Science Fiction/Fantasy Convention and Awards INQ7.net
July 14, 2006
The New Worlds Alliance (NWA) and Fully Booked will be holding the first Philippine Graphic/Fiction Awards on Saturday, July 15, and the Fourth Philippine Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention – “New Worlds 4: A Broken Time Machine”- July 16 at the Rockwell Tent, Power Plant Mall. (PLDT and Level Up! are co-sponsors of the convention.)
The best works in fiction and comics will be exhibited and a grand cash prize of P100,000 awarded to the best in a ceremony on the evening of July 15. The awards are named after The First Philippine Graphic/Fiction Awards after fantasy writer Neil Gaiman.
Everyone is also encouraged to show up with an originally created mask in line with the Filipino fantasy theme. Prizes will also be given to the best original masks.
A Silent Auction
“Philippine fandom is not just about going crazy over foreign shows. It also appreciates works that stir the imagination and open the heart to the possible,” says Gabriel Espina of New Worlds Alliance. NWA sees the convention and awards as the logical next step to science fiction and fantasy fans becoming creators in their own right.
An addition to this year's convention is a silent auction of fan memorabilia, collectibles and general merchandise. With hundreds of dedicated fans in its ranks, NWA expects a wide and colorful selection of items. Participants can keep track of the auction on large bulletin boards in the auction booth and various places in the convention area.
An Amazing Race
It's a race against time and fellow geeks as teams scurry through challenge after challenge in the New Worlds Amazing Race.
Last year ten groups posed challenges to seven teams. The Hogwarts students won with an award-winning handstand. With that success, most NWA member groups clamored for a reprise this year, with outrageous challenges and a bigger surprise finale.
Parties interested in participating in this race are encouraged to brush up on their knowledge of science fiction and fantasy.
The Cosplay Contest
Every year, many convention visitors look forward to the Cosplay Contest, where fans dress up as their favorite science fiction and fantasy characters. The crowds flock to see blue or green skin, androids, Jedi, Sith, Federation officers, and in some cases, even vehicles!
This year, the Cosplay Contest will be held during the Masquerade Ball, with a parade, musical number, race finals and awarding of winners to cap the convention at 6PM on July 16.
About the Alliance
The New Worlds Alliance (NWA) was founded in 2003 by seven local science fiction and fantasy fan groups: Via Astris - The Star Trek Club of the Philippines, Star Wars Philippines, The Philippine Tolkien Society, Pinoy Harry Potter, Pinoy X-Philes, Pinoy Slayers, and The Alliance of Eclectic Gamers and Interactive Storytellers (AEGIS).
Its aim was to provide a venue for Filipino science fiction and fantasy fans to interact, hold activities, and express themselves and their shared love for the genre. In March that year, Via Astris hosted "New Worlds: The 1st Philippine Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention" to celebrate the release of "Star Trek: Nemesis."
In January 2004, The Philippine Tolkien Society hosted "A Long Expected Party: The 2nd Philippine Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention” that marked the end of the Lord of the Rings movie saga and the release of "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King."
The original seven Alliance members groups were joined by The Matrix Philippines, Arkham Philippines, Pinoy Fremen, The Talon, and the Philippine Highlander Society in the two-day event at the Power Plant Mall.
With the advent of "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith", Star Wars Philippines organized "New Worlds Episode III: The 3rd Philippine Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention" in May 2005 at the Glorietta. Four new groups were inaugurated into the Alliance - Mechapinoy, Sci-fi Philippines, The Philippine Order of Narnians, and CharmedPinoy. Wheel of Time Philippines participated as a guest group.
This year NWA is joined by a new group, Battlestar Galactica-Philippines.
