Wasting no time after the Shanghai Major, the organizers for the Manila major has now released their website at the same time as Valve released an official blogpost confirming the dates available on the website as well as informing the public of the ticket release date, and the production team behind the major.
On the official website there is not much to see at yet. It lists the basic information about the tournament such as the dates, presumably of the bracket stage, June 7th - 12th, confirms that the prizepool will be $3,000,000 (as both Frankfurt and Shanghai), the venue will be the Mall of Asia and contains a link to the ticket site.
Mall of Asia
The Mall of Asia has its own arena, aptly named Mall of Asia Arena, that seats 16'000 for sporting events but can, at full capacity, host 20'000 attendees. This, combined with the low ticket prizes (details below), should make this an event all of SEA will remember for years to come!
The Valve blog goes into a bit more detail as it confirms that PGL (mostly known for CS:GO productions) will produce the event, lists the ticket prizes (₱200/100/50 per day for the weekdays, and ₱400/200/100 per day for the weekend days) and gives us dates for roster locks (March 27th), the open qualifier (April 29th - May 2nd) and finally the main qualifier (May 3rd - 6th).
On the blog Valve also links a hype video that should get even the most emphatic 2GD supporters hyped for the event
The roster lock only gives teams about three weeks to finalize their roster moves, making it clear that Valve does not want to see big roster changes. Teams had a similar timeframe to shuffle before the Frankfurt major and teams and players alike were not afraid to express their dissatisfaction with this.
PGL Esports will be producing the event, they're a good bunch so I don't see this being worse. Although a Dota 2 Major is a lot of responsibility it should still be fine with a little help from Valve.
Always had a good impression of PGL, so I am optimstic for this one. But kinda strange that a bunch of Romanians organize a Dota Major in the Phillippines.
I dont like a major so close to TI.I hope TI will be late or mid august.The pre TI period must be like time room in drangonball everyone must be hidden and trainning.
Traffic would depend on where youre gonna stay. Teams will probaby be lodged near MOA so it wouldnt be a problem. Fans would be the one having trouble with the traffic
On March 08 2016 08:38 phantomlancer23 wrote: I dont like a major so close to TI.I hope TI will be late or mid august.The pre TI period must be like time room in drangonball everyone must be hidden and trainning.
I think it's this close because rosters will stay locked until after TI, so it makes sense kinda.
Looking ahead to The International 2016, Regional Qualifiers will be held in the second half of June, right after conclusion of The Manila Major
does that mean no roster change between?
With an eye towards The Manila Major Qualifiers, running May 3 – 6 with Open Qualifiers on April 29 – May 2, all teams must finalize roster changes by March 27. Rosters will remain locked from that date through completion of play at The International, making this the final opportunity for players and teams to choose their squads for the remainder of the competitive season.
Traffic would depend on where youre gonna stay. Teams will probaby be lodged near MOA so it wouldnt be a problem. Fans would be the one having trouble with the traffic
It's a pain for me if I go after work, it'd probably take almost 2 hours travel time from office to the venue. Here's to hoping I can get a vacation leave approved on those dates
typhoons don't start that early do they???
It used to be around June when typhoon season starts, but the past year, typhoon season started around August.
Did Frankurt and Shanghai Majors have Dota merchandise you can buy at the venue? Would be nice if they could setup something like a Secret Shop at Manila Majors.
This schedule seems much too tight, but it's unavoidable due to how pushed back Shanghai was.
I strongly believe that next season they should put the China major in spring (like May) so they can avoid Chinese New Year and have plenty of time to get their shitty organization together. Put SEA in the winter (February), better weather than June in most places, and if it's somewhere like the Philippines Chinese New Year wouldn't play as big of a role (as opposed to somewhere like Singapore) . Leave Europe as it was, that went fine. Altogether, this will leave the majors properly spaced in time.
On March 08 2016 09:08 psyq wrote: Did Frankurt and Shanghai Majors have Dota merchandise you can buy at the venue? Would be nice if they could setup something like a Secret Shop at Manila Majors.
On March 08 2016 08:38 phantomlancer23 wrote: I dont like a major so close to TI.I hope TI will be late or mid august.The pre TI period must be like time room in drangonball everyone must be hidden and trainning.
Not even a hyperbolic time chamber is going to save China at this point.
With an eye towards The Manila Major Qualifiers, running May 3 – 6 with Open Qualifiers on April 29 – May 2, all teams must finalize roster changes by March 27. Rosters will remain locked from that date through completion of play at The International, making this the final opportunity for players and teams to choose their squads for the remainder of the competitive season.
There are plenty of hotels nearby, ranging from the very affordable but decent ones (Microtel) to the 5-star expensive ones (Sofitel - try the Spirals buffet guys!) and the cheap ones (Tune Hotel).
