July 30 – August 2, 2026 | Ayala Malls Manila Bay
GENERAL COMPETITION RULES
- Eligibility – The contest is open to all scale modelers regardless of age and nationality. However, models that have already won Bronze, Silver, or Gold medals in previous Philippine Scale Model Shows are not allowed to re-enter the competition.
- Contest requirements – With the exception of dioramas, & unless specified under special categories, all entries must be made of at least fifty percent (50%) styrene or resin content. Models predominantly made of wood, paper/cardboard, die-cast, brass or other photo-etched metals may not be entered unless a special category is added. All pre-built & pre-painted toys/models are absolutely prohibited, including motorized entries under the Automobiles category.
- Registration – Online preregistration is required. Deadline of online pre-registration is June 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM. Submit your entry/entries during ingress (July 30, 2026 [mall hours] for Philippine residents; July 30 [mall hours] – July 31, 2026 [mall hours] for overseas participants) at the venue for completion of registration and screening. The registration fees are as follows:
- Standard entry – PHP200 per model
- Tabletop miniature squads/armies (10 figures or more) – PHP550.00
- Screening & classification committee – All entries will be screened by the screening & classification committee upon ingress. The committee shall classify & group all entries in their appropriate categories. A waiver form shall be accomplished between screener & modeler during screening. This will show that modeler understands & accepts the screening results. The screening & classification committee reserves the right to disqualify an entry for grounds such as ineligibility, obscenity, excessive violence, & other unlawful or socially unacceptable themes. The committee likewise reserves the right to require the removal of certain parts for content inspection as well as the removal of model parts from any entry. The committee (along with the judging committee) reserves the right to transfer entries to other categories as needed. The decision of the committee shall be final.
- Awards – Medals shall be awarded to entries that will meet the required score bracket for each medal. The intention of this competition is for the modeler to improve themselves and get higher and higher scores as time goes by.
- Bronze Medal-70-79%
- Silver Medal-80-89%
- Gold Medal – 90-100%
- Contest area
- Documentation (write-ups and/or pictures) in the form prescribed (see documentation rules below), shall be allowed on the competition table. Nameplates measuring up to 4 in. X 2 in. indicating the subject, scale, & kit are also allowed. In either case, the model builder’s and/or owner’s names or aliases are prohibited from appearing on name plates and/or documentation. Any violation of this rule shall be a ground for automatic disqualification of the entry/entries.
- All participants are strictly not allowed inside the competition area during judging unless so permitted by the organizers upon just & valid grounds. A violation of this rule shall be grounds for disqualification of all the offending participant’s entries.
- The organizers reserve the right to move any models/entries at anytime for space and organizing considerations. If you are uncomfortable with this arrangement, feel free to talk to the organizers for special arrangements ONLY IF the situation permits it.
- The organizers shall not be responsible for the loss of, or damage to the entries for causes not attributable to the latter’s fault. For the protection of the participants & their entries, the organizers reserve the right to bar entry or cause the exclusion of any person/s & their respective entries, if any, from the contest area for the entire duration of the event for such causes as unruly conduct, vandalism, mischief, etc. The organizer likewise reserves the right to bar entry to any person/s & their respective entries if, in the discretion of the organizers, the same would be in the greater interest of the participants & the competition.
- All grievances and complaints regarding the judging results must be submitted in written form within 24 hours of awarding. A processing fee of PHP5,000.00 shall be paid to the organizing committee so the complaint may be investigated. Regardless of the result of the findings, the fee is non-refundable.
LIST OF CATEGORIES
- AIRCRAFT (FIXED WING & ROTARY) – Non fiction vehicles designed primarily to travel by air up until before outer space.
- 1/48 and larger
- Out of the box
- Modified/Scratchbuilt
- Smaller than 1/48 (1/72/144, etc.)
- Out of the box
- Modified/Scratchbuilt
- 1/48 and larger
- MILITARY VEHICLES – Non fiction military vehicles designed primarily to travel over land
- 1/35 and larger
- Out of the box
- Modified/Scratchbuilt
- Smaller than 1/35 (1/48, 1/56, 1/72, etc.)
- Out of the box
- Modified/Scratchbuilt
- 1/35 and larger
- SHIPS – Non fiction vehicles designed primarily to travel over water
- 1/350 and larger (open)
- Smaller than 1/350 (1/200,1/72, etc.) (open)
- AUTOMOBILES (CARS, TRUCKS & MOTORCYCLES) – Non fiction civilian vehicles designed primarily to travel over land
- 1/20 and smaller (1/24 1/32, etc.)
