Metro Comic Con 2009 Update: Interview with Ernest Hernandez

As Metro Comic Con 2009 approaches, news about the event floods the Internet and certain social circles. With because of all this hype, it’s easy to get lost in one’s excitement. I even went ahead and bought my tickets early. I heard early ticket buyers are entitled to a raffle draw, and the prizes are statues. I’m not sure which ones though. I felt like I had to find out.

To make sense of it all, I caught up with one of the organizers of the event, Mr. Ernest Hernandez. He’s here to enlighten us.

Bim:  Normally, during conventions like this, there’s a ton of new stuff that gets announced. Are we looking at anything fresh and new to be released upon the public at Manila Comic Con?

Ernest Hernandez : A lot of things.  We are a convention that is a step into the international scene. For this year, we are aiming to focus on panel discussions on indie films, indie comics, Filipinos breaking into mainstream comics, art of voice acting and many more.

Bim: Sounds extremely exciting.

Ernest Hernandez: To top that, we will be launching the DVD of Watchmen.

Bim: HOT DAMN!

Ernest Hernandez: And our movie theme is G.I. JOE.

Bim: Now, that’s an event! Are we expecting some MCC exclusive broadcasts, newsbits?

Ernest Hernandez: Right now, Solar Entertainment and Animax will cover our broadcasts, but I’ve got phone calls from other networks that would like to cover the event.

Bim: Oh, it’s getting traditional media coverage? This sounds huge. From the time you mentioned this to me a few months ago, I can see it has grown.

Ernest Hernandez: Indeed.

Bim: I understand there’s already a panel schedule. Is it cool if I post it for public consumption?

Ernest Hernandez: Of course. We would be heavily focusing on panels on Saturday and games and  cosplay on Sunday.

Bim: Besides the scheduled events, are you guys working on some things that you haven’t announced yet?

Ernest Hernandez: Well… I think I first told Comicology that G.I. JOE will be our movie theme.

Bim : Yes, you did. Will attendees have the chance to win anything?

Ernest Hernandez: All presold tickets will have a chance to win statues from Halimaw

Bim: Which are? Also, I bought two, just in case.

Ernest Hernandez: Click here. Thor Statue and a Hellboy bust, a god and a devil. Hahaha!

Bim : Hahaha! That’s right! I want that Thor, man. It looks fucking awesome.
 Most traditional Pinoy convention goers like going to find bargains for toys. Will we have a lot of sellers of various geeky stuff?

Ernest Hernandez  Yes, of course.

Bim: Any big sellers people should be looking out for?

Ernest Hernandez: We have a lot of toy sellers that will be joining the event- 2rats, CAD Toys, Kramer: Toy Warden, Toy Kingdom, Wasabi Toys, JAE, Hobbypont, Cool Republic, Dong Antigo’s Toys and many more. Hehehe.

Bim: Since this Con is moving towards more like international conventions, is it safe for me to assume that there will be guest stars or surprises? I mean, not just the ones mentioned in the panels, but things that might catch people by surprise.

Ernest Hernandez: This year, we would be highlighting Filipino talent. Lan Medina will be going to the convention too but he is too shy to be given a spot on the signing. He said that he would just go as a commoner, so watch out and keep your eyes peeled.

Bim: I want to bring all my Pagulayan drawn comics and have him sign all of them.
 So, I noticed a slight change in the posters. Does the name change mean anything? Will a lot get affected by it?

Ernest Hernandez: Nope. Consider it the same person who just changed clothes. It’s still us. A lot of people are telling me “why Manila when you guys are doing an event in Mandaluyong”

Bim: Great. This event seems to be on its way to success. I can see a lot of excitement for this everywhere. Are you planning on making this an annual thing?

Ernest Hernandez: Yes, we are. And we promise that next year would be even bigger…  a lot of things lined up already, including an international artist.

Bim: Can you clue us in?

Ernest Hernandez: More booths  and more sponsors giving great suggestions for 2010, international artist/s.

Bim:  Someday, I hope Hasbro releases an MCC exclusive figure and give the international collectors a hard time.

Ernest Hernandez: Ooohh… we are working on it.

Bim: AWESOME.  Anyway, that’s it. In our litlte way, Comicology will try its best to get the word across. We are hoping that this will be an immensely successful event! Thanks for your time, Ernest.

Ernest Hernandez: Thanks, Bim.

There you have it, guys. We’re all looking forward to the event. Buy your tickets now and be part of history. Here’s the panel schedule:

Saturday
11:00 – 2:00
Harvey Tolibao
Jay David Ramos
Stephen Segovia
Noah Salonga
Lui Antionio
Jomar Bulda
Ariel Padilla

2:00 – 5:00
Carlo Pagulayan
Jason Paz
Jeff Huet
Dennis Crisostomo
Butch Mapa
Bong Dazo

5:00 – 8:00
Pol Medina
Wilson Tortosa
Walter McDaniel
Randy Valiente
Julius Gopez
Hans Bacher

Sunday
11:00-2:00
Gilbert Monsanto
Budjette Tan
Kajo Baldisimo
Ernest Jocson
John Becaro
Manix Abrera
Heubert Michael
Bong Seriosa
Elbert Or

2:00 – 5:00
Leinil Yu
Gerry Alanguilan
Ed Tadeo
Mico Suayan
Edwin David
Jay Anacleto
Rain Beredo