From the moment guests walked into the venue dressed in elegant and imaginative pearl-white outfits, it felt like everyone had become part of one giant celebration. The halls looked less like a convention center and more like a runway, where every ensemble reflected confidence, individuality, and the freedom to express one's true self.

But beyond the glamorous fashion, dazzling performances, and celebrity-filled night, White Party Manila 2026 carried a much deeper purpose.

Two Zones. One Epic Weekend.
Double your fun as the TOYCON Summer Prelude 2026 is designed to deliver a dynamic, dual-experience format with:

Toy Dealers & Gaming Zone (at the Crystal Pavilion, Okada Manila / 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
Inside the hotel, attendees can explore a vibrant showcase of toys, collectibles, and gaming experiences. Check out:
● Exhibits from top toy brands (PopLife Collectormates and Thrilljoy, Great Toys Online/Tamashii Nations and Bandai Namco, Legendary Beast Studios, Maisto, Burago, Minix, Rastar and many more)
● Battlegrounds by MAD Events, a 2-day Warhammer tournament with major cash prizes, along with awesome trading card gaming (TCG) and collecting, with lots of rare finds in Pokemon, Magic the

Gathering, One Piece and new TCG property, Vibes
● Local toy creators and artists
● Gaming demos, tournaments, and interactive booths by Mana Underground ● Onstage Program with special musical performances, meet-and-greet sessions and panel discussions

Cosplay Fiesta (at The Garden, Okada Manila / 3:00 PM to 12:00 midnight)

Step outside into a lively open-air celebration of creativity and fandom at The Garden, Okada Manila. Highlights include:
● Cosplay community meet-ups and photo shoot opportunities
● Panel discussions for Cosplay tips and techniques
● Batang 90’s Voice Actors
● Framing Fandom: A Q&A panel on Cosplay props and photography featuring celebrity cosplay photographer, Jay Tablante and cosplay crafter, Gelo Grayson ● CosClick: Cosplay Photography Contest with major prizes from Benro, Lowepro and Saramonic
● Live performances and entertainment from Japanese and local Idols and idol groups
● Meet & Greet of celebrity cosplayers and their fan groups

Cosplay Competitions (at the Crystal Pavilion)
Cosplay fans will enjoy watching the Cosplay Competitions at the Crystal Pavilion. Exciting prizes are up for grabs for the best cosplayers
Saturday: Pop Culture Hiroshima Cosplay Competition
Sunday: TOYCON CosKon Last Chance Qualifiers

Guests & Special Attractions
Fans can look forward to appearances by notable personalities from the toy, gaming, and cosplay communities. From influencers and collectors to cosplay stars, the event brings together some of the most exciting names in the scene for a truly immersive fan experience.

Special Musical Performances by:

● Hoshizora
● AiDreamin
● Chaeri Ichigo
● Rai
● Txu Xii
● Shua Leiue
● Pastelmix
● Super Macaroni Salad
● Miura Ayme
● Kamen Joshi
● Skygarden
● Ysla
● Div9


with Special Guests and Celebrity cosplayers:
● Jay Tablante
● Prince De Guzman
● AWIE
● Kenji
● Sunny Rose Schnee
● Doremi Cosplay
● Gelo Grayson
● Miyaka
● Eiya
● Kimaeh
● Wana
● Nicola Ber
● Berneth
● Nayumi’s World
● Kanna Doe
● Vastaea
● Aeisha
● Dani Evans
● Jane Yu
● Ai Natsumi
● Ac コスプレ Cosplay
● Chyzu Ren
● Tsuclashima
● Zhia
● Kianna
● Gyoza Chan
● Nyaaawmeeeow
● Khay TRC

100% FREE — Plus Easy Access

In true TOYCON spirit, the TOYCON Summer Prelude 2026 is completely FREE for all attendees, making it accessible to fans of all ages.

To ensure convenience, complimentary shuttle services will be available to and from the SM Mall of Asia, providing hassle-free transport directly to the venue.

The Road to TOYCON PH 2026 As the official prelude to the flagship TOYCON PH event this June, the TOYCON Summer Prelude sets the stage for what’s to come — big reveals, huge exhibits, and even more fan-driven excitement. It’s the perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to reconnect, discover new passions, and gear up for the main event.

Fuel your Fandom!

Whether you’re a collector, gamer, cosplayer, or simply a fan of pop culture, TOYCON Summer Prelude 2026 is your chance to experience “Double the Fun” in this one epic weekend. Turn up the heat and fuel your fandom for two whole days of maximum fun!

