THE biggest gathering of online talents in the Philippines, with over 72 influencers onboard, happened last Oct. 25 and 26 at the Sky Hall, SM Seaside City Cebu. BaiCon InFest was organized by Republiq Group of Companies (RGC), the makers of Bai TV, in partnership with advertising and talent agencies Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN), Spark It Marketing, Paperbug TV, Blogapalooza and Digistar.
The event was set to be a Halloween party where influencers and content creators can come together to meet their fans. It kicked off with a grand launch and ribbon cutting ceremony participated in by Bryan Yap, RGC chief executive officer, Bea Evardone, RGC chief operating officer, Jim Guzman, DAN head of social, Kara Santiago, Spark It Marketing managing partner, Ace Gapuz, Blogapalooza chief operating officer, and YouTube sensation, Mimiyuuuh.
An official Meet and Greet happened on the first day and lucky fans were able to take a photo with their favorite content creators: Mimiyuuuh, Majo Lingat, Carlo Mendoza, Kimpoy Feliciano, Haidee and Hazel Quing, Fynest China, Kyo Quijano, Rozel Basilio, Luigi Pacheco, and Bogart the Explorer.
The first day ended with a Welcome Dinner Party at Circa 1900 with the theme, White 90’s Party. Local and national influencers and content creators partied the night away with throwback ‘90s music.
Fun and informational insights filled the second day of the event. Alem Garcia and David Wilde X opened the show with a heart-stopping performance. Erwan Heussaff started the conversation with a talk on how he turned content creation into a business.The Vlogkada—Kyo, Rozel and Luigi—along with Kimpoy Feliciano, had a fun game of Pinoy Henyo with their fans.
In the afternoon, Marlon Marcelo and Dunno Pangan talked about how eSports and streaming have risen through the years. After that, there was an entertaining comedy skit called Lights, Camera, BaiCon with Alem Garcia. They mimicked classic Filipino movie scenes with some talented fans.
Then David Wilde X went up the stage along with Vern and Verniece Enciso to talk about beauty, fashion, travel and lifestyle.
Mommy and daughter duo Hazel and Haidee Quing also had fun with a lively game of “Who’s the Cooler Quing?” with vlogger mom Cat Arambulo. Everyone in the audience got “kilig” when real-life couple vloggers Rei Germar and Migy Romulo were quizzed onstage on how well they know each other.
After that, Wil Dasovich and Jako de Leon talked about travel vlogging and how it evolved through the years. Then the whole Vlogsquad—Haley Dasovich, Bret Maverick, and Daniel Marsh—talked about being “foreignoy” vloggers.
Then it was time for the Mimi and Mikey Show, starring YouTube’s biggest Pinoy stars, Mimiyuuuh and Mikey Bustos. They interviewed each other about their journeys and inspirations for their vlogs and had fun with the audience.
All sorts of fun happened between influencer segments at BaiCon InFest. The BaiCon Royalties, or the audience members with the best costumes, were given some prizes. The Franco Santos Achievement Award was also launched, which is a tribute to the pioneer of influencer marketing in the Philippines, Franco Santos. This award will be given every year to content creators who have excelled in their respective crafts.
The Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines (CICP) was also launched during BaiCon InFest by Donald Lim, Dentsu Aegis Network Philippines chief executive officer. CICP is a new council that was created in order to protect the creative rights of influencers and content creators.
This is just the beginning. BaiCon InFest will be back next year—bigger, bolder and brighter.
Special thanks to sponsors: SM Seaside City Cebu, Cebu Pacific, Royal, Met Events, Klook, Sky Cable, True ID, Islands Souvenirs, Video Hub, Mactan Cebu International Airport, Hai Shin Lou Cebu, Rico’s Lechon, Dr. S. Wong’s Sulfur Soap, Casino Alcohol, Dr. S. Wong’s Bioderm Ointment, Bioderm, Efficascent, Emperador Brandy, Mandaue Foam, Big Hotel, bai Hotel Cebu, Mezzo Hotel, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Bayfront Hotel Cebu, Bigseed Public Relations & Events, Y101 FM, Sunstar, Cebu Content Creators, Cebu Bloggers Society, Cebu Fashion Bloggers, ASPACE Cebu, Walnut ph, Johnnie Walker, The Company Cebu, No. 9, Circa 1900. PR