CountdownS.H.I.E.L.D: August 2013

Saturday, August 31, 2013

STGCC 2013: Red Dot Diva Post-Day 1 Report!

09.01.2013 – Singapore Toy Game and Comic Convention (STGCC) went underway on the first day featuring the best and brightest side that separates this THE Pop Culture Event in Asia which is becoming the place to be before the start of “Ber Months.”

FIVE THINGS: Why Rocket Raccoon Rocks!

08.31.2013 – The Guardians of the Galaxy is a relatively unknown super hero team from the minds of Arnold Drake and Gene Colan with a different roster of characters set in the Marvel Universe future of Earth-691 that has no relations to the current team.

What’s similar is the name of the group that ties up to the original 1969 comic book that Major Vance Astro has founded. The current team was formed after the events of the Annihilations Conquest saga where one of the members would happen to be Rocket Raccoon a favorite among the characters in the series! Read more »

Friday, August 30, 2013

STGCC 2013: Vinyl on Vinyl at Artist Alley!

08.31.2013 – Are you ready for the Singapore Toy Game and Comic Convention (STGCC)? If you have been to the event last year and saw Vinyl on Vinyl then you won’t miss them this year situated at booth F56!

For this year the urban lifestyle artists has the roster featuring Anjo Bolarda, Maf Shareen aka Wanton Doodle, Egg Fiasco, Sonny Liew, Gabriel Tiongson, Mashi, Quiccs, and Dark Bulb’s Nelz Yumul also of WeeWillDoodle!

PRESS RELEASE: Thor The Dark World Character Posters!

08.30.2013 – Marvel is slowly cranking the shift in promoting the upcoming Thor The Dark World as previously announced that it will be in the 3D format and will be shown on IMAX 3D.

Tom Hiddleston is taking the Loki character appearing on Hall H last July.

Based on the past trailers revealed how big is the scope of this film for being a standalone after the events in New York.

08.29.2013 – Singapore Toy Game & Comic Convention (STGCC) Media Preview was set Thursday early this morning at the Meeting Room at the Marina Bay Sands a far different from the last year’s venue.

For this Media Preview CB Cebulski is back with Joe Madureira, Vampy Bit Me, Aza, Hideo Baba, and Army of Monkeys (J*Ryu, Angry Woebots and Luke Chueh) where present this morning for the media presentation.

PRESS RELEASE: Starcraft II Vengeance Cup Finals!

08.29.2013 – The game Starcraft has produced a huge following in the early 2000s and its sequel with its current expansion in Heart of the Swarm that was launched in March definitely gives you more stories besides its visually stunning game.

This also produced tournaments all over the world that the common gamer is no longer the couch potato, which has broken the stereotype in becoming what you would call a digital athlete representing a country to compete in these tournaments.

Marvel Universe: Guardians of the Galaxy!

08.28.2013 – The Guardians of the Galaxy is a superhero team that was formed during the devastation of the Annihilation: Conquest saga. But entirely the original team was first founded by Vance Astro in an alternate future that was published in 1969.

This modern take of the Guardians of the Galaxy is entirely a new roster led by Star Lord (Peter Quill), Drax the Destroyer, Gamora: The Most Dangerous Woman in the Universe, Groot and Rocket Raccoon which is going to be made into a live action film to be released in 2014.

PRESS RELEASE: Matt Damon in Elysium!

08.27.2013 – “Elysium” a dark dystopian future explores political and sociological themes such as immigration, health care and class issues. Elysium is a place place on both a ravaged Earth and a luxurious space habitat that was named for.

Matt Damon takes on the lead role of Max in TriStar Pictures' futuristic action thriller “Elysium” whose socio-political message underneath the gripping action scenes isn't lost on the actor. “I like to think it’s a hopeful message,” Damon says.

Sights & Highlights: BLACK art launch at Secret Fresh!

08.26.2013 – The Black art gallery featured five talented urban lifestyle artists from Kiko Escora, Archie "CHICHI MONSTER" Geotina, Noli "13LuckyMonkey" Coronado, Ali Alejandro and Steve Tirona. The event was supported with great music by Major Chie, Caliph 8 (Rigor Mortiz), and Out of Scratch.

The launch was simple clean cut but with an impact that definitely will find you appreciate how these five gentlemen push their limit in bringing their talent to the next level as presented by Secret Fresh.

Happy Meal Spotlight: DM2 US Minions!

08.25.2013 – The Despicable Me 2 minions featured as the Happy Meal toy between June-July 2013 has stirred a lot of interest that in some regions caused long lines just to complete the versions that came out.