Mark your calendars — April 11 & 12, 2026 — and be part of the ultimate summer kickoff event for fans of pop-culture, hobbies and collectibles!

For updates and more information,
Visit the TOYCON official website www.toyconph.com

follow TOYCON on their social media:
Facebook.com/TOYCONPH
Instagram.com/toyconphofficial
Youtube.com/@TOYCONPH
Tiktok.com/@toyconph

The festival opened with the Ilocos Sur Trade and Food Fair, where local government units, small businesses, and artisans turned simple booths into showcases of local talent. The Municipality of Caoayan earned top honors for its display, while products such as Double Cacao Delight and ube vinegar drew attention for their creativity. Artisans also demonstrated their skills on site, and the Most Innovative Product Competition highlighted how traditional crafts can find new life in today’s market.

Faith and tradition took center stage during the Eucharistic Celebration and the Los Patrones Procession, drawing clergy, local officials, and devotees in a show of unity. Soon after, the mood shifted as the Grand Parade filled the streets with color and music. Floats and performers from different towns told local stories through vibrant designs, with Sinait, Sigay, and Narvacan winning top awards in the float competition. The parade brought together people from all sectors, turning the streets into one long line of celebration.

The festival’s grand opening at Quirino Stadium set the tone for the days ahead. A drone show lit up the night sky, the Provincial Capitol glowed with lights, and performances by Kai Montinola and Kyle Echarri capped the evening. Organizers said the Grand Parade alone drew about 40,000 participants, marking the highest turnout the festival has seen in recent years.

The day after, Agri Day had the spotlight shifted to the hands that feed Ilocos Sur—its farmers and fisherfolk—at the Narvacan Farmers Market on 2 February 2026. Tractor floats paraded in style, with Narvacan topping the competition, while Bantay was hailed as “AGRI-Pinaka Productive LGU,” underscoring agriculture as the province’s lifeblood. The festival then extended a warm embrace to its global family through “An Evening with the Balikbayans” at CHAVIT Coliseum, where Ilocanos from abroad were honored for their contributions and enduring love for home, highlighted by the presentation of the Global ONE Ilocos Sur Association (GO ISA).

Alongside heritage, pop culture had its moment with the Esports and Cosplay Competition, where anime, game, and comic characters came alive in cloth and mecha categories judged by Myrtle Sarrosa and fellow enthusiasts. The energy shifted yet again with Bingo Night at Quirino Stadium, as thousands played for big prizes, culminating in a thrilling 100,000 pesos grand blackout win that had the entire crowd roaring.

Culture took a bold turn at Tinnatoan: Tattoo Expo, where traditional and contemporary tattoo artists, including Kalinga mambabatok and descendants of Apo Whang-Od, showcased tattooing as living heritage and identity. Honors were given to artists and cultural bearers, and the Best of Show competition spotlighted pieces that fused symbolism with innovation.

From skin art to stage presence, Mister Ilocos Sur 2026 crowned Aries Ronie Patis of Santa Cruz as Mister Ilocos Sur, alongside gentlemen recognized for goodwill, culture, and leadership—proving that modern Ilocano masculinity is built on strength, service, and cultural pride. On the coast, Bangkarera put fisherfolk and racers in the limelight, as boats sliced through the water in multiple race categories—National Open Formula, National Open Panaltagan, Bachola and Rakit, honoring sea-based skills and coastal communities.

The adrenaline did not stop there. A two-day Motocross Competition in the Municipality of Salcedo turned rugged terrain into a playground of speed and skill, featuring categories from 65cc and Ladies Class to the heart-stopping Pro Open race. Riders, brands, and fans came together in a high-octane celebration that positioned Ilocos Sur as a rising hub for extreme sports and adventure tourism.


Inclusivity, beauty, and self-expression took center stage at the Ilocos Sur Pride Queen 2026 Coronation Night, where Luivie Bitongan of Candon City led a court of powerful Pride Queens who turned the CHAVIT Coliseum into a stage of authenticity and courage. Later, Miss Ilocos Sur 2026 crowned Narvacan’s Nathalie Clarin as its new queen, with court members representing tourism and environment, and special awards like Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown celebrating poise and performance. The Miss Ilocos Sur 2026 Coronation Night recorded 1.7 million views, with online publicity materials reaching up to 855,742 individuals online.