Thank God I work nearby so I can drive there in 15 minutes. Planning to attend all the days if I can (will just make sure I can do some work out of office).
On March 08 2016 13:11 Elurie wrote: Why are tickets so cheap? Promotional rate? Exchange rate? Even the locals are saying it's dirt cheap, so I don't think it's the exchange rate.
I have a sneaking suspicion this will turn out like many of the college basketball games in the Philippines: normal seats are cheap and get filled with students, but the nicer seats will all be bought by scalpers or reserved for special people which they sell at exorbitant prices. I attended a major basketball game once, with the patron-seat ticket priced officially at Php 800 (more or less $17 US) but the actual going price in the market was nearly $425.
Hopefully it won't. I want to get the best seats in the house and I'm willing to splurge, but not break the bank.
On March 08 2016 13:11 Elurie wrote: Why are tickets so cheap? Promotional rate? Exchange rate? Even the locals are saying it's dirt cheap, so I don't think it's the exchange rate.
probably to ensure a crowded place. the majors are announced way to late and its somewhat difficult for people who dont live nearby to commit for a full week for that, so at least get everyone who lives near by to attend. frankfurt major was free for all days except the final.
On March 08 2016 12:56 Caladbolg wrote: Just a question icy, have you ever met any of the other Pinoy LD/TLers (reb, goody, etc?)
goody is from Davao, so no, but im hoping to meet him at ESL Manila. ive played with reb a couple of times but we havent met yet irl (we're fb friends though lol)
On March 08 2016 12:56 Caladbolg wrote: Just a question icy, have you ever met any of the other Pinoy LD/TLers (reb, goody, etc?)
goody is from Davao, so no, but im hoping to meet him at ESL Manila. ive played with reb a couple of times but we havent met yet irl (we're fb friends though lol)
China might need more than 3 weeks to get their shuffle taken care of, especially if players are busy getting in fights on social media instead of practicing...
Can't say no to a Manila major. Even if my team doesn't do well Im sure I will find comfort in the loving arms of some hot pinays. Win win situation 😁😁😁😁
On March 08 2016 12:56 Caladbolg wrote: Just a question icy, have you ever met any of the other Pinoy LD/TLers (reb, goody, etc?)
goody is from Davao, so no, but im hoping to meet him at ESL Manila. ive played with reb a couple of times but we havent met yet irl (we're fb friends though lol)
Davao's just 2 hours and 2k pesos away hahaha. I often go there cause my dad is from Davao. LD people should really meet up. I dunno if I've ever played with Reb but since I started working, I've also stopped playing so we remain steam friends only haha.
I hope you're all Bisu fans though cause honestly that's the only way to tell if you're credible or not.
I hope you're all Bisu fans though cause honestly that's the only way to tell if you're credible or not.
I remember I found TL because I was looking for Savior vods and ended up seeing bisu destroy him. It was a few days before Bisu vs Stork MSL too. Never looked back from that hahaha.
Though I mostly lurk TL/LD/LH. Hope I can catch y'all at the major though!
On March 08 2016 12:56 Caladbolg wrote: Just a question icy, have you ever met any of the other Pinoy LD/TLers (reb, goody, etc?)
goody is from Davao, so no, but im hoping to meet him at ESL Manila. ive played with reb a couple of times but we havent met yet irl (we're fb friends though lol)
Davao's just 2 hours and 2k pesos away hahaha. I often go there cause my dad is from Davao. LD people should really meet up. I dunno if I've ever played with Reb but since I started working, I've also stopped playing so we remain steam friends only haha.
I hope you're all Bisu fans though cause honestly that's the only way to tell if you're credible or not.
We never played. I asked if you wanted a couple of times but you either were afk or had to pass.
i'm mainstream and i follow bw only casually so i like flash, savior and JD. No i don't like bisu or any protoss at all.
I'm buying the tickets on weekend as well. Yeah i hope we don't run out but i'm sure there will be scalpers though that would be more expensive for sure.
On March 08 2016 17:20 icystorage wrote: youre gonna fly for the majors goody? can you buy me one? ill pay you ofc :3
I'm not sure if i'm really going yet since
I'm actually kinda broke atm just enough to buy the tickets(1600) and i'm not even sure if i'm going to buy it immediately. I wanted to wait next month so that i get extra moneyz and just buy from scalpers. Also considering to attend like 2-3 days only due to school
So i can't buy for you icy sorry i don't have enough cash at hand atm. I would've if i took more work
On March 08 2016 17:20 icystorage wrote: youre gonna fly for the majors goody? can you buy me one? ill pay you ofc :3
I'm not sure if i'm really going yet since
I'm actually kinda broke atm just enough to buy the tickets(1600) and i'm not even sure if i'm going to buy it immediately. I wanted to wait next month so that i get extra moneyz and just buy from scalpers. Also considering to attend like 2-3 days only due to school
So i can't buy for you icy sorry i don't have enough cash at hand atm. I would've if i took more work
i'll talk to you more later in steam when i get home
If PGL manages to live up to their CS:GO standards this is going to kick ass. Following the Shanghai Major they have every opportunity to come out of this as gods, lol.
