AsiaPOP ComiCon started two years ago, but in that short time it’s become a fixture in the calendars of geeks, nerds, and pop culture aficionados. Attendance grew by the thousands from the first con in 2015 to the second one in 2016, and it looks to do the same for AsiaPOP ComiCon Manila 2017.

If you’re looking to attend this year’s convention for the first time, you may get a little overwhelmed. But we’ve got you covered! Here’s all you need to know about AsiaPOP ComiCon Manila 2017.

AsiaPOP ComiCon certainly isn’t lacking for stars. During its inaugural staging, it flew over Avengers’ star Paul Bettany and Teen Wolf’s Colton Haynes. On its second year, X-men star Nicholas Hoult delighted fans, and Millie Bobby Brown from Netflix’s cultural juggernaut Stranger Things inspired cosplay and adoration from the crowd.

This year, Filipino DC fans will get to see Justice League’s Cyborg as AsiaPOP ComiCon flies in actor Ray Fisher. Another Teen Wolf star also makes his way here as Tyler Hoechlin was recently announced as one of the con’s celebrity guests. Aside from playing Derek Hale on Teen Wolf, he also plays Superman himself on The CW’s Supergirl.

You can’t have a comics convention without featuring the writers and artists behind them. In 2016, C.B. Cebulski from Marvel comics was in attendance, as well as Filipino-American While Portacio, the creator of the Uncanny X-men’s Bishop.

For this year’s convention, Whilce Portacio will once again be in attendance. Also taking part are Malaysia’s Alan Quoh, former Marvel Comics executive editor Carl Potts, and Hong Kong’s Stanley Lau.

AsiaPOP ComiCon is also home to the Cosplay Authority Global Challenge, which bills itself as the world’s premier cosplay gathering. It also has one of the bigger cash prizes for a cosplay competition -- a grand champion stands to win up to $10,000 worth of cash and other prizes.

This year’s judges include Filipina cosplayers Alodia Gosiengfiao and Jin, Haiden Hazard, award-winning cosplayer Philip Odango, and Korean cosplayer Pion Kim.

You can get three kinds of passes for AsiaPOP ComiCon Manila 2017. A one-day pass costs P600, a two-day pass costs P900, while a three-day pass costs P1,100.Before getting a three-day pass, be sure to check out the scheduled activities first. There may be days where there’s nothing of interest to you, so make sure the passes you’re getting fit your convention plans.

Additionally, these passes don’t cover any meet and greets or photo ops with the celebrity guests. The organizers haven’t released prices for those yet, but make sure to factor that additional cost when you make your budget.

If you’re coming in from outside Metro Manila or even outside the country, you may be looking for a place to stay near the SMX Convention Center. If you still haven’t decided, here are our hotel recommendations:

This 3-star hotel is right inside the SM Mall of Asia Complex, so getting to the SMX Convention Center shouldn’t be a problem. The convention center is just a 12-minute walk if you fancy some exercise. It’s just five minutes away if you’re taking a cab.

Rates. Room rates start at P4000, inclusive of breakfast. If you’re looking to eat outside, room only rates start at P3000. However, rates may change depending on availability.

If you’re coming from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Red Planet Aseana is just a 10-minute drive away. If you’re headed to the SMX Convention Center, it’s only a six-minute drive away. It's less than 20 minutes if you decide to walk.

Rates. Room rates start at P2805, inclusive of breakfast. However, rates may change depending on availability.

Located right in the SM Mall of Asia complex, the 3-star Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Mall of Asia is so close to the SMX Convention Center that you can walk to the venue in less than five minutes. Aside from that, it has a rooftop pool that gives you a great view of Manila Bay and the MOA Eye.

Rates. Room rates start at P5700, inclusive of breakfast. However, if you’re looking to book just a room, rates start at P5000.

The Selah Garden Hotel is a little over a kilometer away from the SM Mall of Asia, so it’s still a manageable distance away from all the action. Pick this hotel if you’re looking for something else to do aside from the convention. The hotel has a wide variety of activities for its guests, such as a rock-climbing wall and an infinity pool that doubles as a classroom for scuba-diving classes.

Rates. If you’re going to the con with a bunch of your friends, you can get a bunk room with breakfast for four persons at P3200. You can also get a flagship room double with breakfast for two people at the same price. However, rates may change depending on availability.

The 3-star Mabuhay Manor bills itself as the first balikbayan airport hotel in the metro. It prides itself on confortable and spacious rooms. It's also just 10 minutes away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. If you’re looking to rest immediately once you’ve landed from your flight, pick this hotel. It’s also less than 20 minutes by car from the SMX Convention Center.

Rates. Room rates start at P3187.50, inclusive of breakfast. However, rates may change depending on availability.

This 3-star hotel right beside EDSA is perfect if you’re on a budget. It’s got 276 rooms with simple and functional designs. Getting to the SM Mall of Asia from here is easy -- just take a jeepney and you’re there. If most of your budget for the con, this is a great place to stay as it won’t strain your budget too much.

Rates. If you’re with a large group, you can get a bed for only P800 at the Kabayan Hotel’s 6-bed dorm rooms, inclusive of breakfast. A standard room is at P2999.70, also inclusive of breakfast. However, rates may change depending on availability.

Ready to go to Asia Pop Comic Con Manila 2017? Use Traveloka to book these hotels!