Asia’s biggest entertainment convention captivates, instructs, and takes Manila by storm
Back for a third installment, History Convention 2018, took Manila by storm – literally and figuratively – from Aug. 10 to 12 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. While the three-day event was set against a backdrop of inclement tropical weather outdoors, indoors proved a whirlwind of excitement, enthusiasm, education, and a touch of extravagance – this year was the biggest, boldest History Convention, by far.
History buffs and HISTORY Channel fans, alike, mingled with cosplayers, geeks, art collectors, and lovers of all things vintage, among other characters. Last year, attendance at the event reached a record-breaking 68,800 people, surpassing 2016’s marker of 50,000. While the numbers are not yet in for this year’s convention, it is safe to say that the eager throng showed up in full-force, once more. And they came out, despite monster rains, for many good reasons, not the least of which was to be part of history in the making. From massive installments and all-out displays, to an impressive array of art and oddities, curios and collectibles, plus an interesting lineup of shows and performances, the convention proved that history is best-learned beyond the four walls of a classroom.

A star-studded roster of HISTORY Channel celebrities graciously shared their time and talent, wowing people with not only their good looks, but also their history smarts: Ancient Alien’s Giorgio A. Tsoukalos, Jaime Dempsey of Ride N’ Seek, Emmy-winning series Vikings’ leading actress Katheryn Winnick, Singaporean social media influencer Yeoh Mong Chin of the new LIFETIME series Who Runs the World, The History Hustle’s host Simon Yin, and Xian Lim and Diego Loyzaga of Celebrity Car Wars.
If you missed out this year, stay tuned for History Convention 2019. Because history’s defining moments need to be told.

 
Words by ANGIE DUARTE
Photos by ANDIE D SYYAP