- Out of the box
- Modified/Scratchbuilt
- Larger than 1/20 (1/16 1/12, etc.)
- Out of the box
- Modified/Scratchbuilt
- Motorized (R/C’s, Mini 4wd, Slot cars, etc.) (open)
- 1/20 and smaller (1/24 1/32, etc.)
- FIGURES – Models representing humans, humanoid beings and any semi and/or fully biological creatures
- Non-fiction (open)
- Fiction (open)
- FICTION VEHICLES – Any fictional vehicle regardless of mode of travel
- Out of the box
- Modified/Scratchbuilt
- MECHA & A.I. – Mecha: Any piloted fictional robot mimicking humans(humanoid) or animals/creatures; A.I. (Artificial Intelligence): Any fictional robot with its own sentience/consciousness
- Out of the box
- Modified/Scratchbuilt
- ROCKETS & REAL SPACE – Non fiction vehicles designed primarily to travel from outer space and beyond.
- Out of the box
- Modified/Scratchbuilt
- DIORAMAS – A display of multiple models capturing a scenery and story
- Non-fiction (open)
- Fiction (open)
JUDGING OF ENTRIES
- The following criteria shall be used in the judging of entries:
a) AIRCRAFT (FIXED WING & ROTARY), ARMOR, SHIPS, ROCKETS/REAL SPACE:
For modified entries:
Assembly/construction 25% Paint & finishing (including paint scheme & markings accuracy) 25% Detailing & build accuracy 25% Presentation 25% For OOB entries:
Assembly/construction 40% Paint & finishing (including paint scheme & markings accuracy) 40% Presentation 20% b) AUTOMOBILES (CARS, TRUCKS, & MOTORCYCLES):
For modified entries:
Detailing 35% Assembly/construction 25% Paint & finishing 25% Presentation 15% For OOB entries:
Assembly/construction 40% Paint & finishing 40% Presentation 20% For motorized entries:
Assembly/construction 40% Paint & finishing 30% Presentation 20% Functionality 10% c) FIGURES:
For non-fiction entries:
Assembly/construction 25% Paint & finishing (including paint scheme & markings accuracy) 25% Build accuracy 25% Presentation 25% For fiction entries:
Assembly/construction 25% Paint & finishing 40% Presentation 35% d) FICTION VEHICLES, MECHA & A.I.:
For modified entries:
Assembly/construction 25% Paint & finishing 25% Creativity 25% Presentation 25% For OOB entries:
Assembly/construction 35% Paint & finishing 35% Presentation 30% e) DIORAMAS:
For non-fiction entries:
Layout, composition, & balance 25% Construction, detail, & painting 25% Authenticity 25% Presentation 25% For fiction entries:
Layout, composition, & balance 25% Construction, detail, & painting 25% Creativity 25% Presentation 25% - Definition of judging criteria terms:
Assembly/construction Build quality: alignment of parts, durable cemented/glued joints, seamline and mold line removal, sprue nub removal, all wheels touching the ground if not in a deliberate dynamic position, no glue marks, no sanding marks, scratches, and other obviously unintentional surface defects Paint & finishing Smooth paint application, no visible brush strokes & runs no decal silvering, no visible decal film, smooth airbrushed or hand brushed gradients for shading effects, no paint bleeding, well defined color separation For historical subjects. Color scheme including color brightness, hue, etc. and decals/markings must be historically accurate or at least plausible based on available references. No what-ifs unless there is a special what-if category Detailing Overall cleanliness and well-defined rendition of details both in construction and painting. Paint scheme & markings accuracy / Build accuracy / Presentation / Layout, composition, & balance For modified/scratchbuilt historical subjects. Model construction must be historically accurate or at least plausible based on available references. No what-ifs unless there is a special what-if category Overall visual impact. Pose/positioning, angles, details, treatment of shadows and highlights, weathering, cleanliness, composition. How much does your model stand out from the rest? For dioramas. Visual storytelling. There must be a theme or subject or event happening, and there must be a proper and easy to understand flow of the story. A few models just sitting on a base with nothing going on will be a week entry. Construction, detail, & painting For dioramas. Assembly/construction and painting as defined above will be evaluated. Authenticity For historical dioramas. Construction and painting must be historically accurate or at least plausible based on available references. Creativity For all fiction entries. Since fiction is limited only by your imagination, the uniqueness, believability, and execution of your concept must stand out. Functionality For motorized entries. Are all installed motorized/energized functions working properly? (movement, steering, lighting, audio/video) - Judging of categories shall be done by a panel of judges. The judges’ decision shall be final.
PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS
- Out-of-the-box (OOB) categories are subject to stricter construction rules, and with only a few restricted exemptions, must be built according to kit instruction specifications (contestants are required to bring instruction manuals). Only those kit modifications/upgrades exempted per category are allowed; all other modifications will disqualify the entry from OOB category & will instead be classified as a modified entry.
- Modified categories provide no limits as to the number of modifications/upgrades made to the entry, as long as the rule on 50% minimum plastic or resin content is followed. Contestants are not required to bring instruction manuals.
- Categories without distinction between OOB & modified entries shall be considered as open categories, & shall not be subjected to restrictions on modifications, as long as the rule on 50% minimum plastic or resin content is followed.
- For the Motorized subcategory under Automobiles, while classified as an open category, contestants will be required to provide instruction manuals and/or work in progress photos of the entry as proof that either an assembly kit was used or it was fully scratchbuilt. Using prebuilt/preassembled R/C/Mini4wd/Slot cars/etc. toys, regardless if unmodified, modified, and/or repainted are STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
GUIDELINES REGARDING BASES
- Any material that could support or hold a model could be used as a base (wood, metal, plastic, glass, mirror, cardboard, tile, plaster, resin, etc.). Kit supplied bases are also allowed.
- The model is the focus of the entry. To this end, the size restrictions are as follows:
- The length and width of the base should not be more than 2 inches from the tip of the longest section of the model on both sides (example: aircraft/helicopter-wingspan/rotor span or in case of short wings or folded rotors, the fuselage. Tanks – tip of the barrel, or in case of short barrel, the hull).
- For figure category entries, plinths exceeding the height of the figure are allowed.
- For other categories, the height of the base should not exceed the height of the model (excluding antennas) placed on it.
- Placing of items on any part of the base that are inherent or integral to the model depicted is allowed (cowlings, bombs, wheels, tires, tracks, panels, etc.)
- Figures are allowed.
- Single model simulated flight is allowed.
- Labels or plates which bear the designation, type, class, scale, manufacturer, etc. is allowed. Those that have the name of the owner or builder are not allowed.
- Inclusion of glass or acrylic case is preferred & encouraged.
- These rules apply to all categories except dioramas.
RULES PER CATEGORY
1. RULES COMMON TO ALL AIRCRAFT/ROCKETS/REAL SPACE MODEL ENTRIES:
- Only one (1) model per entry (excluding figures)
- Figures are allowed on the entry and may be considered under “presentation” during judging, but will not be a requirement.
- Aircraft must stand up on its own gear struts or mounted on a base/stand if in flight.
- A model or models that are carried by another model will be considered as one entry.
ADDITIONAL RULES FOR OUT-OF-THE-BOX ENTRIES:
-
- Kits must be built in accordance with the instructions. Absolutely no modifications other than those specified hereunder are allowed. Copies of the instruction sheet must be submitted for inspection during on-site registration/ingress. Only the following modifications shall be allowed:
- Drilling out gun barrels & exhaust tubes
- Simple tape or decal seatbelts without aftermarket/scratchcuilt buckles
- Addition of rigging & aerials
- Changing of markings/decals and color schemes (Does not include 3D printed decals of any kind. Those will be treated as modifications)
- Entries with modifications not falling within these exceptions shall be entered in the modified category.
- Kits must be built in accordance with the instructions. Absolutely no modifications other than those specified hereunder are allowed. Copies of the instruction sheet must be submitted for inspection during on-site registration/ingress. Only the following modifications shall be allowed:
2. RULES COMMON TO ALL MILITARY VEHICLE ENTRIES:
- Only one (1) model per entry (excluding figures)
- Figures are allowed on the entry and may be considered under “presentation” during judging, but will not be a requirement.
- A model or models that are carried by another model will be considered as one entry.
ADDITIONAL RULES FOR OUT-OF-THE-BOX ENTRIES:
-
- Kits must be built in accordance with the instructions. Absolutely no modifications other than those specified hereunder are allowed. Copies of the instruction sheet must be submitted for inspection during on-site registration/ingress. Only the following modifications shall be allowed:
- Drilling out gun barrels & exhaust tubes
- Addition of antennas
- Changing of markings/decals and color schemes
- Entries with modifications not falling within these exceptions shall be entered in the modified category.
