Music Scene: First K-pop Convention in the Philippines

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Korea, which is the Philippines-Republic of Korea Friendship Year, kpop fan clubs, sponsors and partners collaborated to create a benefit convention which was held at the Star Mall branch in Alabang (aka Metropolis). The convention was to fund Gawad Kalinga, a Catholic organization aiding victims of poverty and natural disasters through education, food sufficiency and support programs and venues.

Activities at the venue included a five-hour program of K-pop performances, Kosplay, K-star sing/dance contests, stand-up Komedy, and the first Philippine K-pop Awards. Each participating fanclub hosted FC and activity booths to rally and induct new members. Fans could also purchase goods, participate in activities and enjoy perks prepared by various FCs.

Among the K-pop community, Sandara Park or now known as Dara Park of 2ne1 is a noteworthy singer who first had her taste of fame here in the Philippines through Star Circle Quest. Some of her projects here in the Philippines, Krystala (a superhero-based series), and single “In or Out”.  2ne1 is a rising band that debuted this year in May and has already had their share of awards including Mnet Asian Music Awards, Best New Female Artist, Asian Music Awards Song of the Year “I Don’t Care”, an award that has never been given to a newcomer band. Personally, this is my favorite Kpop group yet. With the combination of CL’s swagger, Mimzy’s killer moves, Dara’s freshness, and Bom’s feminine beauty, their unique fashion style, vocal range, and lovable personalities are what makes this group a hit.

Outcome of the Philippine Kpop Awards are as folllows:

Album of the Year (2009) // Super Junior – Sorry, Sorry.
Song of the Year (2009) // Nobody – Wondergirls.
Hottest Male Kpop Star // Kim Hyun Joong of SS501.
Hottest Female Kpop Star // Park Bom of 2ne1.
Music Video of the Year // Gee – Girl’s Generation.
Best New Artist of 2009 // 2ne1.
Best Variety Idol of 2009 // Kang Dae Sung of Big Bang.

Cass PH, Big Bang PH, Super Junior PH, Shinwa PH, Wonderful PH, SHINeeWorld PH, Cloud PH, Perf(x)ionPH, 2ne1PH, 2ONEDAY PH Girls Generation PH, Triple S PH, Primadonna PH, Starmall Alabang, Gawad Kalinga, Flippish.com, MYX, Pinoy Parazzi, KGoodies, and twinzy.com all contributed to make the Philippine Kpop Convention successful and memorable.

Check out how the convention turned out here: http://kpopcon.info/

To find more venues funding Gawad Kalinga and how you can contribute, go here:  http://www.gk1world.com/