A community, in any way, shape, or form, is a group of individuals gathered together through common means. It could be a family, a class, or even a group of gamers unified all in the name of support for a certain horse.
Whatever the case, finding a community can sometimes be difficult. But with today’s technology, it’s easier than ever to bridge the gap between individuals, whether it be through communication, recreation, or, in this case, celebration.
The SM Tech Fair, which started earlier this month on August 1 across SM Supermalls in the Philippines and will end on the 30th, kicked off as part of SM’s 40th anniversary.
40 SUPER YEARS of SM Supermalls. Throughout this period, not only were various tech-related sales prominent, but there were also experiences blending tech and pop culture. Next week’s Tech Fair x Battlegrounds is one to look out for, especially for the pop culture and gaming community.
Tech Fair x Battlegrounds will be held from August 15 to 17 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, bringing together different pop culture communities. Main highlights throughout this three-day affair include various tech-infused activities scattered throughout the event. Gaming tournaments (both physical and digital), trading card games, cosplay, and especially Genki Dama: A Goku Ng Pinas, a charity event happening alongside and as part of Tech Fair X Battlegrounds powered by TOYCON PH.
Genki Dama: A Goku Ng Pinas Charity Event
Growing up watching Tagalog-dubbed anime, when you’d hear Goku do his Kamehame wave, or Doraemon in his loving but playful tone (among other iconic anime roles like Hisoka, Usopp, James from Team Rocket, and more) that was veteran voice actor and dubbing director Jeff Utanes behind it. And now, Goku needs our help.
Jeff has been battling Chronic Kidney Disease and has been on dialysis for nearly a year. Doctors have also found heart blockages. A life-saving but costly heart bypass surgery is needed. Throughout the entirety of Tech Fair x Battlegrounds, fundraising activities will take place with industry Tagalog voice actors like Raffy Miranda (Sanji of One Piece), Alain Alfred (Ichigo Kurosaki of Bleach), Blair Arellano (Naruto Uzumaki of Naruto), AJ Constantino (Vash the Stampede of Trigun), Louie Paraboles (Piccolo of Dragon Ball), Grace Constantino (Lucy Heartfilia of Fairy Tail), Mark Brecio (Satoru Gojo of Jujutsu Kaisen), and more joining in.
There will also be cosplayers like Nyaaawmeeeow, Gyoza Chan, Zhia Crescia, Eiya, Nayumi, Darcell Diaz, Aya Moon, Shane Shen, and more participating in this Dragon Ball-themed event, with more Dragon Ball-based activities throughout the tech fair.
When you think Dragon Ball, it’s not just Goku that comes to mind but also the various tournaments that happened throughout the series, whether it be the World Martial Arts Tournament from the original series or the Tournament of Power in Super. The tech fair also delivers on tournaments happening throughout the weekend.
Beyblade takes center stage with a dedicated tournament day on Sunday. Pokémon also gets the spotlight with its own tournament on Saturday, with a Galaxy S23 FE going home with the victor. Magic: The Gathering has the biggest chunk of the weekend, with tournaments on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday focusing on both Modern and Legacy, while Sunday has Duel Commander with the most stacked prize pool yet: Dual Lands.
Apart from TCG-based tournaments, video games also have their own spotlight, with various activities and tournaments from the MAXBEAT Philippines community. A couple of standouts have already been announced, with more to come. One such standout is the community Tetris Tournament where old meets new and both newcomers and veterans alike can join in.
Another tournament taking place that isn’t horsing around is part of their Uma Meet powered by MSI, lovingly named after Uma Musume Pretty Derby. The Special Week-End Derby will have trainers from all over showcasing their horse girls and proving who’s the best through a limit-ranked tournament happening Friday and Saturday, and an open tournament on Sunday.
There’s a lot in store next weekend mixing tech and pop culture but the most impressive feat about this entire ordeal? It’s free.
A community together is a community strong. Whether you’re there for gaming, for sales, for Goku, or for fun, what’s important is you enjoy yourself and remember that there’s always a community out there willing to take you in.
For more details on the events, to donate to Goku, or even just to stay updated with news from the event organizers, check out the following Facebook pages:
Genki Dama
https://www.facebook.com/events/1960432364730443
Tech Fair X Battlegrounds
https://www.facebook.com/events/695222909641582
MAD Events (Organizer)
https://www.facebook.com/madeventsph
