[NEWS] Gunpla EXPO 2017 Philippines (And some first thoughts about the event)

(Gunpla Expo logo from: Gundam.info)

       And so it begins. Gunpla Expo is finally coming to the Philippines. From the rumors of Gunpla Expo going around since last year (that my very kind Gunpla fb friend has been raving about but I think no one seemed to care about it), to this leaked image that surfaced days before the official announcent, finally it's here.

photo from: Gundam Philippines FB page

       It was announced last January 19 via Gundam Philippines' facebook page about the said event. It will be held at the Main Hall Atrium in SM Mall of Asia (MoA). It is a Free Admission event that includes a raffle and will start on February 25 to March 5, 2017.

Event Highlights:

• 3 meter Gundam RX-78-2 Statue
• MG Gundam Masterpiece
• Beargguy Diorama PH Version
• Wide range of expensive Model Kits
• Fuckass expensive  Gunpla Expo Limited Items

       While most Gundam fans and hobbyist are excited about this event, some reactions are pretty mixed. Well, there may be "finally" a Gunpla Expo in the Philippines where you can see some Gunpla displays, upcoming Gunpla releases, and Expo Exclusive kits but there's one thing that most people are not satisfied about, THE PRICING. Gundam Model Kits are officially distributed by the assholes at Ban Kee Trading in the Philippines and of course they are notorious for adding high as fuck prices in the Gunplas that they sell. Talking about a High Grade Try Burning Gundam that costs JPY1800 (787 in Philippine Peso) and giving it a PHP1200 price tag. An additional P300 for a HG kit is too much. But that's not all, pricing sometimes depend on the hype of the MS. I once saw a HGBF Sengoku Astray, and it cost P2000, a very huge price tag for a simple kit that needs lots of painting that costs the same with the Try Burning Gundam. I think Ban Kee thought, "Hey, I think this'll be a fan favorite kit in the Philippines, let's sell it for P2000!"

       So with that I think the so-called, Wide range of model kits and Gunpla Expo Limited Items might cost 2x or worse 3x worth it's original value. Or to make it much worse, they'll make you buy P500-P2000 worth of kits first to buy an exclusive one, just like what they did last time during the 2016 Gundam Modelling Kit Competition:

I think this is the strategy that the assholes at Ban Kee will do for the event. But let's hope for FAIR PRICING.

       But aside from the negativity, let's still be hopeful for the very Gunpla Expo. Let's hope that the organizers will give fans what they really want and what they deserve and do a pretty good job on organizing this event. Looking at the bright side we might see really cool stuff and some prototypes of the upcoming Gunplas, diorama displays of the winners from last year's GBWC, and of course the 3-meter Granpa Gundam that might beat the crap out of this one.

      So mark your calendars, save lots of your hard earned money, and be nice to your parents so they'll let you go to the event (well, if you're a kid of course) because this might be an epic one. And of course, yours truly will be at the said event to cover it and of course post some pics here in my blog. And maybe tap me on the shoulder when you guys recognize me. See you at the event!