Super Junior fans gear up for first major PH fan convention

Catherine Deen

Thousands of Everlasting Friends or ELFs, the official name of Super Junior fans, are set to gather at the SMX Convention Center Function Room 4 for the First Philippine SJ Convention.

Super Junior, the undisputed top K-Pop idol group in the Philippines, holds the distinction of being the first K-Pop artist to reach gold status in the country with their album "Sorry, Sorry." Their follow-up release "Bonamana" went gold within 10 days.

The First Philippine SJ Convention is organized by Super Junior United, a conglomerate of various Super Junior fan clubs in the Philippines. The group has organized many successful fan gatherings in the past including the SJRace (2009), SJUniversity (2009), SJPX2:Repackaged (2010), SJXpress (2010), and SJPremiere (2011).

Super Junior United is also known for its creative booths during the Philippine K-Pop Convention most notably the ELF Zone. However, with the growth of their community, they decided a convention was in order.

For fans eager to hang and spazz out with ELFs, activities planned include a "Search for Mr. Simple 2012" for Super Junior fanboys aged 16 to 29, with the winner taking home over P20,000 worth of prizes and a chance to be featured in a magazine.

There will also be exhibitors and concessionaires including Plushhies Princessian, Daisies and Berries, Heebumie's World Shop, Red Monster Shop, Haengbok House, Fangirl Asia and KKKPop Treats.

The First Philippine SJ Convention is sponsored by SMX, KFest Manila, Universal Records Philippines, Odyssey Music and LG Electronics with the participation of Pulp magazine and Astroplus. Tickets are P150.

For more information about the convention, visit the official website.

Catherine Deen lives, eats and breathes Korean music, cuisine, telenovelas and pop culture. Follow her on Twitter @cathsdeen.

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