The US release was kept secret until the rest of the ones released first in the Asian region got sold out. The ones came out in the US is a combination of the ones that came out in Australia and the Asian region with two new minions introduced only for that country which made it a unique line up.

Flying Colors Comics Celebrates with Jim Lee!

08.24.2013 – Flying Colors Comics and Other Stuff has been around for the past 25 years and it was known to have founded Free Comic Book Day by store proprietor Joe Field. For the month of September the store is celebrating its anniversary.

Flying Colors Comics earned the 1995 Will Eisner "Spirit of Comics" Award for Retailing Excellence, a "Hall-of-Fame" award recognized internationally among comic book professionals. So for this coming month they will have Jim Lee at their store.

HW Imagination 64 of 250: Batcopter!

08.23.2013 – The Batcopter is one of Batman’s many arsenals that he used to fight crime. It first appeared in the 1966 TV series starring Adam West the cape crusader. Over the years the Batcopter followed different types of iteration but was never as popular as the Batmobile which has been around since the Dark Knight’s early appearances.

There are several versions that came as a collectible but not based from comic books or the current movies which had The Bat in the Dark Knight Rises of 2012.

08.23.2013 – How is it difficult to get the right actor to portray the role of Batman? Many where shocked to react and some just deliberately made a point by making a digital image of Ben Affleck’s Daredevil from 2003 to the Dark Knight.

The announcement of DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. was shocking that it went trending in the social media showing some excitement and there also disappointments. But everyone will be anticipating seeing how Affleck takes role from Christian Bale.

08.22.2013 – Disney Planes was originally supposed to be a direct to DVD film expanding the world of Cars. But the studio was impressed about the story and it premise that they have set it to be shown in theaters.

It was announced that Disney Planes will be a trilogy and it was already announced that it will be followed by Disney Planes: Fire & Rescue with a set of screen date. Dusty Crophopper’s dreams as an international air racer begin in this film.

08.22.2013 – Secret Fresh successful re-opening is just the beginning of something big for the urban lifestyle culture. The company is not just about designer vinyl toys that launch exclusive made by well-known artists in the country it also promote the art scene.

For the upcoming weekend the next art launch will be featuring five distinct works from Kiko Escora, Archie "CHICHIMONSTER" Geotina, Noli "13LuckyMonkey" Coronado, Ali Alejandro and Steve Tirona. There will be musical performances by Major Chie, Caliph 8 (Rigor Mortiz), and Out of Scratch.

Komiks Expo 2013 by US based Manila Heritage Foundation!

08.21.2013 – Komiks Expo is a small press event dedicated to Filipino artists based in the US. It’s organized by Manilatown Heritage Foundation a local group of Filipinos based in San Francisco an event gathering of cartoon, comic book, animation, and anime artists.

Komiks Expo highlights the cartoon and comic book tradition in the Philippines and United States is back this year letting you know that there is an event happening annually paying tribute not only about the local talents but also Filipinos making big in the mainstream comic book industry.

PRESS RELEASE: The Maze Runner!

08.20.2013 – The Maze Runner a trilogy based on the novel by James Dashner with science fiction elements. This does not include the prequel The Kill Order which makes it four books in total that has been picked up by 20th Century Fox to be shopped as major motion picture.

The engaging sci-fi film will be helmed by first time director Wes Ball and produced by blockbuster filmmakers Wyck Godfrey who produced "Twilight," Ellen Goldsmith-Vein and Lee Stollman ("Abduction") and Lindsay William ("No Good Deed").

08.19.2013 – DC Entertainment has been playing catch up with Marvel’s movie franchise churning up the best ones that has been long planned. But from where they have been failing there are other parts of the company have been successful.

They have been consistent bringing the best animated movies and series that have become popular that it looked easy for them to come up with interesting short clips.

PRESS RELEASE: STGCC 2013 brings Hot Toys & More!

08.19.2013 – Singapore Toy, Game, and Comic Convention (STGCC) on its sixth year has grown to be the best of East and West that this is the only Pop Culture Event in Asia bringing you the biggest names and the brands that has become a staple for this event.

Last year’s STGCC revealed during Media Preview the upcoming releases as well as highlighted guests who were present.

Thundercats Classic: Lion-O! (8" Inch Scale Series)

08.17.2013 – Lion-O the iconic lord of the Thundercats has been the focal point of the original series as well as the recently cancelled modern series from 2011. Bandai manufactured the toy line up until Warner Bros. Animation canceled the TV series.

It left a cliffhanger similar to what happened to the Mike Young produced Masters of the Universe. You’ll never know what happened after that series ending episode. But the toys continued to sell but not as popular as you expected.