- Kits must be built in accordance with the instructions. Absolutely no modifications other than those specified hereunder are allowed. Copies of the instruction sheet must be submitted for inspection during on-site registration/ingress. Only the following modifications shall be allowed:
3. RULES COMMON TO ALL SHIP MODEL ENTRIES:
- Only one (1) model per entry (excluding figures)
- Figures are allowed on the entry and may be considered under “presentation” during judging, but will not be a requirement.
- Both waterline and full hull presentation is allowed, so is a simulated water base or dry dock (Please refer to guidelines regarding bases for base limitations).
- A model or models that are carried by another model will be considered as one entry.
4. RULES COMMON TO AUTOMOBILES (CARS, TRUCKS, & MOTORCYCLES) ENTRIES:
- Only one (1) model per entry (excluding figures)
- Figures are allowed on the entry and may be considered under “presentation” during judging, but will not be a requirement.
- The model must be upright and fully supported by its wheels or any sort of stand/base.
- A model or models that are carried by another model will be considered as one entry.
- Motorized entries may not be judged for accuracy, but will be judged for functionality of all features and moving parts.
ADDITIONAL RULES FOR OUT-OF-THE-BOX ENTRIES:
-
- Kits must be built in accordance with the instructions. Absolutely no modifications other than those specified hereunder are allowed. Copies of the instruction sheet must be submitted for inspection during on-site registration/ingress. Only the following modifications shall be allowed:
- Drilling out exhaust pipes
- Changing of paint scheme, markings/decals, or use of bare metal foil or carbon fiber decals
- Entries with modifications not falling within these exceptions shall be entered in the modified category.
- Kits must be built in accordance with the instructions. Absolutely no modifications other than those specified hereunder are allowed. Copies of the instruction sheet must be submitted for inspection during on-site registration/ingress. Only the following modifications shall be allowed:
5. RULES COMMON TO ALL FIGURE ENTRIES:
- Only one (1) figure per entry is allowed. Multiple figures attached to a single, two-dimensional base and/or registered as a squad shall be considered & judged as individually separate entries.
- Figure bases must follow limitations as shown in the guidelines regarding bases.
- A model or models that are carried by another model will be considered as one entry.
6. RULES COMMON TO ALL FICTION VEHICLES, MECHA & A.I. ENTRIES:
- Only one (1) model per entry (excluding figures)
- A model shall qualify under the fiction category if it is based on a work of fiction (any print/written or audio and/or visual work), historical fiction works included.
- Figures are allowed on the entry and may be considered under “presentation” during judging, but will not be a requirement.
- A model or models that are carried by another model will be considered as one entry.
ADDITIONAL RULES FOR OUT-OF-THE-BOX ENTRIES:
-
- Kits must be built in accordance with the instructions. Absolutely no modifications other than those specified hereunder are allowed. Copies of the instruction sheet must be submitted for inspection during on-site registration/ingress. Only the following modifications shall be allowed:
- Drilling out gun barrels & exhaust tubes
- Addition of antennas
- Changing of markings/decals and color schemes
- Entries with modifications not falling within these exceptions shall be entered in the modified category.
- Kits must be built in accordance with the instructions. Absolutely no modifications other than those specified hereunder are allowed. Copies of the instruction sheet must be submitted for inspection during on-site registration/ingress. Only the following modifications shall be allowed:
7. RULES COMMON TO ALL DIORAMA ENTRIES:
- If an entry consists of two (2) or more models (excluding figures) on a single base, it will be considered as a diorama entry
- Lights, moving or motorized parts & other special effects may be turned on at any time by the participant; provided, that the organizers may require the participant concerned to turn off the special effects of unstable entries if the same will endanger other entries.
- Dioramas & vignettes depicting obscene or other unlawful or socially unacceptable themes may be excluded at the discretion of the organizers.
DOCUMENTATION
- Participants for open & modified categories are encouraged to submit, together with their forms, additional references or documentation of their work including photographs on no more than 3 sheets of A4 paper (or smaller). These can be displayed with the model in the contest area.
- The names of the modeler/s and/or owner/s should not appear on the documentation. Violation of this rule will result in the exclusion of the documentation concerned.
- Documentation will not be the sole basis for judging entries; entries will be judged on their own merits.
*FOR ANY CIRCUMSTANCES THAT DO NOT FALL SQUARELY WITHIN THESE RULES, THE SCREENING COMMITTEE SHALL DELIBERATE AND DECIDE ON THE MATTER ON SITE. THEIR DECISION IS FINAL.*