On March 09 2016 01:09 Liquid`Nazgul wrote: If PGL manages to live up to their CS:GO standards this is going to kick ass. Following the Shanghai Major they have every opportunity to come out of this as gods, lol.
Following the Major I think people will be happy just about with any solid production. I wonder how well they will be able to work with the locals.
I'll be buying weekend tickets this Saturday, just in time after work.
SGT = Singapore time correct?
Also, for LD members, what box are you guys planning to get? Would be nice to get the same box as you guys. Doing photography as a hobby and it'd be nice to get a group photo
Yes, Philippine Peso. I was kind of wondering though, I don't think SM tickets ever issued e-tickets, so to those not in the Philippines, they would have to redeem the tickets when they get here.
I'll call them later to confirm if that's the case.
On March 09 2016 04:34 psyq wrote: I believe it's for each day. So if you want to go on all dates, total would be P1600, which is about $35.
£23.97
british pound so strong <3
thansk though.
looking at this, it's going to be £48 for tickets (2), 750 for flights (each adult is £360-380~) and then £800 for 7 days at a hotel
so paying around £1600 for this :O
exciting times. guess that's my holiday fund for this year ^-^
Just FYI the days are going to be looong, so if you plan on watching everything and still want to do touristy stuff: book a couple of extra days!
i did book 7 days (as opposed to 5) for that but i imagine the 6th/13th will be "recovering" and "waiting for flights"
could potentially book 10~ days but then hotels become super expensive.
1 more question, are hotel booking costs per room or per person?
per room.
book somewhere near the event though, you dont want to experience manila traffic
indeed, I was looking at Solaire and Sofitel Hotels, 1 is a 41 min walk and the other a 16 min walk from the venue, both around £700-800. Good to know it's a cost per room though, saves a lot of money. Also looked at the Heritage Hotel which is slightly cheaper (£600-700) and only a 26-30~ minute walk.
How humid/warm/hot is the Philippines in June? Obviously living in Britain my "stable temperature" I can cope with is sub 20c XD
On March 09 2016 04:34 psyq wrote: I believe it's for each day. So if you want to go on all dates, total would be P1600, which is about $35.
£23.97
british pound so strong <3
thansk though.
looking at this, it's going to be £48 for tickets (2), 750 for flights (each adult is £360-380~) and then £800 for 7 days at a hotel
so paying around £1600 for this :O
exciting times. guess that's my holiday fund for this year ^-^
Just FYI the days are going to be looong, so if you plan on watching everything and still want to do touristy stuff: book a couple of extra days!
i did book 7 days (as opposed to 5) for that but i imagine the 6th/13th will be "recovering" and "waiting for flights"
could potentially book 10~ days but then hotels become super expensive.
1 more question, are hotel booking costs per room or per person?
per room.
book somewhere near the event though, you dont want to experience manila traffic
indeed, I was looking at Solaire and Sofitel Hotels, 1 is a 41 min walk and the other a 16 min walk from the venue, both around £700-800. Good to know it's a cost per room though, saves a lot of money. Also looked at the Heritage Hotel which is slightly cheaper (£600-700) and only a 26-30~ minute walk.
How humid/warm/hot is the Philippines in June? Obviously living in Britain my "stable temperature" I can cope with is sub 20c XD
Expect mid-20s sometimes touching 30. The humidity also makes it feel really bad.
On March 09 2016 04:34 psyq wrote: I believe it's for each day. So if you want to go on all dates, total would be P1600, which is about $35.
£23.97
british pound so strong <3
thansk though.
looking at this, it's going to be £48 for tickets (2), 750 for flights (each adult is £360-380~) and then £800 for 7 days at a hotel
so paying around £1600 for this :O
exciting times. guess that's my holiday fund for this year ^-^
Just FYI the days are going to be looong, so if you plan on watching everything and still want to do touristy stuff: book a couple of extra days!
i did book 7 days (as opposed to 5) for that but i imagine the 6th/13th will be "recovering" and "waiting for flights"
could potentially book 10~ days but then hotels become super expensive.