The Mystery Man in SIXTY SIX!

08.17.2013 – SIXTY SIX was an unknown comic book conceived in 2012 by Russell Molina (Madyik Silya ni Titoy “Titoy’s Magic Chair) and Ian Sta. Maria (Skyworld) and first released at the recently concluded Indieket 2013.

The story about an old man named Celestino Cabal who celebrated his 66th birthday where he received a special gift that he slowly opened to an unknown surprise as the series’ premise. The creators released two chapters but in those stories there were still unanswered questions that you might anticipate for the third chapter.

08.16.2013 – Call it “the last man standing” but in the Philippines there are only two fast food restaurants who are still offering meals for kids that have toys for free. In the previous feature back in 2011 there were three including Wendy’s who offered toys but they stop having them anymore.

Jollibee the biggest fast food restaurant in the Philippines which has now have stores all over the world is the second store that offers meals with toys. Of course McDonald’s started it all more than 30 years ago.

PRESS RELEASE: The Dark World Rules Into IMAX 3D!

08.16.2013 – You’ve seen Iron Man 3 after the events that happened in New York and what was the after effects that caught on with Tony Stark. There are questions what happened to the other heroes who banded together to form the Avengers?

The next one would be Thor as it reveals what happened to him and his adopted brother Loki not that he reappeared during the San Diego Comic Con was the most gracious welcome from the fans last July but it sure builds anticipation for The Dark World.

08.15.2013 – The much anticipated ERASERHEADS X SECRET FRESH exclusive designed by Korean based company COOLRAIN sighted at Filbar’s by Big Boys Toys now on display. But the official release won’t happen until next month. The iconic band from the 1990s finally will be having a designer vinyl toy based on the four members.

The vinyl toy based on the band compose of Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Marcus Adoro & Buddy Zabala have each individual instruments possibly will be sold as a set and Big Boys Toys will be carrying this in their stores exclusively.

Initial D's AE86 at World of Toyota!

08.15.2013 – The World of Toyota is an exhibition show by the car manufacturer on August 10 to 18, 2013 and features all the available models that are on display. It also proudly shares its history through the classic and modified cars on exhibit.

Beside its current line of cars from Toyota they also have concept cars displayed at the show that also have the high end luxury brand in Lexus.

The event also has invited local car clubs to participate in the event.

STGCC 2013: Komikon Team brings Dexter Soy!

08.14.2013 – The Singapore Toys Games and Comic Convention (STGCC) is just a few weeks away and they have announced their guests who will be gracing this year’s event. If last year’s Philippine invasion of artists was big expect a new group to make it to represent the country.

The organizers of Komikon returns this year though not the complete roster but they will bring along fast rising artists in Dexter Soy and this time they will be situated at the Artist Alley along with Callous Comics creator Dr. Carlo San Juan who was one of the guests at the recently concluded Indieket 2013. Read more »

Happy Meal Spotlight: Smurfs 2!

08.14.2013 – It’s been almost a month since the release of the Happy Meal featuring the characters from Smurfs 2 was released and some of them are still available in selected McDonald’s store in the Philippines.

They even held a special #ToyPhotography contest for you to be able to win a Sony Cybershot digital camera. The US release came out last July 1, 2013 and it’s not the same as how Despicable Me 2’s minions have ruled the toy meal world.

08.13.2013 – Kick-Ass 2 has been one of the most awaited films based from Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.’s original comic book that was published by Marvel under its Icon Comic imprint. What made the original film true to its source material was the characterization of Hit Girl portrayed by Chloe Grace Moretz.

This film propelled Moretz career in getting her to films that would truly remember her. But it took 3 years for the film to be released that Hit Girl doesn’t look like a 13 yr old.

08.13.2013 – Percy Jackson Sea Monsters became a surprise hit in the Philippines. It’s one of the films you don’t expect to earn more despite stiff competition among other big movies that was being shown in the country.

The reviews were not as impressive as how it was portrayed in the film but good enough to tell a good story based from Rick Riordan’s bestselling novels. The sequel took a long time to make it back to collective consciousness for those who have seen the 2010 film.

08.13.2013 – Kick-Ass 2 the sequel to Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.’s hit comic book series is finally is coming out kin the big screen. The much awaited film had a special press media screening at the newly renovated cinema at the Promenade Mall.

The upcoming film in the Philippines is taking advantage of the first Dolby Atmos sound of the theater even though Kick-Ass 2 is not using it. The invited press got to experience the sound technology by seeing upcoming films that’s using Dolby Atmos at the same time seeing how the theater shows the difference.

