HUNDREDS of anime and superhero fans, toy collectors and cosplay enthusiasts have gathered at Limketkai Mall's rotunda as the Cagayan de Oro (CDO) Toy Show brought wonder and cheery spirit with their Project Superhero over the weekend.
The fourth edition of the biggest toy convention in Northern Mindanao features the all-time favorite comic heroes and anime characters such as the superheroes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC, and the characters from the superhero manga and anime series Boku no Hero Academia.
Around 10 groups of exhibitors showcased their toy collection, from the miniatures of the Justice League heroes, the Avengers, and other heroes and anime characters (i.e. Dragonball, Naruto, One Piece, Person 5, etc.); the rare Gundam figures; the colorful Lego sets; the displays of mini slick cars and various drones; to the life-size statues of the Incredible Hulk, Batman, Captain America, Superman, Ironman, and others, created by Demver Morales.
The exhibitors include: Scribbles Studio, Team Marvel, Team DC, Project Lupad, Transformers group, Brotherhood, Gundam Philippines, South Side Kustomz Car Paints and Fiberglass, Hobby Shack Plus-Lifesize Statue, Team Anime and Ralph Mabulay Lego Man.
Apart from the toy exhibit, among the highlights of the CDO 2018 Toy Show were the Gundam Building Contest, Top Photography Contest, Geek Wars, Sketch Royale and the Cosplay Competition.
Among the winners in the Gundam Building Contest were Enrique Lagahit as the first placer; Johannes Gonzales as the second placer; and James Dimanarig as the third placer.
Ralph Mabulay, Rubypaolo Mabulay, John Raymond Macaraeg, John Andrew Bibal, and Steven Ocier, meanwhile, won consolation prizes.
The Cosplay Competition has three categories: walk-in (cloth and armor), solo, and pair. The following were named as winners:
Walk-in Cloth Category: Ryan Carl Bagabaldo, who cosplayed as Saitama from the anime One-Punch Man (and he really did have a bald head just like the character he dressed up).
Walk-in Armor Category: Ariel Lacson, who cosplayed as Clint Barton aka Hawkeye from the Marvel Cinematic Universe Avengers.
Solo Category: Darlene Nuenay, who cosplayed as Saber from Fate/Stay Night.
Pair Category: Christney and Noel Jules, who cosplayed as Mermaidman and Barnacle Boy from Spongebob Squarepants.
Kristoffer Jan Liao also announced the end of the CDO Toy Show with 2018 as its last year which, as written in the previous report, was only because of its name change to cater to a wider audience as the toy convention does not only attract fans, collectors and enthusiasts from Mindanao but also from Luzon and Visayas.
Liao also said that the area where the toy show will be held will also change but it will still be at Limketkai.
Kagay-anons are still eager and excited for what the toy convention will bring next year.