Random Encounters: My ToyCon Survival Guide

Here is my ToyCon Survival Guide. For almost 7 years of Toy Con experience, ito yung mga tips na I know magiging kapakipakinabang sa marami. Subok at garantisadong mag-eenjoy kayo sa event na ito.

1. 2 weeks before the event, nag-ipon na ng pera. Kung ikaw ay isa lamang estudyante. Kailangan mong gawin ito. But even Yuppies are prone to shortage of fund so better save weeks before the ToyCon.

2. Be sure that you have at least one companion in the event. Dahil bukod sa pamimili, ito lang maglilibang sa inyo sa loob. Pag wala kang kausap, malamang umuwi ka rin nang maaga at di mo masusulit ang binayad mo sa entrance, Kapag ganun, manood na lang ng sine at palabas na ang incredible Hulk. Relax ka na, nag-enjoy ka pa. Lolz.

3. Make a list of items you want to buy. Not for the price. Eventually kasi iba ang presyo ng mga items sa Toycon, puwedeng mas mahal o mas mura. But making a list will make your hunting spree more easier. Kadalasang maraming tao sa event and it is a pain in the *bleep* ang magpabalik-balik sa mga booth.

4. Eat before going to the event. Sa dami ng tao, mapupuno ang mga fast food na malapit sa event so it is better na busugin na ninyo sarili ninyo para di na kayo gutumin. At para tipid na rin. Yung ipangkakain ninyo isang item din yun.

5. Prepare your camera. Be sure they are fully charged dahil hassle pag naubusan ka ng battery. Alam kong maraming mahilig makipagkodakan sa mga cosplayers kaya siguraduhin ninyong fully charged ang battery at marami ang free space ng digital camera ninyo.

6. Prepare your cellphone. The same with the camera. Fully charged and loaded. Marami ring emergency ang puwedeng mangyari sa event like kung nagkahiwalay kayo ng kasama mo. So be sure your cellphone is in good condition.

7. Wear comfortable clothes. This is only for non-cosplayers. ALam ko naman ang mga cosplayers ay napipilitang magsuot ng hindi komportableng damit for the sake of art. To ToyCon visitors, wear something cool to the body dahil kahit aircon sa Megatrade, iinit pa rin yan dahil sa dami ng tao.

8. Watch out for thieves. Kababasa ko lang sa blog ito ni Azrael, May mga jologs na nagpupunta sa mga event just to loot exhibitors, merchants and visitors. Don't easily give your trust to anyone. If you notice somebody na kahinahinala ang kilos, report it immediately to the ToyCon committee.

9. Lessen your load. As much as possible don't hassle yourself by bringing too much things that you will not use. Us a bag that has a strap so that both of your hands are still free to hold some additional loads like your shopping bag.

And last but not the least.

10. Know the man named Az. lol. Kung talagang magkaproblema ka na. Isa lang ang dapat mong takbuhan sa event. Yun ay si Azrael. Just be sure it is ToyCon related and don't go to him crying and talking about how your boyfriend broke up with you.

There are still more survival tips that can be used during ToyCon but what I've mentioned above I think are the most useful among them. So I leave the rest for everyone and be sure to enjoy the event, make friends and experience the ToyCon essence.

*photo is a collage of the 6th ToyCon.