Across festival grounds, eighteen municipalities raised their festival archs—towering artworks of wood, craft, and symbolism—with Alilem, Burgos, and Suyo earning top honors for their stunning cultural gateways. The Tribute to Elderlies 2026 then shifted the mood to gratitude, as the province honored its senior citizens, recognized ten distinguished elders, and celebrated tradition-keepers through a cultural dance competition won by Santa.

Meanwhile, the youth lit up the stage in the Street Dance and Showdown Competition, where San Juan reclaimed the championship while Vigan City and Candon City claimed the 2nd and 3rd place respectively. The Showdown Competition was also enjoined by guest artists Maris Racal and Paul Salas.. Gen Z-arzuela brought theater to life with young ensembles updating zarzuela with modern twists, with PPSK from the Municipality of Sta. Cruz, Kayaw Teatro, and Talento Likha leading the winners and individual acting awards highlighting raw talent.

While the Foam Fest: Run and Rave pulled in around 15,000 runners, dancers, and revelers who started the day with Zumba and foam runs and ended it under rave lights with DJs and a high-energy performance from Flow G, proving that fitness and fun make a perfect festival pair. Battle of the Bands turned the province into a live music arena, with The Puppets, Vin & Vin, and Day Ones topping their categories and multiple special awards recognizing the strength of Ilocos Sur’s homegrown music scene.

Service remained at the heart of the celebration through the ONE Ilocos Sur Health Caravan in Galimuyod, where residents received medical and dental services, free eyeglasses, medicines, assistive devices, food packs, and more—showing that true festivals uplift lives beyond the stage. Pammadayaw: Father Jose Burgos Award honored community champions in fields from education and health to arts and innovation, shining a light on quiet heroes whose work transforms everyday life.

As the 12-day festival drew to a close, a Thanksgiving Mass gathered officials, partners, performers, and citizens to reflect on a safe, meaningful, and successful celebration. Later that evening, over 30,000 people attended ONE Ilocos Sur Night, which wrapped up the festivities in spectacular fashion with performances by Arthur Nery, Adie, Yeng Constantino, FitterKarma, Earl Agustin. ISF 2026 content garnered an impressive 46.9 million views and reached 2.7 million people, reflecting the festival’s strong online presence and lasting impact across audiences. The night culminated in a dazzling fireworks display that lit up the sky—sealing the promise of more stories, more memories, and more reasons to say: Agbiag, Ilocos Sur!

All these customs do more than fill a night with fun. They allow families and communities to collectively express hope for the future. Even in the face of challenges faced by many Filipinos from economic pressures to global uncertainties, Filipinos tend to greet the New Year with optimism. According to a Social Weather Stations survey released on January 1, 2026, nearly nine in 10 Filipinos entered the New Year feeling hopeful, a testament to the enduring belief that each year brings new possibilities.

A Seasonal Reset

January also aligns with a natural rhythm of seasons in climate-influenced cultures. Just as the transition from wet to dry or dry to wet seasons signals environmental change, the shift from one year to the next creates a psychological “seasonal reset”, a chance to leave behind what wasn’t fulfilling and embrace fresh opportunities.

Whether it’s the symbolic feast, the collective noise at midnight, or the thoughtful arrangement of round fruits, these traditions help turn an abstract idea of a new year into something tangible and emotionally significant. They transform January into more than a mark on the calendar, it becomes a shared cultural moment of hope, connection, and renewed resolve.

In the Philippines, the New Year isn’t just a date. It’s a feeling, a ritual, and above all, a hopeful beginning.

Zooming in on the lead

The night was more than performances; it was about the shared experience. With a simple zoom, the vivo X300 Series captured candid performances of Parokya ni Edgar live on stage. Two photos highlight the difference the Telephoto King makes: one from afar showing the full band on stage, and a second zoomed-in shot of Chito Miranda, revealing expression and stage presence otherwise lost in the distance.

When midnight arrived, fireworks lit up the BGC skyline, signaling the start of a new year. From sweeping views of the crowd to tight frames of bursts in the night sky, the vivo X300 Series captured it all, proving that even distant moments can be seen up close.

New Year’s Eve is about looking ahead, but it’s also about remembering how it felt when the year turned. At NYE at the 5th 2025, the vivo X300 Series made it possible to hold on to every moment, near or far, exactly as it happened. Starting at Php 67,999, the vivo X300 Series is available in vivo concept stores nationwide and online via the vivo e-store and Shopee. Capture your 2026 closer with vivo X300 Series!