1 more question, are hotel booking costs per room or per person?
per room.
book somewhere near the event though, you dont want to experience manila traffic
indeed, I was looking at Solaire and Sofitel Hotels, 1 is a 41 min walk and the other a 16 min walk from the venue, both around £700-800. Good to know it's a cost per room though, saves a lot of money. Also looked at the Heritage Hotel which is slightly cheaper (£600-700) and only a 26-30~ minute walk.
How humid/warm/hot is the Philippines in June? Obviously living in Britain my "stable temperature" I can cope with is sub 20c XD
also, please research a lot about Metro Manila. It it s a pretty sleazy place for foreigners. You'd get random bullets in your bags in the airport (airport officials will extort you money), taxi's will overcharge you a lot (so please use grabcar/uber), pimps offer you girls (minors, college girls, etc) and you might even get robbed by them.
Before going in/getting out of Manila through the airport, make sure you wrap your bags in cling wrap or tape and lock them. there are cases of airport personnel putting bullets in the bags of some passengers.
On March 09 2016 07:46 psyq wrote: Oh it's way more than 20c, in Manila, it's probably about 26-30c, with some days peaking at 32-34c, especially noon.
Just a warning, don't ever consider walking from the hotel if you plan on staying in Heritage and if you're alone. If in a group, it's somewhat safe.
Uhm lol thats not such a bad neighborhood. Sleazy sure with the EDSA complex just next door but hardly dangerous if you keep your wits about you. There are much worse places in Manila.
On March 09 2016 07:46 psyq wrote: Oh it's way more than 20c, in Manila, it's probably about 26-30c, with some days peaking at 32-34c, especially noon.
Just a warning, don't ever consider walking from the hotel if you plan on staying in Heritage and if you're alone. If in a group, it's somewhat safe.
Uhm lol thats not such a bad neighborhood. Sleazy sure with the EDSA complex just next door but hardly dangerous if you keep your wits about you. There are much worse places in Manila.
I can't imagine having to travel in groups in Seoul/Busan. Busan Major 2017!
What concerns me about this is that it leaves extraordinarily little time for The International, as evidenced by the 4-5 month roster lock. I think this mostly comes down to poor planning so far as the interaction between Frankfurt, Shanghai, and the Chinese New Year is concerned. You obviously can't run an event at the same time as CNY and expect CN teams in attendance (and don't even think about running one IN China at that time), so you need one to be either before or after. If it's after, it has to be a long time after in order to get meaningful results from Chinese teams, which ends up setting it to late February/early March. If it's before, it needs to basically be in early/mid January to avoid conflict with Christmas. But that would only leave around two months between that and Frankfurt, which kinda leads into the main problem: Frankfurt should have been closer to the middle or end of October.
I'm sympathetic with Valve on this, though. The two gigantic almost-overlapping holiday seasons make the majors an utter nightmare to coordinate.
On March 11 2016 03:51 Acritter wrote: What concerns me about this is that it leaves extraordinarily little time for The International, as evidenced by the 4-5 month roster lock. I think this mostly comes down to poor planning so far as the interaction between Frankfurt, Shanghai, and the Chinese New Year is concerned. You obviously can't run an event at the same time as CNY and expect CN teams in attendance (and don't even think about running one IN China at that time), so you need one to be either before or after. If it's after, it has to be a long time after in order to get meaningful results from Chinese teams, which ends up setting it to late February/early March. If it's before, it needs to basically be in early/mid January to avoid conflict with Christmas. But that would only leave around two months between that and Frankfurt, which kinda leads into the main problem: Frankfurt should have been closer to the middle or end of October.
I'm sympathetic with Valve on this, though. The two gigantic almost-overlapping holiday seasons make the majors an utter nightmare to coordinate.
At a certain point regional holidays don't matter. I've been on the Chinese side of the "too close to CNY" thing for a while, it certainly has its merits and makes sense that they would not be at their best. BUT, while under performance by the teams is expected, SHIT production from Perfect World is unacceptable. Chinese tournaments across genre has been criminally bad for the viewers as well. CHINA SHOULD NOT GET ANOTHER MAJOR NEXT YEAR!!! China has proved time and time again that it is unable to hold a quality event across genre. Perfect World has more of the share of the blame than Valve or ANYOTHER organization, their performance is truly UNACCEPTABLE and truly shows how much better Korea is at EVERY aspect of event production. THERE IS NOTHING THAT CHINA CAN PROVIDE THAT KOREA CAN'T DO MILLION TIMES BETTER in term of production and.... Korea is truly the mecca of eSports and despite China's historic infatuation with WC3 and dota, it is truly SECOND RATE to Korea. China can't beat Korea in any aspect of eSports, why keep under Chinese yoke when Korea is clearly superior in every aspect other than population?
How can anyone from a first world country want to visit this place. Kind of disappointed, curious how it'll be having a tournament of this scale there.
EPT