PRESS RELEASE: "La Da Dee" is Cloudy 2's End Credit Song!

08.13.2013 – Music what makes a movie great or bad. It can be the score or the accompanied song contributed by a well-known or an up and coming artist. Actually it gives benefit to the move and to the artists who made the song memorable because of the movie or vice versa.

Without music a movie is like having its personality and it has played through the early films that incorporate such concept. As what the former Tower Records store’s business tag “No Music. No Life” seems to be true.

Sights & Highlights at Indieket 2013!

08.12.2013 – Indieket this year was laid back despite the volume of people went to check out their local artists and their works. It was bigger than the previous year and there were several new comics and launches that made this event truly special.

The doors opened at 10 AM there was already long lines that formed outside the Bayanihan Center. Upon entering you’ll see there were already comic shops that have set up their booth ready for you to dig into their back issue bins. Among the vendors who participated, Filbar’s have something more to reveal with their mini exhibit.

08.12.2013 – Sharlto Copley has notable roles under his belt but in his career as a producer actor and director nothing has prepared him to the film Elysium. This science fiction film is something to look forward to see in local cinemas.

Sharlto Copley (“The A-Team”) – director Neill Blomkamp’s childhood friend and the star of “District 9” – re-teams with the director to take on the pivotal and villainous role of Kruger, in TriStar Pictures' futuristic action thriller “Elysium.”

08.11.2013 – Conan O’Brien one of the iconic talk shows in America. He’s a television host, writer, producer, comedian and a voice actor. Conan was well known writer for Saturday Night Live and a producer of The Simpsons for two seasons.

You don’t see him being a geek but some of his commentary makes some sense. A segment of his show “Clueless Gamer” he reviews the granddaddy of game consoles in the Atari 2600 and its notable games that you will find his thoughts entertaining.

Indieket 2013: Filbar's Unveiled Pop Art Project!

08.11.2013 – Indieket’s one-day event could not be contained with new comics being sold as well as surprising launches exclusive for this event. Upon entering the Bayanihan Center a few tables you’ll see the bright lights on your left side.

It was actually Filbar’s booth where they have unveiled a mini-exhibit of Funko Pop Vinyl toys featuring Iron Man as the base figure customized by NINE local artists into their characters that defined their individual creations. It was fully unveiled during the opening of the second annual Indieket which was met with inspirations and enthusiasm.

08.10.2013 – McDonald’s Happy in the US is consistent with the next upcoming toy that they have poste this prior to its release date during the availability of the current one in Smurfs 2. The 20th anniversary of the Power Rangers in the US makes the celebration special with the upcoming Power Rangers Megaforce.

The concept for the new Power Rangers Megaforce Happy Meal is not new at all it borrows the same concept in the previous meal toys like Jollibee when they have Voltron in 2008 where you complete all five lions.

Indieket 2013: Filbar's to Unveil a Surprise!

08.10.2013 – Filbar’s presences at Summer Komikon was the beginning and their launching of the concept store was just a tip of the iceberg. For Indieket it’s something new and that direction is going to astound you.

Their participation in the Indieket happening today will be something for you to check it out at their booth. It’s something that has been done in the urban lifestyle community and it will be a first for you to see it at Indieket 2013! Read more »

First Look: The Original Star Wars!

08.10.2013 – Star Wars Episode VII is still in production and that won’t happen until 2015. But Dark Horse Comics is not resting their laurels for you to wait but to look back at the beginning in what has become the biggest space opera this side of science fiction.

Dark Horse Comics has pulled all out the original screenplay of Star Wars from George Lucas’ archive what the famous space adventure should have been.

08.10.2013 – If you missed another live session with HERAKUT at the Bridge Way in Fully Booked then don’t miss out what would happen today. Yesterday was just a live art session with the amazing duo who painted a large mural in the side of the Book design section and that’s what you call great wall of art.

The session lasted for more than hours where the artists interacted with the audience who witness them go to work. The two German artists is enjoying their first time stay in Manila over the week checking out Philippine culture.

IndieKet 2013: Event Details & More!

08.09.2013 – Komikon Indieket is back on its second year focusing on the independent publishing where new Filipino made comics gets introduced. If last year’s event brought in new material and introducing artists who had their work sold out then the second one will be a little bit bigger.

Indieket gives spotlight to the small market that you rarely see in your local comic shop. It’s where original material gets discovered away from established publishers. It’s more like what APE (Alternative Print Expo) does in the US. Read more »

Geek Week 2013: This is Why We Love Comics!

08.09.2013 – It’s Geek Week on YouTube and several videos paying tribute to the event featured the launch of the new Thor: The Dark World trailer and countless interesting videos that you might come across that will inform and entertain you.

