ToyCon 2016 road map: What you need to know for this year’s convention

Now on its 15th year of bringing fandoms together, ToyCon 2016 promises to break the local pop culture scene by mixing toys, live artists, and revivals of old favorites from June 10 to 12 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The full schedule of the event can be viewed here.

Gates open at 12 nn on June 10, and 10 a.m. on June 11 and 12.

Volt-in for Encantadia Funko POPs

In preparation for the epic retelling of the hit 2005 fantaserye, GMA Network's Encantadia will unveil prototypes of its Sang'gres as Funko Pop figures at the PopLife Exhibit and release merchandise for eager fans.

Encantadia's cast will also present the 2016 incarnation of the show and sign autographs for willing fans on Saturday.

Meanwhile, fans of the legendary mecha anime series Voltes V will get the chance to pose with a 20-foot statue of the 70's robot legend at all three days of ToyCon for its 40th anniversary.

Those hoping to take home the experience and honor Toei Animation's masterpiece can also get a battle-damaged or regular version of Voltes V by payment or through an hourly lottery.

Fans content to watch the hit 70's anime may soon catch the series again on GMA 7 every Friday night.

Hold the door for Hodor, Bobba Fett, and Superman

This year, Toycon teamed up with Salt Lake Comic Con to bring the SLCC FanXperience to the Philippines.

Serving as the opening salvo to the Philippines' first FanXperience are Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn, The New Adventures of Superman heartthrob Dean Cain, and Star Wars bounty hunter Daniel Logan.

Boosting this excellent line-up are Thai sensation Mario Maurer, Twilight werewolves Bronson Pelletier and Kiowa Gordon, and R&B singer-songwriter FrankieJ.

FanXperience will run at all three days at various hours.

Stan Lee, Suicide Squad, and comic legends

Fans of former president and chairman of Marvel Comics Stan Lee will get the chance to peek at his private collection at the Stan Lee Excelsior! Exhibit, featured in cooperation with Stan Lee Collectibles.



The 93-year-old legend's collection will include vintage comic covers, movie props, rare memorabilia, original artwork and high-end collectibles.

Attendees can also add to or start their own treasure trove by collecting official merchandise and licensed collectibles exclusive to ToyCon 2016.

DC fans need not fret as DC Comics' latest summer blockbuster Suicide Squad will have its very own area featuring collectibles and merchandise from the Warner Brother Pictures-backed action film.

Fans looking for a little one-on-one with their favorite artists can thank Toycon's partnership with Pop Life as the ToyCon 2016 + Pop Life FanXperience summoned a host of legends from various fields for the three-day event.

These artists include The Walking Dead artist Arthur Suydam, DC and Marvel alumnus Pat Lee, NBA fig designers Coolrain Studio, body artist Sammie Bartko, and tabletop game designer Eric Lang.

Figs, games, and contests

The ToyCon 2016 + Pop Life FanXperience also brings the lifeblood of the con through a humongous exhibit featuring top toy lines from Kotobukiya, Hasbro, Mattel, Hot Toys, Enesco, Bandai and Lego.



Licensed properties such as Marvel, Star Wars, DC, Game of Thrones, Walking Dead, Cartoon Network, and NBA will also be making an appearance.

Top gaming honchos Capcom, Namco and DOTA 2 and subscription video-on-demand company, iFlix will also be present to provide entertainment through their interactive booths.

Fans with a competitive edge may enter their customized action figures, mechs, and dolls and other creations through various contests on June 11 and June 12.

LUNAtics and cosplayers abound

History buffs and LUNAtics will get the chance to see their beloved cast again at the Independence Day event of Heneral Luna on Sunday at noon.



Filipiniana-clad fans may also try their luck along with other cosplayers at the Philippines leg of CosFanx or at ToyCon 2016's Cosplay Contest.

Live, Live, Live

Music fans keen on expanding their tastes or satisfying their aural cravings can get their fill at night.



OPM fans can get their fill through evening concerts by ItchyWorms, Tanya Markova, and Parokya ni Edgar on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Rushers also have a chance to party with Big Time Rush stars Kendall Schmidt and Dustin Belt as the indie pop duo Heffron Drive will play at the event on Saturday.

Those looking for a bit more Japanese music in their lives can also look forward to DJ Kazu, Eletric Ribbon, and Yanakiku. —KG, GMA News