Hopefully, he won’t get lost.
Guess Filipinos are up for some treats this “ber”-season. Not only our favorite K-drama heartthrobs and K-pop stars are gracing the country with their presence, but so is the breakout star who brought Roronoa Zoro to life in the recently released Netflix live-action adaptation of One Piece.
That’s right, Japanese actor Mackenyu Arata is headlining the 2023 Manila Pop Culture Convention (ManiPopCon) set to take place from November 17 to 19 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay. In the press conference, the organizers released an exciting video in which he expressed his eagerness to meet his Filipino fans. He shared, “To all my Filipino fans out there, I’m happy to share that I’ll be appearing at the ManiPopCon in Manila from November 17th to the 19th. See you guys there!“
What We Know So Far About 2023 ManiPopCon
For those who are unfamiliar, the Manila Pop Culture Convention is an eagerly anticipated event that serves as a vibrant celebration of pop culture in all its multifaceted glory. This convention is a haven for enthusiasts of all things geeky, offering a diverse array of activities that cater to every taste and passion. From epic gaming tournaments that test the skills of the most dedicated players to a treasure trove of merchandise that allows fans to immerse themselves in their favorite worlds, ManiPopCon has something for everyone.
But that’s not all; one of the crown jewels of the convention is the spectacular display of cosplays, where attendees transform into their beloved characters with incredible attention to detail. And the icing on the cake? Exclusive meet-and-greet sessions with stars like Mackenyu Arata and Usagi Yojimbo creator Stan Sakai, who bring a touch of celebrity glamour to the event.
In the media conference, ManiPopCon’s chief geek officer, Marco Aventajado, shared the process of how and why they got Mackenyu to banner the event. “We were the first one in Southeast Asia, so it’s going to be very interesting because we want to invite not just the Filipinos but also the other people in the region, and that of course translates to an interesting event that would help the sponsors.”
Attending ManiPopCon 2023 does not require any tickets; however, to get the premium experience of autograph signing and picture-taking with celebrities, you may secure your ticket via Ticketmelon’s official website.
Photo opportunities are organized in blocks from 1 pm to 4 pm, priced at P6,000, while autograph signing sessions are scheduled from 5 pm to 8 pm, available at P5,500. With tickets in high demand, it’s essential to secure yours promptly to avoid missing out!
Now renewed for Season 2, Mackenyu starred alongside Iñaki Godoy, Emily Rudd, Taz Skylar, and Jacob Gibson in the live adaptation of the hit manga series by Eiichiro Oda. He has been known for his roles in Pacific Rim: Uprising, Rurouni Kenshin: Final Chapter, Fullmetal Alchemist: The Revenge of Scar, and Chihayafuru to name a few.
Cover image credit: Mackenyu Arata
