New kid on the block here. For those familiar in the online world of ranting and music – and also for those who are not, the name is SlickMaster. While I’ve been attending and blogging about events for almost three years, this is actually the first time I dropped by the E-Sports and Gaming Summit. I assisted in covering the event for two of three days for Reimaru Files and here are some things I have pondered on.

The large space means a lot for every event: numerous space for sales-related stalls, the performing stage, and even holding rooms for media. And since their first ESGS in 2014, they have expanded from two halls into almost the entire first floor of the SMX Convention Center, and I think that’s quite pretty to notice.

And while major brands were garnering a lot of people to get in, only a few shown interest in the minor stalls.

With a lot of brands and guests in store to hype the event, I think ESGS did quite well in attracting a lot of people (especially to the gaming community) in to the event itself. And why not? For only 165 pesos (for the entire stretch), it’s quite a steal. And frankly, while waiting for my companion last Saturday, I saw a bunch of their staff posing as ushers assisting everyone to enter, and I think that’s another plus points – having accommodating members.

Gotta love the set-up of the stage and that crane camera that has been practically and literally covering almost every single space of the venue from the main stage to the surrounding stalls of MSI, PLDT, Samsung, even the ongoing warfare at the likes of Brawlfest, ESL Arena, and not to mention, the booths of PlayStation (NBA 2k17 and Call of Duty) and Bandai Namco Entertainment.

And speaking of ‘entertainment,’ I must say Ubisoft Philippines’ Just Dance 2017 has been the show-stealer. Everyone was watching people mostly dancing to the groove of various dance hits from the retro times of Earth, Wind, and Fire (September) to one of the most addictive music in mainstream pop right now from Silentó called Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae).

I think the evening events was no question some of the highlights of this edition, especially the series called Sakitan Nights and Sunday’s cosplay competition. But the arrival of the creator of Castlevania and Bloodstain Koji Igarashi has been the top pinnacle of this year’s ESGS.

Also, the popular Alodia Gosiengfiao has sent everyone glued into her convoy from the stage to the PLDT booth. Why? Well, why not? I think it’s pretty obvious.

Another stealer for us press people that we interviewed this young kid named Alexandre Laverez, much known as AK. AK isn’t just your ordinary gaming kid. He is already considered a freakkin’ prodigy at 16 years old (!!!!) and moreover, a prodigal son (hey, literally) in their father-and-son tandem. Not to mention, a responsible gamer who always prioritize school above anything else.

Kjwan also had a surprise act despite the difficulties on the sound system (which I think, the sound system wasn’t really meant for music gigs), but hey, at least they still managed to pull off their their usual stunts (well not that all out, since there are children in the audience).

Overall, ESGS may not be executed in total perfection, but was barely enough to be called according to their tagline: one of the biggest esport competition and gaming convention in Southeast Asia.

And that’s just it for me. It was a weekend full of new things for me to dig.

Article by Nestor ‘Slick’ Domingo Jr., you can catch him on his personal blog at theslickmastersfiles.blogspot.com