Buzzfeed however has something in mind and since the Philippines is gearing up for the second annual Komikon Indieket this Saturday why not promote the video “This is Why We Love Comics!”

Fully Booked + Vinyl on Vinyl: HERAKUT!

08.08.2013 – HERAKUT is now in Manila brought to you by Fully Booked and Vinyl on Vinyl. They are composed of two street artists Jasmin Siddiqui, or "Hera," and Falk Lehman, "Akut," specializing in murals.

They call themselves graffiti artists for their urban lifestyle, but most of their work is commissioned and has released several art books that tell their collaborated works.

They have been painting the design bridge way section of the bookstore.

Thor: The Dark World New Trailer!

08.07.2013 – It’s been a long wait for Thor: The Dark World since the most recent trailer. Finally it’s now here for your viewing pleasure building up the anticipation Marvel Studios has been teasing for the past months.

Chris Hemsworth returns as Thor Odinson the Norse god of mythology and one of the founding members of the Mighty Avenger. The premise takes place a year after the battle of New York struggling to find order in chaos in the cosmos but an ancient race is brooding in the horizon to tip the balance into the dark world. Read more »

Monday, August 5, 2013

Trese: The Filbar's Edition!

08.06.2013 – Trese the creation of Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo has been captivating a growing cult following.

Great stories that made you feel like watching an episode of Fringe or the X-Files that inspired an original fresh new take on Filipino horror genre.

It’s been a while since Midnight Tribunal was released its fifth book of the series and the rave reviews continue to flow making Alexandra Trese’s adventures become a word of mouth in the social media.

08.05.2013 – When AVATAR came to the big screen in 2009 they changed the way you watch movies in cinema with breakthrough 3D technology that other followed suit. This definitely changed the landscape how you enjoy watching movies with visual content.

Marking a significant expansion of his already ambitious plans for the much-anticipated AVATAR sequels, Academy Award®-winning filmmaker James Cameron announced that the films have grown in number from two to three.

Secret Fresh Inaugural Launch!

08.04.2013 – Secret Fresh has been on hiatus to feature or launch art galleries due to the renovation of Gallery One making changes switching the store functionto the second level while the ground level into the exhibit area for those who would be interested to acquire certain pieces of art.

The soft launch happened a week before but earlier was the ribbon cutting to welcome friends and first time visitors to the reinvigorated store that introduced the Orbiter designer toys made of resin and metal.

Movie Review: RED 2!

08.04.2013 – RED 2 is the sequel to the 2010 blockbuster film which was based from DC Comics limited series by Warren Ellis and Cully Hammer under the WildStorm imprint Homage Studios which tells the story retired CIA agent Frank Moses.

The film version differs from the comic book series which was light hearted comedy as opposed to the serious grit that was created by Elis and Hummer. RED the title is derived from the designation of the status of Frank Moses, meaning "Retired, Extremely Dangerous."

FIVE THINGS: What to see at Filbar's!

08.03.2013 – If you haven’t visited the new Filbar’s concept store in Filinvest Festival Supermall in Alabang and traveling there is far for you, wondering what they might have can convince you here’s FIVE THINGS that you might be interested.

Seeing this is an advantage for those who are actually based there now in the South now that Filbar’s is returning in a whole new way.

You might find this to be a weekend adventure to check what cool stuff they have in their new shop.

08.03.2013 – Smurfette the only female Smurf would play a larger role in the upcoming sequel from Sony Animation Studios. If you have been following Peyo’s original comic strips she was never a Smurf by nature but rather a creation of the sinister Gargamel.

The Happy Meal toys are slowly appearing in some parts of the Asian region and the reports about the US release was earlier than expected no that the Minions have blown up the interest in collecting these toys won’t translate the same success with the Smurfs.

Rotator Exhibit to Open Secret Fresh Gallery!

08.02.2013 – Secret Fresh is coming back to a whole new way this year with a newly renovated store and art gallery by Jagnus Design Studios. The New “Fresh Look” had a soft launch last Sunday but this weekend is the event the will open its doors once again.

The inauguration of Gallery One will feature an art launch by Mark Orozco and Justiniani titled “Rotator.” The revitalized store now looks spacious with more floor space where one can perform a cart wheel if they want it so… Read more »

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Friday, August 30, 2013

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Monday, August 26, 2013

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Friday, August 23, 2013

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Monday, August 19, 2013

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Friday, August 16, 2013

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Monday, August 12, 2013

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Friday, August 9, 2013

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Monday, August 5, 2013

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Friday, August 2, 2013