Christmas Decors (with video)

 S&R Decorations will light up 
your Homes and Offices

Christmas season is here. The Ber months are almost over soon. With this in mind, we need not to rush for our holiday's needs. You name it- colorful Christmas decors.
As early as October, establishments like S&R has already selling beautiful Christmas decorations.

Holiday Special S&R, a membership shopping store, are providing their members a lot of options for Xmas ornaments from the usual giant Christmas tree to unique decorations such as lamp posts, a giant ball ornament, Santa and white bear soap collection, Belen (Holy Family), Xmas Gingerbread man baking set, Cute Christmas Village and more.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Ornaments for the Holiday
These ornaments are or not your usual displays. These are innovations with class and are crafted well.

The YouTube video above is a walk through guide for the holiday products that are displayed in their Bacolod city branch, Philippines just beside SM mall Bacolod.

10 Usual Decorations in a Filipino Home

1. Santa socks 

2. Christmas Lights

3. Star Lanterns or Parols

4. Christmas Tree

5. Belen (Holy Family)

6. Merry Christmas Letter Banners

7. Santa Claus statues or paper hangers

8. Images of Angels Blowing Horns 

9. Bethlehem Star

10. Santa driving his sleigh posters

TWO FACES OF BORACAY: NATURE and BUSINESS

THE BORACAY THAT 
WE USED TO KNOW
(Nature and More Modernity) 
WITH TIPS for Tourists

No doubt, Boracay is one of the top tourist destinations 
in the Philippines. With its long white beach and strings of leisure hotels, travelers love to spend their vacation because they wanted to enjoy the best of both worlds. The picturesque places of Boracay indeed are worth a thousand words.

Boracay: Past and Present There's always an endless debate if the modernization of the island did harm than good. You can see rows of buildings and houses along its white long beach. If compared to decades ago, the Boracay that few knew, esp the locals, is a virgin island where the only shelter you'll see is a kubo (wooden house) surrounded by tropical forests.

How The Island Became Popular
Then massive development began due to influx of tourists thanks to a 70s Hollywood film that was shot in the island. It was entitled Too Late the Hero starring Michael Caine. With this, international hotels (some with gold courses), stores and brands soon sprouted like mushrooms, changing the island's landscape. (See videos below)

Walking Tour video at Boracay's Station 2 and D*Mall

Road Trip video at Boracay's Station 2

Mall by the Bay

Also, there was only D*Mall, an array of stores lined up beside the shore, selling stuff from shirt to bikinis to sandals and souvenir.

It was just the beginning. Now, the streets of Boracay is mostly establishments ranging from banks to hotels to pop up stores to restaurants, one can be surprised of new developments each year. you'll see this if you look around. Ride a motorcyle or e-bike, if you will. 

TIPS for VISITORS IN BORACAY:
1. Travel light (there are lots of stores in Boracay)

2. Bring enough cash but be wary of the prices (Before you buy, check if you are buying or paying an overpriced food, goods, souvenirs or services like tattoos or massage. 

3. Observe safety when riding risky rides like parasailing and banana boat (Unfortunately, these exciting fun rides caused deaths to some of tourists in the past due to accidents and the lack of checking or following safety nets). Don't make pranks when you're riding.

4. Observe safety when swimming. Use a floating device if you must. Always check the head counts if you are a group.

5. If you have a drone, check out for places that are ok for flying one. Most of the places in Boracay have a strict ordinance on drone use as crashes can hit tourists.

6. Don't drink too much and get crazy during a party. Just enjoy! Check your phone always. It could slip through and lost in the sand.

7. No lovemaking on the beach (It's illegal).

8. Be aware of people forcing visitors to join their dinner seminars in the guise of free good, fast profitable returns or a famous star (their endorser) Usually, you can't get out easily once you ate the free food and they will force you to invest spot on. Just say No! to them and the free food. 

9. Keep your phones and laptops safe always. Some hostels have reports of burglars and thievery. Report your missing items by filing a blotter report at the island police station.

10. Throw garbage on the proper bin. Make Boracay's beach clean always.